“If we want to save lives now, and keep 1.5 within reach, the highest ambition COP outcomes must stay front and centre in these negotiations,” the UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell said at a media briefing at COP28 Climate Sumit, in Dubai, UAE, on Friday 8 December.

Stiell emphasised the scale of the climate crisis, and called for COP28 to be about solutions: acceleration, the highest ambition at COP, and a springboard for the crucial years ahead.

“COP28 must deliver a big switch, not just ‘what’ governments must do, but also ‘how’ to get the job done,” he said.


There are low, middle, and high ambition options on many issues.

Simon urged negotiators to start with the highest ambition outcome and for them to ask, “How do we get there?”

“This week I don’t want to see diversions and political tactics that hold climate ambition hostage.”

Bold climate action is a momentous opportunity for more jobs, healthier economic growth, less pollution, and better human health, he said.

"This is what billions of people in every country want, and bolder climate action is the chance for governments to deliver at COP28. Every country is hungry for the next source of stable economic growth. Billions of households are struggling to put bread on the table. So, bold climate action can be the meal-ticket of the 21^st century, this week in Dubai all countries must cooperate to put it in reach.”

This year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP28), will come to a conclusion tomorrow, 12 December.