Full Speech: https://bit.ly/3Rp7u0h
Dubai, December 2, 2023
President J. Ramos-Horta urged wealthy nations to step up efforts to combat climate change in an impassioned speech at the COP28 climate summit.
Speaking to world leaders, Ramos-Horta praised the UAE’s $100 million pledge to a new loss and damage fund while underscoring the “severe impacts” Timor-Leste already faces from climate-fueled floods, droughts and landslides.
“Failure to act now to curtail emissions will unleash extreme events amplifying losses and damages many times over,” he warned.
The Nobel laureate demanded developed countries drastically cut emissions and boost finance for poor nations’ adaptation and mitigation. “Can we try to be a little honest and recognize economic recovery while saddled with massive debts is an impossibility?” he asked.
However, Ramos-Horta pointed to Timor-Leste’s own efforts, including goals to achieve a low-carbon economy, protect marine biodiversity and reforest degraded lands with help from local NGOs.
“We will do much more if we receive adequate support free of stifling bureaucracy,” he concluded.
The impassioned speech drew praise from activists and some delegations in Dubai hoping for substantial climate progress at the two-week summit.
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