Island states are angry and suffering over climate change, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, chairman of the Alliance of Small Island States, said on Friday as he ruled out the prospect of any "backslide" at Cop29.
It came as the summit, held in Azerbaijan's capital Baku, was processing a call that future UN climate talked needed an overhaul. “We are angry,” Mr Schuster, who is also Samoa's Environment Minister, told The National.
“We are here because we are angry. We're suffering … economically, culturally. Progress is slow but that doesn't stop us from trying to find a way forward.”
The call for a revamp of summits came in a letter to the UN from a group that included former UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon, former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres and prominent climate scientist Johan Rockstrom. It acknowledged the achievements of previous talks, but called for changes such as improving the selection process, turning Cops into smaller meetings and improving accountability.
Fears that Argentina could withdraw from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change process and that the US, under Donald Trump, could do the same were also hanging over the summit.
'Bottom line'
Mr Schuster said the discussion about who would withdraw or not simply emphasised the importance of multilateralism. “We need as many countries that can contribute to resolve the situation," he said. "We need as many hands as we can get for us to be able to adapt.
“We are not doing any emission damage but we're at the front line. We don't want a backslide and that's the bottom line for us.”
Evans Njewa, chairman of the Least Developed Countries group, told The National that pulling out of negotiations was not the answer. “The United Nations wants to combat climate change – let no one withdraw from the process. We should move together to address climate action.”
The comments came after a joint briefing at Cop29 by the two groups. The island alliance represents 39 states, while the LDC consists of 45 countries with a collective population of more than a billion. Among them are some of the countries most vulnerable to climate change.
The briefing heard that if the Cop process is diminished and decisions shift to other forums, such as the G20, then the voices of smaller nations could be obscured. “We're not a part of those discussions,” said Michai Robertson, a negotiator for the alliance, about meetings such as the G20 when asked about the call to overhaul the summits. “So it is extremely important for forums like the UNFCCC to continue to exist.”
Watch: Climate action fund head calls for more pledges at Cop29
Work to do
Cop29, meanwhile, has reached about the halfway stage as talks over finance – the main objective of the summit – continue. Countries remain far apart.
The alliance has called for more than a trillion dollars to help the world’s most vulnerable nations stave off the worst effects of climate change, from rising sea levels to extreme heat. Small island states contribute about 1 per cent of global warming emissions, yet feel the effects acutely.
A report from the World Bank released on Thursday outlined the scale of the challenge stating that adapting to a sea level rise of up to 0.5 metres could cost three Pacific atoll nations $10 billion – which equals about 20 years of gross domestic product.
The report said residents in Kiribati, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands live at an elevation of no more than three metres. What is more, a third of the population of Kiribati and Tuvalu could enter extreme poverty because of crises such as floods, while health systems could face pressure from illness related to surging heat.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also told the conference this week that island states had every right to be angry about the situation, a call Mr Schuster was responding to.
“I am too,” said Mr Guterres. “You are on the sharp end of a colossal injustice, an injustice that sees the very future of your islands threatened by rising seas.
"Your people pounded by record hurricanes, your economies torn apart. And development gains left in tatters. This is an injustice perpetrated by the few. The G20 account for around 80 per cent of global emissions. And it is an injustice that must end.”
Cop29 - in pictures
The biog
Name: Sari Al Zubaidi
Occupation: co-founder of Cafe di Rosati
Age: 42
Marital status: single
Favourite drink: drip coffee V60
Favourite destination: Bali, Indonesia
Favourite book: 100 Years of Solitude
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinFlx%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20January%202021%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amr%20Yussif%20(co-founder%20and%20CEO)%2C%20Mattieu%20Capelle%20(co-founder%20and%20CTO)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%20in%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%241.5m%20pre-seed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Venture%20capital%20-%20Y%20Combinator%2C%20500%20Global%2C%20Dubai%20Future%20District%20Fund%2C%20Fox%20Ventures%2C%20Vector%20Fintech.%20Also%20a%20number%20of%20angel%20investors%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Alaan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Parthi%20Duraisamy%20and%20Karun%20Kurien%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%247%20million%20raised%20in%20total%20%E2%80%94%20%242.5%20million%20in%20a%20seed%20round%20and%20%244.5%20million%20in%20a%20pre-series%20A%20round%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
Company profile
Name: Steppi
Founders: Joe Franklin and Milos Savic
Launched: February 2020
Size: 10,000 users by the end of July and a goal of 200,000 users by the end of the year
Employees: Five
Based: Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai
Financing stage: Two seed rounds – the first sourced from angel investors and the founders' personal savings
Second round raised Dh720,000 from silent investors in June this year
'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
