“It is high time to translate our words and promises into action.” Prime Minister Alexander De Croo stated this in his speech at the UN climate summit COP28 in Dubai. “It’s time to talk about solutions instead of problems. It’s time to talk about hope instead of fear,” he said. “To achieve our goals, we need everyone on board: governments, but also the population and the private sector.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged that this climate summit is the most important since the Paris one in 2015. “Even those who do not believe in science can no longer close their eyes,” he added. The consequences of climate change are clear. “It should motivate us to accelerate our efforts and put all our energy into realizing our commitments.”
340 billion euros
Yet, according to De Croo, there are many reasons to be hopeful. He referred to the record 340 billion euros invested globally in renewable energy this year and the 100 billion dollars in climate finance that has been mobilized. More and more people are also on board: “Young and old, with ideals and ideas, academics and entrepreneurs.” He draws hope from the “inventions and technologies, which sometimes offer very simple answers to the challenges”.
According to De Croo, the climate issue does not belong to “deniers or alarmists”, but to those who “seize every opportunity to contribute to the acceleration of the transition”.
Ecology and economy
“If we want to reduce global emissions by 43 percent by 2030, we need ecology and economy. They are too often pitted against each other, even though they reinforce each other,” the Prime Minister added. “We will not build a climate paradise on an industrial wasteland. We need clean technology, green chemistry, green steel production and green construction sites. The good news is that we are already building this future.” He referred to the wind turbines in the North Sea, the sustainable steel produced in Ghent and the latest technology used in Liège to modernize the hydrogen industry.
“An enabling environment is needed to accelerate progress worldwide. In Europe we must create the right incentives to support our economy in realizing this ambition.” He promised that this will be a priority for Belgium during its presidency of the EU.
However, Europe will not win the climate race alone. Partners will be needed, De Croo added. He pointed to Africa, which can rely on solar energy and “become the green engine of the world”.
“We will only get this under control if we work together, and if our citizens commit to a more prosperous, inclusive and healthier society. The main outcome of COP28 that I hope for is to create this dynamic of action and trust,” he concluded.
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