'We spend more on weapons than climate': Criticism over global inaction

International community raises alarm over growing threat to planet at Cop28

World leaders on day two of Cop28 in Dubai. Reuters

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed of the UAE at the opening ceremony of the World Climate Action Summit at Cop28. PA

King Charles III with King Abdullah II of Jordan during the opening ceremony of the World Climate Action Summit at Cop28. PA

From left, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, Cop28 President Dr Sultan Al Jaber and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrive for a group photo. AFP

World leaders walk down Al Wasl Avenue after a group photo on day one of Cop28 at Expo City Dubai. Getty Images

President Sheikh Mohamed and King Charles at the opening ceremony. PA

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, left, and French President Emmanuel Macron. AFP

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres at the opening ceremony. AP

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, left, and Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa. Getty Images

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni chatting to Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte before the leaders' group photo. AP

Michael Bloomberg, American businessman, politician, philanthropist, and author at Cop28. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Former UK prime minister and now Foreign Secretary David Cameron. Chris Whiteoak / The National

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the second day of Cop28 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Cop28, Expo City Dubai, day two. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A visitor from Ecuador at Expo City Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Reporters from all over the world broadcast from the second day of Cop28. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Expo City Dubai on day two of Cop28. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A visitor with the Bangladesh flag. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A visitor recording the moment at Cop28. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Live updates: Follow the latest news on Cop28

World leaders came together on the Cop28 stage on Friday, to issue an urgent plea for action in the climate change fight, as the alarm was raised over the stark consequences facing the planet.

They told of the crucial need to adjust priorities, fulfil promises, hit targets, and ensure no nation is left behind, with no time to waste to safeguard the environment for future generations.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva set the defiant tone on the second day of the crunch climate talks, saying governments were spending a fraction on climate compared to weapons.

“The planet is tired of climate agreements that were not fulfilled,” he said.

“How many leaders [are] committed to saving the planet, when only last year the world spent more than $2 trillion on weapons – amounts that could be invested to fight hunger and confront climate change issues.”

Mr da Silva even questioned how “many emissions were emitted by cruise missiles” flying over the heads of the world's poorest civilians.

He urged decision makers to stick to commitments on climate action, and to bring even greater ambition when Brazil hosts Cop30 “in the heart of the Amazon forest” in two years' time.

India eager to grasp Climate baton

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India said his country wanted to host the Cop climate conference in five years, as he set out a green agenda.

“A small section of humanity has indiscriminately exploited nature but the whole of humanity has paid the price, especially the global south,” he said.

“From this platform I propose India will host Cop33 in 2028. I hope that over the next 12 days the global stock-take review will show us the path to a secure and bright future.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he hopes his country can host the Cop conference in five years' time. AFP

He unveiled a “pro-planet” initiative centred on green credits.

“This is a mass campaign that goes beyond the commercial mindset associated with carbon credits. It focuses on creating carbon sinks through people’s participation.

“We do not have much time to correct the mistakes of the past century.”

Climate challenges 'magnify' toll of war

Jordan's King Abdullah II warned climate change will serve to exacerbate the impact of war, amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“As we speak, the Palestinian people are facing an immediate threat to their lives and well-being,” King Abdullah said.

“Climate threats magnify the devastation of war. Much more needs to be done.”

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said Cop28 was taking place against a backdrop of “grave political challenges that are no less dangerous than climate change.”

“Egypt is well aware of the importance of reinforcing collective work to address the challenge of climate change,” he said.

“It is important to underscore the principles of equity, just transition and collective but differentiated responsibility as precepts of multilateralism.

“We call on the international community to make more ambitious steps in Cop28 and refrain from unilateral acts that only serve self-interest.”

Facing harsh reality

Kenya's President William Ruto called for more climate support for Africa as the world faces up to the “defining challenge of our era”.

“The reality before us is irrefutable. we are hurtling on a trajectory to the dire scenario of a world that is warmer by 3°C,” he said.

“This crisis must never be seen as a distant threat.

“It is here, devastating nations regardless of their size and wealth.”

Droughts are now at least 100 times more likely than they were in the pre-industrial era, Mr Ruto added.

“All of us are already living in this dire reality,” he said.

“The situation in our Horn of Africa region and other developing countries lays bare the impact of climate change.

“Only 2 per cent of the $3 trillion invested in renewable energy has reached Africa. The consequences of this investment gap are starkly evident.”

Global emissions must peak by 2025

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, underlined the need to phase out fossil fuels and turn back the tide on global emission rises.

“This Cop is about ambition, it is about targets and it is about finance,” she said.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, reminded delegates at Cop28 of the need to turn the tide on fossil fuels. AFP

“Global emissions must peak by 2025. We must phase out fossil fuels and we must phase out methane emissions.”

She said EU emission levels had already peaked and pointed to new legislation aimed at greatly reducing methane emissions.

Charles Michel, President of the European Council, said no part of the world could avoid the consequences of climate change.

“No longer can any continent escape the tragedy of climate change,” he said.

“We need to maintain the goal of 1.5 °C and as soon as possible rid our dependence on fossil fuels.

“This summit is not just a conference. This summit is a review, a review of our conscience.

“The Earth belongs to all of us. It belongs to our children. This is not a publicity slogan, it is an existential reality.”