Over 800 leaders unite for 1.5°C plan at COP28

As the UN climate conference in Dubai enters its second week, over 800 leaders have written a letter to COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber to support the delivery of a 1.5°C-aligned outcome.

Among the 800 signatories are over 300 CEOs, 30-plus financiers, more than 240 NGOs, over 70 scientists, as well as mayors, governors, investors, indigenous people, health professionals, young people, faith leaders, and athletes.

"The world and its people need the strongest possible outcome to keep 1.5 degrees within reach. But delivering on this historic task requires us to act like a team.

"The signals of transformation and opportunity across sectors and society are all around us. At the same time, the climate emergency is biting harder than ever. It’s up to us to seize this opportunity – because what is achieved here in Dubai must mark a legacy moment which determines the fate of our future generations," the letter said.

The signatories also outline certain points in order to "reach this positive tipping point":

• An orderly phase out of all fossil fuels in a just & equitable way, in line with a 1.5C trajectory – whilst ensuring the tripling of global renewable energy capacity by 2030 from 2022 levels and the doubling of energy efficiency.
• The enabling environment to scale up and shift public and private finance, with developed countries taking the lead in action and support; putting a price on carbon and tripling investments for renewable energy.
• The halt and reversal of deforestation and land degradation as well as biodiversity & other ecosystem loss by 2030; ensure resilient food systems and deliver a strong global goal on adaptation.