What is COP28?
The 28th Conference of the Parties, or COP28, is a critical global gathering that brings together nations, policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders to address the pressing challenges of climate change. COP28 is scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 30th November 2023 to 12th December 2023.
This annual conference is organised by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), providing a platform for nations to discuss, negotiate, and collaborate on solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The two-week conference will cover several crucial climate topics, including energy transition, climate finance and agriculture.
The primary goal of COP28 is to advance the global response to climate change by fostering international cooperation, setting emission reduction targets, and refining strategies outlined in previous conferences. With a focus on implementing the Paris Agreement, COP28 aims to build on past commitments and accelerate efforts to limit global warming, enhance climate resilience, and promote sustainable development.
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Key Talking Points Running Up to COP28
Key talking points leading up to COP28 include concerns about the host country, the UAE, due to its high per capita emissions, significant reliance on oil production, and controversial image management efforts. The COP President, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, is the CEO of the state-owned oil company ADNOC.
The ‘High-Ambition Coalition,’ consisting of about 15 Parties like France, the Marshall Islands, Sweden, and the UK, is actively negotiating the phase-out of fossil fuels. This is notable as countries typically withhold their negotiating positions before conferences, and seldom do these positions possess the required ambition to tackle the climate crisis.
The Coalition’s capacity to uphold this commitment throughout the two weeks of negotiations remains uncertain.
More than 200 governments are invited to Dubai and heads of state or prime ministers from 167 countries have confirmed they are going. Pope Francis stands out on the list of attendees, making history as the first Pope to participate in a COP. President Biden will reportedly not attend, while UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and King Charles are confirmed participants, King Charles will give the opening address on December 1st.
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What to expect during COP28
The thematic program for COP28 aims to bring together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including various government levels, youth, business and investors, civil society, frontline communities and more. This collaboration is centred on specific solutions that need to be expanded in this decade to restrict temperature increases to 1.5 degrees, enhance resilience, and mobilise substantial finance.
One of the key expectations for COP28 is the elevation of national and international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Countries are anticipated to announce more ambitious targets aligned with the goal of limiting global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. The full thematic event schedule can be found here.
As the impacts of climate change become increasingly evident, COP28 is expected to emphasise the importance of adaptation and building resilience. Discussions will likely focus on supporting vulnerable nations, communities, and ecosystems in preparing for and mitigating the effects of a changing climate.
Financial commitments and technology transfer play a crucial role in enabling developing nations to transition to low-carbon economies. COP28 is expected to address these issues, with discussions on increasing financial support for climate initiatives and facilitating the transfer of sustainable technologies.
The interconnectedness of climate change and biodiversity loss is a growing concern. COP28 is likely to highlight the importance of preserving and restoring ecosystems, emphasising the role they play in climate regulation and sustainable development.
The involvement of youth and the general public in climate action has gained momentum in recent years. COP28 is expected to underscore the importance of inclusive engagement, acknowledging the role of grassroots movements, civil society, and youth-led initiatives in driving change.
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Achieving Net Zero & Beyond
The solutions form the response to the Global Stocktake, assessing the global status of climate action and support, pinpointing shortcomings, and fostering collective efforts to establish solution pathways for 2030 and beyond.
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Source: United Nations Climate Action
