Sharm El-Sheikh, 18 November 2022 (TDI): COP27 Solutions Day kicked off yesterday with High-level opening statements. These were on the relationship between creative ideas and international efforts to strengthen climate action.

Launched on Solutions Day were some significant projects. These concerned low-carbon transport, greening national budget, environmentally friendly urban planning, and the global methane pledge.

In the opening session, COP27 President Sameh Shoukry urged all parties to utilize the opportunities provided in the development of sustainable cities.

Moreover, he stressed the creation of eco-friendly transportation options. In addition, he highlighted the establishment of waste management systems to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.

He continued by saying that Egypt has developed steps to support climate solutions and make sure that everyone meets their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These are going to cut emissions and achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

The Egyptian Ministry of Environment said, “the events of the “Working Together for Implementation: Solutions Day” shows the efforts of world countries towards mitigation and adaptation.”

Germany is raising money for the climate, according to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. They are also asking on rich nations to pay their fair share of losses and damages.

“Climate fund is not charity. It is about responsibility,” Baerbock said on Solutions Day. According to Pakistan’s Climate Minister Sherry Rehman, at this year’s UN climate conference, poor nations will continue to push for an agreement on the topic of “loss and damage”.

Moreover, according to the Climate Ambassador for the Marshall Islands, Small island countries do not want the COP27 meeting to end without a deal on loss and damage payments.

Additionally, a declaration of intent was issued by Israel and Jordan to preserve and safeguard their shared Jordan River at COP27 Solutions Day.

Initiatives

On this day, the Egyptian Sustainable Cities Initiative was launched. The project aims to strengthen the role of cities in preventing climate change through sustainable development.

Also, the Friends of Greening National Investment Plans for Africa and Developing Countries Initiative was launched. By 2030, this will increase the proportion of green projects.

Furthermore, it was also stated that the Low Carbon Transport for Urban Sustainability (LCO2TUS) initiative has been launched. Over the next ten months, this programme seeks to support fair and adaptable green transportation systems.

To solve the challenge of waste management in Africa, the Global Waste Initiative was also launched. Additionally, it will promote increased investments in creating ecological systems.

In this regard, António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, urged world leaders to find a solution. “We are at crunch time in the negotiations. COP27 is scheduled to close in 24 hours – and the Parties remain divided on several significant issues” he underscored.