COP28: Here's what world leaders said at crucial climate summit in Dubai

World leaders of nearly 200 nations addressed the COP28 summit in Dubai on Friday, December 1 and assessed the progress in their climate goals. The group of 198 countries who signed the the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, gathered in United Arab Emirates from 30 November-12 December 2023 to review ways to take the climate change and managing the impact of global climate crisis.

The climate summit came at a crucial time when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recorded the warmest September in 2023 globally in its extensive history. The temperature throughout 2023 world-wide was the highest ever recorded on Earth. The Conference of Parties (COP) leaders gathered in Dubai to commit the governments worldwide to act together to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations “at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic (human-induced) interference with the climate system.”

At the climate meet, the world leaders looked forward to reducing carbon emissions from fossil fuels as a critical step to keeping the 1.5°C target when the greenhouse gases are at an all time high. As the COP28 summit looked to engage a broader range of leaders to convert climate pledges into action, here are top quotes made by the leaders:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi via translator

"Friends, we do not have much time to correct the mistakes of the last century. Over the past century, a small section of humanity has indiscriminately exploited nature. However, entire humanity is paying the price for this, especially people living in the global south,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the COP28 meeting. "We must resolve that every country shall fulfil the climate targets it is setting for itself and the commitments it is making,” he added.

COP28 President, Dr Sultan Al Jaber

COP28 President, Dr Sultan Al Jaber said during his remarks, “What we need is a giant leap into the future, in a way that makes sense, and a way that addresses the problem and addresses the real world, through real and practical solutions”

Jordan’s King Abdullah

"This year's conference of the parties must recognize even more than ever that we cannot talk about climate change in isolation from the humanitarian tragedies unfolding around us,” Jordan’s King Abdullah said at the COP28 meeting. "As we work to catch up on the lost time and progress, we cannot forget the most vulnerable,” he added.

“Conflict ridden communities, refugees and developing countries must not be left alone to face a global problem. Nor can we stand by as the massive destruction of a relentless war in Gaza threatens more people and holds back progress towards a better global future. Current and future generations will hold us all accountable.”

Brazil’s President’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Brazil’s President’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at COP28 said that Brazil is “willing to lead as a role model.” He added, "No country will solve their problems alone. We are all obliged to act together beyond our borderlines.”

"The world is already convinced of the potential of renewable sources of energy. Now is the time to face the debate about the slow motion pace of the decarbonisation of the planet, and to work towards an economy that will be less reliant on fossil fuel,” Lula said. “We have to do it, and in a way that is urgent and fair,” he added.

UK’s King Charles III

British King Charles III at the COP28 Climate Summit said that he prays “with all my heart that COP28 will be another critical turning point towards transformational action at a time when, already, as scientists have been warning for so long, we are seeing alarming tipping points being reached."

"Unless we rapidly repair and restore nature’s economy, based on harmony and balance, which is our ultimate sustainer, our own economy and survivability will be imperilled,” he added.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at COP28 said, ”We cannot save a burning planet with a fire hose of fossil fuels.” He continued, “The 1.5-degree limit is only possible if we ultimately stop burning all fossil fuels. Not reduce. Not abate.” "I urge governments to help industry make the right choice – by regulating, legislating, putting a fair price on carbon, ending fossil fuel subsidies, and adopting a windfall tax on profits,” Guterres added.

It is not too late to stop the climate crisis.

We can still prevent planetary crash & burn.

But we need leadership – cooperation – and political will.

And we need it now.#COP28 pic.twitter.com/sQ7vQE0LEh

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres)

 UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment and COP28 Food Systems Lead

H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment and COP28 Food Systems Lead said at the COP28 meeting that “Today signals a turning point, embedding sustainable agriculture and food systems as critical components in both dealing with climate change and building food systems fit for the future.” She furthermore added, “together we will deliver lasting change for families, farmers and the future.”