Daily Current Affairs : 6-October-2023
The world’s 46 least developed countries (LDCs) recently made headlines by jointly issuing the Dakar Declaration on Climate Change 2023. This significant declaration outlines their expectations and priorities for the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. With a shared sense of urgency, these nations are emphasizing the need for immediate action in the face of the escalating climate crisis.
COP28 in Dubai: The Epicenter of Climate Discussions
The COP28, slated to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, provides a crucial platform for global leaders to discuss climate-related issues. Against this backdrop, the LDCs have raised their collective voice, underscoring several key points that demand immediate attention and action.
Dakar Declaration: Urgent Global Imperatives
In their Dakar Declaration, the LDCs have called for urgent global emissions reductions, increased climate finance, operationalization of the new Loss and Damage Fund, and a robust Global Stocktake to bridge gaps in global climate action. Their demands are rooted in the pressing need to address the challenges posed by climate change effectively.
Priorities Outlined: Addressing the Imbalance
- Urgent Emissions Reductions:
- Parties, especially major emitters, are urged to significantly cut down greenhouse gas emissions urgently.
- Strengthening the 2030 targets in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) is essential to align efforts with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
- Enhanced Climate Finance:
- Developed countries must provide a clear roadmap for doubling adaptation finance by 2025, ensuring it is public and grant-based.
- A New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance is imperative, providing substantial resources beyond the current $100 billion per year benchmark.
- Operationalizing UNFCCC Mechanisms:
- The centralised carbon market mechanism under the UNFCCC must be operationalized by 2024.
- Specific needs and special circumstances of LDCs should be recognized, emphasizing the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement’s capacity-building program.
LDCs’ Justified Unity: A Moral and Practical Standpoint
The LDCs, comprising over 14% of the global population, contribute merely 1% of emissions from fossil fuels and industrial processes. Despite their minor role in historical emissions, these nations bear the brunt of climate change impacts. They are forced to adapt beyond their capacities, putting them at the forefront of the climate crisis.
IPCC AR6 Findings: A Stark Reminder of the Crisis
The Dakar Declaration gains significance against the backdrop of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Synthesis Report for the Sixth Assessment Reports cycle (IPCC AR6). This report paints a dire picture, indicating that global greenhouse gas emissions are rising, pushing the world closer to the critical 1.5°C threshold.
Important Points:
- Dakar Declaration 2023: Key Points
- Urgent Emissions Reductions:
- Major emitters urged to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions promptly.
- Strengthening 2030 targets in NDCs to align efforts with the 1.5°C warming limit.
- Enhanced Climate Finance:
- Developed countries must provide a clear roadmap for doubling adaptation finance by 2025.
- A New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance is essential, surpassing the current $100 billion per year benchmark.
- Operationalizing UNFCCC Mechanisms:
- Centralised carbon market mechanism must be operationalized by 2024.
- Recognition of LDCs’ specific needs and special circumstances under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
- Urgent Emissions Reductions:
- LDCs’ Justified Unity:
- LDCs comprise 14% of the global population but contribute only 1% of emissions from fossil fuels and industrial processes.
- Despite minor historical emissions, LDCs bear the heaviest burden of climate change impacts and are at the forefront of the crisis.
- IPCC AR6 Findings:
- Global greenhouse gas emissions are rising, pushing the world closer to the critical 1.5°C threshold.
- The urgency of the Dakar Declaration is underscored by the alarming trends highlighted in the IPCC AR6 report.
Why In News
Ministers from the world’s 46 least developed countries (LDC) came together and issued a united Dakar Declaration on Climate Change 2023, outlining their expectations and priorities for the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Emphasizing the urgent need for global cooperation, the declaration highlights their unwavering commitment to addressing climate change and calls for collective action to safeguard the future of our planet.
MCQs about Dakar Declaration 2023
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What is the main focus of the Dakar Declaration 2023 issued by LDCs?
A. Economic Development Strategies
B. Urgent Global Climate Action
C. Humanitarian Aid Initiatives
D. Environmental Conservation Programs
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What is the primary reason behind LDCs’ unified stance in the Dakar Declaration?
A. High Historical Emissions
B. Significant Current Emissions
C. Forced Adaptation Beyond Capabilities
D. Economic Prosperity Goals
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According to the Dakar Declaration, what is the purpose of the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance?
A. Maintain Current Funding Levels
B. Reduce Funding for Climate Initiatives
C. Provide New and Additional Resources
D. Increase Funding for Non-Climate Initiatives
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What does the IPCC AR6 report highlight, underscoring the urgency of the Dakar Declaration?
A. Decrease in Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions
B. Stability in Global Climate Patterns
C. Rising Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Approaching 1.5°C Warming
D. Decrease in Global Temperature
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