Digital assets used to raise funds for climate change at COP28
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The UN Climate Change conferences, known as COPs, are annual gatherings that bring together countries from around the world to address the challenges posed by climate change.
COP 28 is set to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, 2023. In a warning ahead of the conference, Jagan Chapagain, the Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), emphasized that climate change is the root cause of almost every humanitarian disaster we face.
IFRC leaders and experts will argue that a combination of mitigation (reducing emissions to limit temperature increases to 1.5 degrees), adaptation to a warmer world, and increased efforts to prevent and address losses and damages are necessary to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe. They will stress the need to prioritize adaptation in the countries, communities, and crises most affected by climate change, but receiving the least funding for adaptation. They will also highlight the effectiveness of grassroots initiatives that work at the community level.
For the first time, COP28 will explore ways to provide relief to those affected by formally adopting a damage fund to aid the nations most severely impacted by the climate crisis. Additionally, it is now possible to donate digital assets to the IFRC, with the British Red Cross accepting over 70 cryptocurrencies via email.
The impact of climate disasters extends to biodiversity as well. A recent in-depth analysis by Aplaceforanimals delves into the critical issue of species threatened by climate change. The findings are alarming, with 41% of amphibians on the brink of extinction and a staggering 42,100 vertebrate species (3% of all animal species) facing imminent extinction due to climate change.
The data highlights Indonesia as a nation with exceptional biodiversity, but also facing the threat of 1,233 species at risk. Australia and Mexico are also sounding the alarm, with threat rates of 12.5% and 13.9% respectively.
Aplaceforanimals evaluated each country based on species diversity, number of endangered species, and conservation efforts, assigning scores to provide an overall rating. The research heavily relied on data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), providing a meticulous perspective on wildlife conservation worldwide.
The climate and biodiversity of our planet are interconnected. Climate change puts immense pressure on food, agriculture, and especially ocean and water systems, which are crucial for our well-being. In my artwork for the Future of Power exhibition at COP28, I aim to draw attention to the fact that the ocean produces 50% of the oxygen we need, absorbs 25% of carbon dioxide emissions, and captures 90% of the excess heat generated by these emissions. It is vital that we protect and manage our oceans, wetlands, biodiversity hotspots, and natural carbon sinks.
With the majority of endangered species residing in the ocean, the COP28 Presidency, the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, the UN High-level Climate Champions, and the Marrakesh Partnership for Global Climate Action will focus on the ocean and present country commitments toward achieving 100% sustainable ocean management. Donations of over 70 leading cryptocurrencies can also be made to organizations such as the Oceanic Society, Ocean Defenders Alliance, Sea Shepard, Wildlife Conservancy Network, and Wildlife Conservation Society through The Giving Block.
The COP28 conference will not only address scientific and environmental issues but also recognize the importance of culture and art. UNESCO acknowledges natural and cultural heritage as invaluable resources for future generations, and climate change poses a threat to cultural heritage as well. The opening of COP28 on November 30 will feature Prototypes for Humanity, a comprehensive exhibition of academic innovations from 46 countries and 92 universities showcasing climate change solutions.
Furthermore, the government of the United Arab Emirates plans to launch a new Group of Friends of Culture-Based Climate Action at the UNFCCC during a High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Culture-Based Climate Action on December 8 at COP28 in Dubai. This informal coalition of UNFCCC member states aims to strengthen political momentum for supporting and advocating for culture and heritage-based climate action and protecting culture and heritage from climate impacts. The launch of this group is a positive step toward including culture and heritage in the global effort to tackle climate change.
Various museums, including the Smithsonian Institution, explore the impact of climate change on cultural heritage and the efforts of mitigation and adaptation. Through partnerships with The Giving Block, these museums enable quick and easy donations of over 70 leading cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrency donations to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations/charities are tax-deductible and can be made anonymously in the US.
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