Disclaimer: The opinions and perspectives expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views and opinions of the editorial team at crypto.news.
The UN Climate Change conferences, known as COPs, are annual gatherings where countries from around the world come together to address the challenges and requirements of climate change.
COP 28 is scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, 2023. Leading up to COP28, Jagan Chapagain, the Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), issued a stark warning, emphasizing that climate change is the root cause of almost every humanitarian crisis faced by the world.
IFRC leaders and experts will assert that preventing a humanitarian catastrophe necessitates a combination of mitigation efforts (such as reducing emissions to prevent temperature increases beyond 1.5 degrees), adaptation to a world that is inevitably warmer than the present, and accelerated actions to prevent, minimize, and address losses and damages. They will stress the importance of focusing on foundational issues in countries, communities, and crises most impacted by climate change, which currently receive inadequate adaptation funding. They will also argue that the most effective projects and initiatives are those that originate at the community level: grassroots initiatives that build from the ground up.
At COP28, delegates will explore ways to provide assistance to those affected by adopting a formal damage fund at the climate summit in Dubai. Additionally, it is possible to donate IFRC digital assets, with organizations like the British Red Cross accepting over 70 cryptocurrencies via email.
The repercussions of climate disasters on biodiversity are significant. A recent in-depth analysis by Aplaceforanimals delves into the critical issue of threatened species due to climate change. The findings reveal alarming statistics, with amphibians facing a particularly high risk, as 41% of them are on the brink of extinction. Among the 65,000 vertebrate species, a staggering 42,100 are under imminent threat of extinction due to climate change.
The study sheds light on Indonesia, a nation renowned for its biodiversity with 10,408 animal species, of which 1,233 are under threat. Australia and Mexico are also showing concerning threat rates at 12.5% and 13.9%, respectively.
Aplaceforanimals evaluated each country based on criteria like species diversity, number of endangered species, and conservation efforts, assigning scores to provide an overall rating. The research drew extensively from data provided by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), offering a detailed perspective on wildlife conservation efforts worldwide.
The connection between our climate and biodiversity is undeniable. Climate change poses severe risks to food security, agriculture, and crucially, ocean and water systems that sustain life. Through my participation in the Future of Power art exhibition at COP28, I aim to highlight the importance of protecting and managing our oceans, wetlands, biodiversity hotspots, and natural carbon sinks.
With most endangered species residing in the oceans, organizations like the COP28 Presidency, High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (The Ocean Panel), UN High-level Climate Champions, and Marrakesh Partnership for Global Climate Action will shine a spotlight on the ocean and present country commitments towards achieving the goal of 100% Sustainable Ocean Management.
Furthermore, The Oceanic Society, Ocean Defenders Alliance, Sea Shepard, Wildlife Conservancy Network, Wildlife Conservation Society, and others have joined forces with The Giving Block to facilitate quick and easy donations of over 70 leading cryptocurrencies.
Science, culture, and art will play integral roles at COP28. UNESCO recognizes the importance of natural, cultural, tangible, and intangible heritage as essential resources to educate future generations. Climate change also impacts cultural heritage significantly, affecting historical cities, ‘green’ heritage, and protected landscapes worldwide.
At the opening of COP28 on November 30, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bit Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Member of the Dubai Council Dubai Culture, hosted Prototypes for Humanity. This event showcased 100 selected projects from 46 countries and 92 universities, providing a glimpse into innovative climate change solutions.
The United Arab Emirates government intends to establish a new Group of Friends of Culture-Based Climate Action at the UNFCCC during a High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Culture-Based Climate Action on December 8th at COP28 in Dubai. This group will focus on enhancing political momentum for coordinated action to support culture and heritage-based climate initiatives and protect them from climate impacts.
Andrew Potts, Coordinator of Climate Heritage Network, Culture at COP28 Working Group Secretariat, emphasized how culture and heritage can drive green transformation. The Group of Friends aims to advocate for including a “Joint Work Decision on Culture and Climate Action” on the COP29 agenda, paving the way for a landmark work program that leverages the potential of culture in climate action.
Museums affiliated with the Climate Heritage Network, such as the Smithsonian Institution, are exploring the impacts of climate change on cultural heritage and efforts for mitigation and adaptation. These museums have partnered with The Giving Block to streamline the process of donating over 70 leading cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrency donations to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations are tax-deductible and can be made anonymously in the US.
In conclusion, the global community must come together to address the challenges posed by climate change and protect our planet’s biodiversity and cultural heritage for generations to come.