The Cop28 climate conference, held in Dubai last year, surpassed expectations and was “hosted very well", Bill Gates said on Monday.
Speaking at the Islamic Development Bank meeting in Riyadh, he described the battle against climate change as the “great challenge to humanity” and noted that a lot of work is still to be done to meet the UN’s ambitious climate targets.
“I think that Cop meeting significantly exceeded my expectations,” he said.
“Not only was it hosted very well, but also the spirit that the businesses coming into it showed, as well as the philanthropists, was very impressive to me.
“What we saw was a mixing of small innovative companies who have new climate ideas.”
But the co-chairman of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was also quick to make clear that there is still a lot of hard work to do.
“Sadly, you know, we are not going to meet the most ambitious goals,” he continued.
“And so at the same time as we reduce emissions, which they call mitigation, we also have to continue to help out the poorest, not by diverting money away from the things we're doing.
“But, you know, think about health as even more important and, you know, where is climate going to make health more difficult?”
Cop28 saw delegates agree on what is now known as the UAE Consensus, a landmark deal to transition away from fossil fuels.
While critics argue it could have gone further, it was widely regarded as a historic breakthrough when the world came together to agree on climate goals at a time when conflict and division is wreaking havoc and misery in both Gaza and Ukraine.
Abu Dhabi traffic facts
Drivers in Abu Dhabi spend 10 per cent longer in congested conditions than they would on a free-flowing road
The highest volume of traffic on the roads is found between 7am and 8am on a Sunday.
Travelling before 7am on a Sunday could save up to four hours per year on a 30-minute commute.
The day was the least congestion in Abu Dhabi in 2019 was Tuesday, August 13.
The highest levels of traffic were found on Sunday, November 10.
Drivers in Abu Dhabi lost 41 hours spent in traffic jams in rush hour during 2019
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.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
Penguin Press
