Overview of COP28 and Global Climate Conversation
- As the 28th annual Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change approaches in Dubai, global discussions on climate change intensify.
- This conference serves as a pivotal platform for climate governance, fostering dialogue among nations, with a focus on equity, vulnerability, and urgent climate action.
Climate Events in 2023 and Global Cooperation Challenges
- The year 2023 has witnessed severe weather events, reinforcing the urgency of addressing climate change.
- Disagreements persist on fair and equitable approaches and financial responsibilities.
- Geopolitical tensions, especially between the U.S. and China, along with global conflicts, complicate the diplomatic landscape for enhanced cooperation.
Global Stocktake and Ambition Cycle
- The first Global Stocktake (GST), a key component of the Paris Agreement, tops the agenda.
- It evaluates collective progress in mitigation, adaptation, and support, revealing deviations from the Paris targets.
- Debates on responsibility, future benchmarks, and prescription of pledges emerge, shaping the next round of National Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2025.
Fossil Fuels and Contentious Issues
- Debates surrounding fossil fuels, specifically the call for a time-bound phase-down, highlight differing perspectives.
- India advocates a comprehensive approach covering all fossil fuels, while nuances in phrasing may impact its acceptance.
- The contentious issue is expected to garner attention and headlines at COP28.
Adaptation, Finance, and Loss and Damage Fund
- Adaptation, often neglected, takes center stage at COP28 with the proposed ‘Global Goal on Adaptation.’
- Disagreements over funding and the establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund, including issues of payment responsibility and fund management, pose challenges.
- Calls for doubling adaptation finance since the last COP intensify discussions.
Finance Discussions and Shifting Landscape
- The finance discussion has evolved from an unmet $100 billion annual pledge by developed countries to a comprehensive assessment of climate-related financial needs, potentially reaching trillions.
- Contentious issues persist on mobilization, the role of public versus private funds, and broader changes in the global financial environment.
Climate Change on the Geopolitical Agenda
- Climate change has ascended to the geopolitical high table, impacting countries’ interests in terms of climate impacts, energy politics, and competitiveness in emerging technologies.
COP28 will not resolve these complex issues, but it marks a crucial juncture in the ongoing global climate politics narrative.
Evolution of Maritime Security Challenges and Creative Models
Darwinian Adaptability in Maritime Security
- Charles Darwin’s concept of survival through adaptability is reflected in the evolving landscape of maritime security.
- The ability to adjust to new challenges proves essential, challenging the notion that strength or intelligence alone guarantees survival.
New Threats in the Maritime Domain
- Recent years have seen a shift in maritime security challenges, with unconventional threats gaining prominence.
- Examples include asymmetrical tactics in the Black Sea and the use of maritime militias in the South China Sea.
- Grey-zone warfare, land attack missiles, and combat drones add complexity to the security landscape.
Non-Traditional Threats and Global South’s Concerns
- The demand for maritime security is increasingly driven by non-traditional threats, such as illegal fishing, natural disasters, pollution, and trafficking.
- However, the Global South contends that the developed world ignores their concerns, especially in the face of zero-sum competition in the Indo-Pacific.
Challenges Faced by Littoral States
- Littoral states in Asia and Africa struggle with unequal law-enforcement capabilities, varying security priorities, and a lack of coordination.
- Rising sea levels, pollution, climate change, and natural disasters disproportionately impact less developed states, leaving them vulnerable.
Creative Approaches to Maritime Security
- Maritime security extends beyond military measures. India’s Maritime Vision 2030 and Dhaka’s Indo-Pacific document highlight creative models focused on economic development, livelihoods, and the protection of marine resources.
- The talk in Africa revolves around a thriving Blue Economy and a secure maritime domain.
Illegal Fishing and Environmental Anomalies
- Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing pose significant challenges, fueled by lenient regulations, lax law enforcement, and harmful subsidies.
- The impact of destructive fishing methods is a concern, demanding a shift towards sustainable practices.
India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative
- India’s initiative outlines seven pillars, including maritime ecology, marine resources, capacity building, disaster risk reduction, and maritime connectivity.
- Collective solutions are emphasized due to economic interdependence, gaining support from major Indo-Pacific states.
Challenges in Achieving Consensus
- Despite the need for a cooperative security architecture, implementing a collaborative strategy remains challenging.
- Littoral states prioritize sovereignty and strategic independence over collective action, leading to a lack of consensus in addressing maritime security challenges.
Conclusion, the maritime security landscape requires innovative thinking to address evolving threats, emphasizing collaboration and sustainable development for the benefit of all nations, particularly those in the Global South.
