Why Climate Multilateralism is Essential for Our Survival: Insights from Muaviyath Mohmed

Climate Change Negotiations: A Call for Unity

In a recent address at the World Sustainable Development Summit, Maldives Minister of State for Tourism and Environment, Muaviyath Mohmed, highlighted the urgent need for cooperation in tackling climate change. He stressed that for countries like the Maldives, which face rising sea levels, multilateralism isn’t just a theoretical concept—it’s essential for survival.

Mohmed pointed out the stark reality: over 99% of the Maldives is submerged in ocean. A one-meter rise in sea levels by the end of this century would have devastating impacts on its economy and society. He urged nations that have historically contributed most to global emissions, particularly in the Global North, to take responsibility. Vulnerable nations should be granted access to climate finance to help them cope.

His remarks come at a challenging time for international climate efforts. Recently, the United States withdrew from 66 international organizations, significantly from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), raising concerns about global cooperation. Mohmed warned that without reform in current global institutions, revitalizing multilateralism would be difficult.

“We need to adapt our institutions to today’s challenges. The governance structures were made for a different world,” he said. He emphasized the importance of inclusive decision-making that represents developing countries more effectively.

Jochen Flasbarth, Germany’s State Secretary for the Environment, echoed these sentiments. He remarked that climate change is a worldwide issue and emphasized that no single nation can solve it alone. He criticized coercive tactics where one country influences the decisions of others, highlighting a past situation at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) where proposals for greener shipping were delayed due to external pressure.

Moreover, Sweden’s head of delegation at UNFCCC, Mattias Frumerie, noted the disappointing outcomes of recent climate conferences. He expressed the need to strengthen efforts across different platforms to invigorate climate action.

To add perspective, recent research from the Global Carbon Project revealed that global carbon dioxide emissions rose to a record high in 2022, stressing the urgency of collective action. Surveys indicate that a majority of people worldwide are concerned about climate change, with an increasing number advocating for stronger government action.

All these voices underscore a critical truth: unity is vital in the fight against climate change. The challenges we face are colossal, but through collaboration, we can still pave the way for a sustainable future for generations to come.

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Climate Change, Fragmentation, Unilateralism, Negotiations, Meeting Targets, Eroded Confidence, Global Warming, Maldives Minister of State, Tourism and Environment, Muaviyath Mohmed, World