Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), emphasized the significance of the upcoming 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) as a crucial juncture for enhancing international commitments to combat climate change. Speaking to Emirates News Agency (WAM) during IRENA’s 28th Council meeting in Abu Dhabi, La Camera highlighted that COP29 will serve as the last chance for member states to collaborate and achieve meaningful outcomes.
La Camera expressed pride in the ‘UAE Consensus’ established during COP28, which outlines a clear pathway to reaching net-zero emissions by mid-century. He noted IRENA’s role, appointed by the COP28 Presidency as a co-custodian, in monitoring the progress of the ‘UAE Consensus,’ which aims to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030.
The IRENA Director-General stressed the urgent need for an investment of US$31.5 trillion in renewable energy, grid enhancements, resilience measures, and energy efficiency by 2030. He called for a threefold increase in average annual investments in renewable energy capacity compared to 2023 levels.
La Camera urged nations to use COP29 as a platform to unify efforts in increasing climate finance, raising ambitions, and advancing the global energy transition under clear targets. He also confirmed that IRENA has begun collaborations with Brazil, the host of COP30, to build upon the achievements of COP29 and ensure that it becomes another milestone in the global effort to achieve net-zero emissions and tackle the urgent challenges of climate change.
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