European Union Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra has said commended the government of Kenya for its robust plan around climate action.
Speaking to The Star, Hoekstra said Kenya and the EU have similar objectives in tackling climate change, adding the two institutions are thinking quite alike in multilateral issues
"Kenya has played a tremendous leadership role. This is amplified even more by the great work the President is doing, I see how active the government is working towards making the COP28 into a success," he said.
The commissioner added that his visit is to make sure there is success in the COP28 as there are policies pushed forward in terms of emissions, mitigations, renewable energy targets, and energy efficiency targets.
"There is the financial bit of these policies that we are pushing and to meet the target of reducing the fossil fuel emission, especially coal. We need to make sure that we show solidarity to the whole world," he said.
In engaging the local community and stakeholders in Kenya to ensure their needs are considered, the commissioner noted that it requires partnerships within policy markers to ensure everyone is considered.
"My view is you cannot have one without the other, it is not a pick-an-choose menu, people at the grassroots level are affected, it's a partnership as people have different areas in climate action that they are working on," he said.
"We need all the components of our society, to work towards climate action."
Hoekstra added that to tackle climate change better, nations have to make sure they are guided by science and facts.
"To keep 1.5°C within reach, global greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2025 at the latest, that is two years from now. By 2030, global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced 43% less than 2019 levels," he added.
"Climate change is a truly global crisis."
The commissioner said that the COP28 will focus on ensuring that there is a lasting effect and that building a fundamental partnership in economic, and security terms.
The Climate Change conference will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 30 to December 12.
