SUMMARY of the Article “From Conflict to Cooperation” by Aisha Khan, Dawn, October 23rd, 2024

As the world prepares for COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the focus will be on enhancing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and establishing the New Collective Quantified Goal to tackle climate change. COP29, termed the “COP of action and ambition,” is expected to align enhanced NDCs with the Global Stocktake (GST) outcomes from COP28. A significant shift is needed from fossil fuels to renewable energy, with member states urged to transition in an equitable and orderly manner. Countries are required to triple global energy capacity and improve energy efficiency by 2030. Eliminating inefficient fossil fuel subsidies is also crucial. However, the challenges remain immense, as 90% of global emissions come from fossil fuels, and governments plan to produce far more fossil fuels than the climate goals allow. By 2050, planned fossil fuel production will be 150% to 350% above safe levels. The COP Troika holds a critical role in ensuring transparency, credibility, and robust monitoring to achieve net zero by 2040 for developed countries and by 2050 for developing ones. It is essential to integrate voluntary climate pledges like the Global Methane Pledge and Forest Declaration into NDCs and ensure alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The key to COP29’s success will be accurately tracking and avoiding double-counting in climate commitments. At the same time, the world faces dire crises: food insecurity is rising, especially in Pakistan where it may affect 60% of the population by 2050. Water demand is exceeding supply globally, and Pakistan’s water scarcity is severe, with per capita » Read More…