COP16 in Riyadh ended without a binding agreement on global drought, underscoring tensions between developing and developed nations. African delegates sought formal protocols, while developed countries preferred a less binding framework. The talks highlighted the urgent need for international measures as droughts threaten substantial populations and economies globally.
The recent UN-hosted talks in Saudi Arabia aimed at addressing global drought concluded without a binding agreement among the 196 participating nations, including the European Union. This 12-day meeting, COP16, highlighted the ongoing difficulties in establishing a clear international framework to combat droughts, which are exacerbated by environmental degradation and are projected to affect a majority of the global population by 2050. While substantial discussions occurred, it was revealed that a future global drought regime would be sought at the next summit, COP17, scheduled for 2026 in Mongolia.
Key participants expressed disappointment, particularly from African nations that anticipated a formal protocol to hold governments accountable for drought preparedness. Delegates indicated a strong collective stance among African representatives, contrasting with the reluctance of developed countries to adopt binding commitments. This tension reflects broader divisions between the Global South and North regarding climate action.
Amidst these discussions, the Saudi government emphasized its initiatives to combat desertification within its borders, revealing a dual role as host and a global oil producer facing scrutiny over climate policies. Furthermore, the UN had previously issued a report estimating the annual cost of droughts to exceed $300 billion globally, urging substantial restoration investments and international cooperation.
Moving forward, the UNCCD Executive Secretary noted that adequate time is necessary for parties to agree on effective strategies.
The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of ongoing efforts to develop a robust international framework addressing desertification and drought. Recent climate discussions at other global forums, where agreements have frequently faltered, have amplified the urgency for nations, especially those in vulnerable regions, to establish stronger commitments and actions. With projections indicating that droughts could severely impact 75% of the global population by 2050, the need for actionable protocols has never been more pressing, particularly for developing nations acutely affected by these climatic changes.
In summary, the failure of COP16 to produce a substantive drought agreement underscores ongoing challenges within international climate negotiations, particularly regarding accountability and cooperation between developed and developing nations. As anticipated, the discussions set the groundwork for potential agreements to be revisited at COP17 in Mongolia. These negotiations reaffirm the necessity for unified action against drought, particularly as the global community grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
