Indigenous people in some of the countries most affected by climate change are sharing true horror stories about how global warming is impacting some of the most remote areas on the planet, as they spoke to Al Arabiya English on the sidelines of COP28.
Climate Impacts on Small Islands Threatened by Sinking
The islands of Vanuatu in the South Pacific have faced strong tropical storms over the past year, with John Rubin’s one-year-old daughter experiencing four tropical cyclones in the first 12 months of her life. These extreme weather events have completely destroyed their home.
Rubin, who works in research, science, and development, said that tropical cyclones have become more severe over the past decade. He added, “We have faced three severe tropical cyclones in just eight months this year, confirming that our current climatic conditions are entirely different from what they were in the past.”
Rubin pointed out that the compounding problem is when cyclones occur in a very short period, leaving local residents with no chance to rebuild and recover.
Threat to Small Islands Due to Rising Sea Levels
Small islands are confronting a range of disasters, including rising sea levels, cyclones, drought, and coral reef erosion, exacerbated by the climate crisis, threatening the existence of entire island nations like Vanuatu. Vanuatu hopes that the much-needed loss and damage fund will bring some financial relief to the poorest and most vulnerable countries in the world, which was announced this year on the first day of COP28, where the United Arab Emirates pledged $100 million.
Rubin stated, “Cyclones and rising sea levels… the impacts are significant, even enormous. Thus, recovery is more difficult compared to the past.” He added, “Extreme climatic events affect communities differently.”
Rubin expressed his desire for COP28 to pave the way for financial relief and assistance for scientists and experts in the small island to establish a specialized research center on how climate change specifically impacts Vanuatu. He said, “If we could conduct our own research, it would really help in addressing real issues in our scientific reports to inform decision-makers about them,” and he added, “Financial aid could also go towards building equipped evacuation centers in the event of cyclones.”
Currently, Rubin is focused on ensuring a safe world for his infant daughter, from whom he was separated during a cyclone earlier this year. Rubin said he lost contact with her for eight hours and stated, “I didn’t even know if she was alive.”
Climate Change Increases Gender Inequality
Emirati researcher in environment and wildlife Razan Al Mubarak affirmed how the impacts of climate change are not gender-neutral and how it exacerbates gender inequality, stating, “It poses a serious threat to the livelihoods, health, and well-being of women.”
Al Mubarak highlighted the importance of financing climate change responses, which is one of the cornerstones of the COP28 agenda in the UAE. She said, “To take action, we need funding. And funding must flow to those facing the challenges on the front lines.”
Al Arabiya English spoke with a diverse group of indigenous environmental activists who expressed concern over the funds allocated not reaching designated individuals and organizations.
When the Emirati official was asked about the discrepancy in allocated funding, Al Mubarak said, “First and foremost, we must recognize and acknowledge that it does not reach them… we are working together to understand what the obstacles are. And thirdly, we ensure that indigenous peoples are at the table to design financial mechanisms to ensure that financial flows reach them.”
The presidency of COP28 announced on Monday a new commitment titled “COP28 Partnership for Just Transition, Gender-Responsive Action, and Climate Action” that will work on implementing data, funding, and equal opportunities, with a review of implementation during COP31.
And until
Now, 68 countries out of over 196 have signed the commitment.
Al-Mubarak said, “Within 24 hours, if you can get more than 60 countries, the mentality is there because of this recognition and the increasing acknowledgment that you cannot achieve a just energy transition without including women and those who stand on the front lines.”
Al-Mubarak also stated that she expects all parties to join and sign the commitment. “We aim to reach for the stars.”
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