The world is gearing up for a game-changing event that brings together global leaders to discuss climate change. The unique aspect of this summit is that it will be conducted entirely online, making it a carbon-neutral initiative. This first-of-its-kind approach stands in stark contrast to the United Nations’ COP21 climate talks held in Paris in 2015, which produced approximately 43,000 tons of carbon dioxide – a substantial part of which was later offset via carbon credit schemes.
The Inception of the Virtual Climate Summit
This revolutionary summit is the brainchild of the President of the Marshall Islands, a nation deeply affected by the adverse effects of climate change. This Virtual Climate Summit will witness participation from numerous important personalities such as French President Emmanuel Macron and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The proceedings of the summit will be broadcasted via a 24-hour livestream, starting from Majuro, the capital of Marshall Islands. Following keynote addresses from various leaders and panel discussions, the summit aims to conclude with a significant declaration.
Objectives of the Virtual Summit
The primary goal of this virtual conference is to persuade the international community to cap global warming at 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. An additional aim is to reduce carbon emissions globally as air travel contributes approximately 2.5% of the world’s carbon emissions.
The implementation of an online platform allows the pressure on nations with limited resources to be alleviated. Additionally, the virtual nature of the summit eliminates barriers such as costly plane tickets and conference passes, enabling more inclusive participation, especially from those most affected by climate change.
About the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF)
The Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) is an international collaboration of countries highly susceptible to global warming. Established with a focus on South-South cooperation, the forum allows member governments to collectively address climate change.
| CVF Initiatives | Description |
|---|---|
| The Vulnerable Twenty (V20) | Founded on 08 October 2015 at Lima, Peru, the V20 is a group of Finance Ministers from the CVF aiming to promote the mobilisation of climate finance. |
| Survive Thrive #1.5C | This initiative encourages actions to limit global warming to below 1.5°C and urges public involvement. |
Impact of Climate Change
This historic summit marks the first time leaders from the CVF will come together, providing a platform for those directly affected by climate change to voice their concerns. It is crucial to note that a UN report has recently warned that the threshold of 1.5°C could be reached as early as 2030 unless there is an unprecedented global effort to rein in emissions.
