6 leaders on what COP28 must achieve

The impacts of climate change are already being felt worldwide, from devastating wildfires to extreme weather events.

As Ishmael Sunga, CEO of the Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions, emphasizes, "climate adaptation is not a political issue anymore; it's about everyone looking at the environment around them." COP28 presents a critical opportunity to address this urgent crisis.

Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Special Advisor to the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, highlights the vital role of climate finance: "On my mind is climate finance, how do we break down barriers to enable it to flow to emerging and developing markets?" Secure funding, including the newly launched "damage fund," is essential for supporting vulnerable nations and enacting meaningful change.

While farmers are often seen as the frontline of climate change, Ishmael Sunga emphasizes the need for a broader, systemic approach: "Everyone is in complicity... We were growing crops in the way we were doing because we're being pulled by the system." A chain-based approach, where all stakeholders contribute, is crucial for effective climate action.

Florian Hoffmann, Founder of The DO, highlights the importance of individual action: "Climate change is one of the pillars that requires all of us to act... So we're really interested in how do you nudge behaviour changes." Initiatives like Count Us In, which gamifies sustainable practices, can empower individuals to make a difference.

Karen Pflug, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ingka Group, emphasizes the business benefits of sustainability: "We find more and more that being sustainable is not just the right thing to do, it actually makes good business sense." Integrating sustainability into business practices can be both ethical and profitable, driving positive change.

Badr Jafar, Special Representative for Business and Philanthropy at COP28, emphasizes the need for global cooperation: "What is critical... is that we do not see the climate agenda and the human development agenda as a zero-sum game." Addressing climate change requires a holistic approach that integrates both environmental and human development goals.

COP28 presents a crucial turning point in our fight against climate change. By securing funding, adopting systemic solutions, empowering individuals, and aligning business with sustainability goals, we can build a more sustainable future for all. Let's use this opportunity to act with urgency and build a world where climate action is not just a hope but a reality.