AOSIS Rejects Global Stocktake Text
In a pivotal moment at COP28, the Alliance of Small Islands Developing States (AOSIS) is taking a strong stance against the Global Stocktake (GST) text, considering it a threat to their very existence. AOSIS Chair, Minister Cedric Schuster, criticized the text for its optional stance on fossil fuel action and lack of commitment to a “phase-out” strategy. The dissatisfaction extends beyond AOSIS, with Germany and the Marshall Islands expressing disappointment. As tensions escalate at COP28, the evolving GST text underscores the urgent need for global cooperation in addressing climate change. News Five’s Hipolito Novelo has the latest from COP28 in Dubai.
Hipolito Novelo, Reporting
The Alliance of Small Islands Developing States, AOSIS, reacting to the latest Global Stocktake text saying it will not sign its death certificate. In a press statement, Chair of AOSIS, Minister Cedric Schuster of Samoa, expressed concerns that the process at this time is not in the spirit of multilateralism. He said that as SIDS, their voices are not being heard, as it appears that several other Parties have enjoyed preferential treatment, compromising the transparency and inclusivity of the process.
Cedric Schuster
Cedric Schuster, AOSIS Chair
“It presents a menu of options that states that ‘could take’. ‘Could’ is unacceptable. How can you not understand– it is our very survival that is at stake? This is why in every room, our negotiators have been pushing tirelessly for decisions that align with staying under 1.5 degrees of warming. That is why if Parties continue to oppose the phase out of fossil fuels and fossil fuel subsidies, they must stop and question their own commitment to this process.”
The response to the latest draft text on the Cop28 Global Stocktake has predominantly been unfavorable. The draft, which presents action on fossil fuels as an option rather than a mandatory measure and uses the term “reduction” instead of “phase-out,” has generated widespread criticism. The perspectives of the two largest emitters, China and the United States, are yet to be disclosed. However, indications suggest mounting pressure from other parties for the formulation of a revised draft.
Cedric Schuster
“As big emitters continue to serve an antiquated industry which is responsible for over 90% of current CO2 emissions – and rising – AOSIS will be here. We will never stop fighting for a future where our people cannot just survive but thrive. Because as a result of the actions of big emitters, we have no choice. And we remind you yet again – our small island developing states are on the frontlines of this climate crisis, but if you continue prioritizing profit over people, you are putting your own future on the line. We call on our allies to support our call and stand with us to keep 1.5 alive.”
Least Developed Countries say ““We cannot accept latest GST text.” Germany said stated that for the EU, the text is insufficient and disappointing, missing the tools to keep 1.5C within reach. The Marshall Islands says it will not sign its death warrant. Belize’s Minister of Sustainable Development and Climate Change, Orlando Habet, speaking to News Five.
Orlando Habet
Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development and Climate Change
“We have not made much progress in terms of reaching that goal for their 1.5 degrees. Short of that indications are that we are already at 1. 2. And if things remain the same, and it seems as if some of those countries are as you see with the negotiations, they don’t even want to mention the issue of fossil fuel reduction. They’re sticking to this word behind it saying fossil fuel reduction, but they’re adding in the abatement side to it. We understand that for an individual country who’s producing petroleum, it may be a problem, but they have been asking for a transitional period for a long time. There has to be more technology to make sure that the whatever they produce has less emissions, but also that they have to understand that this is increasing the temperature and we will not be able to reach the goal that is, that has been set. Secondly, and very important, is that there are some countries of this, especially some of the developed countries are saying if we increase mitigation, let’s say 30%. And reduce the emissions by 30 percent that there should be less need for adaptation from it very wrong, very wrong way of thinking because it will take years and years before the effect of climate change, ameliorates to where it doesn’t have an effect.”
Reporting from COP28 in Dubai, Hipolito Novelo News 5.
