Andrzej Duda: Combining efforts around Rio Conventions crucial for solving climate issues

Global unity is needed in tackling the numerous threats facing the world today, Poland's President Andrzej Duda said during COP29.

He called for combining efforts around all three Rio Conventions - on climate, biodiversity, and desertification - to effectively address these challenges, according to Report.

President Duda, who is attending his last climate conference as the head of state, expressed his satisfaction with Poland's contributions to the global climate agenda. In 2016, he personally ratified the Paris Agreement, and in 2018, Poland hosted the landmark COP24 in Katowice.

The Katowice conference was a pivotal event in many respects, Duda stated, adding that it was there that they adopted the Katowice Rulebook, a guide for implementing the principles of the Paris Agreement.

The idea of the Declaration on Solidarity and Just Transition was also born in Katowice, which now serves as a beacon for energy and economic transformation worldwide, Duda said.

Duda also highlighted Poland's commitment to preserving its forests, which provide habitats for diverse species of plants, animals, and fungi. He stressed that maintaining biodiversity is a prerequisite for the existence of life on Earth.

In his concluding remarks, the Polish President drew attention to the detrimental impact of ongoing wars on environmental efforts.

"The Russian aggression against Ukraine has shown us that armed conflicts lead to severe environmental damage and pollution, harming people, the environment, and the climate," he said, underlining the need for peace in achieving sustainable development goals.