Saudi-Hosted UN Talks Conclude Without Drought Agreement, Future Plans Set for COP17
The UN talks in Riyadh failed to produce a drought management agreement, highlighting divisions between developed and developing nations. Discussions are set to continue leading up to COP17 in 2026, with calls for binding commitments from nations to address the global drought crisis, which currently impacts millions and costs over $300 billion annually.
The recently concluded United Nations Conference to Combat Desertification (COP16), held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has ended without achieving a consensus on a global framework to tackle drought. While significant discussions took place among representatives of 196 nations and the European Union, parties will require additional time to finalize strategies. The focus has now shifted towards COP17, scheduled for 2026 in Mongolia, where a comprehensive drought management plan aims to be established. Droughts, exacerbated by human environmental degradation, pose severe economic challenges, costing over $300 billion annually and affecting a projected 75 percent of the global population by 2050.
During COP16, developing nations expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of a binding protocol to ensure accountability among governments. Despite a united front from African countries advocating for stronger drought preparation and response measures, developed nations resisted such commitments in favor of more flexible frameworks. Indigenous groups echoed these desires for binding agreements to enforce responsible environmental management. Saudi Arabia, hosting the talks and under scrutiny for its fossil fuel consumption, asserted its commitment to combating desertification through various initiatives.
The UNCCD highlighted that substantial investments and land restoration efforts are required to mitigate future drought impacts.
The increasing frequency and severity of droughts worldwide underscore the urgent necessity for coordinated global action. The negative impacts of droughts extend beyond environmental concerns, leading to significant economic losses and threatening global food security. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) plays a crucial role in fostering international collaboration to address these pressing challenges. The divergence in priorities between developed nations and the Global South continues to complicate the establishment of a unified and effective response to the global drought crisis.
In summary, the lack of a formal agreement at COP16 exposes the ongoing challenges facing international climate negotiations, particularly concerning drought management. As countries prepare for COP17 in Mongolia, there is hope that a more binding and effective framework can be established to hold nations accountable in addressing drought-prone issues comprehensively. The economic implications and the anticipated rise in the population affected by droughts necessitate an urgent and collaborative response from the international community.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
