World leaders are ready up for the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP28, set to happen in Dubai from November 28 to December 12, under the presidency of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This summit, which aims to address the issues of climate change.
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COP28 is the 28th annual United Nations climate meeting where leaders from around the world gather to discuss strategies and measures to limit and prepare for climate change.
The term ‘COP’ stands for ‘Conference of Parties,’ referring to the parties that signed the original UN climate agreement in 1992.
These conferences play a role in establishing governmental policies to mitigate global temperature rises and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
These conferences is underlined by past achievements, COP21, which led to the Paris Agreement. This agreement mobilized global collective action to limit the increase in global temperature to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100 and take measures to adapt to existing climate change effects.
While the UAE is hosting COP28, it has controversy due to its status as one of the top oil-producing nations globally.
The production and use of fossil fuels, including oil, contribute more to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases. The UAE, being one of the most climate vulnerable countries due to its hot and humid climate.
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The UAE has been taking steps to reduce emissions across various sectors of its economy. Initiatives include promoting organic and hydroponic agriculture, constructing the Etihad Rail, and waste reduction efforts.
The UAE has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and was the first country in the region to sign the Paris Agreement.
Reports suggest that COP28 will address the importance of collective action to combat climate change, with a specific focus on the role of finance in transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
The conference is expected to address the challenge of delivering financial support for climate action from wealthier nations to those with fewer resources.
Delegates from nearly 200 countries, totaling over 70,000 people are anticipated to attend COP28, making it the largest United Nations climate summit to date.
Leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Pope Francis have confirmed their attendance. However, US President Joe Biden will not be present.
COP28’s objective is a global stocktake to assess progress towards the goals set by the Paris Agreement. This includes limiting the global temperature increase to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to achieve a 1.5°C limit.
With current global actions falling short, COP28 aims to establish a robust plan to realign the world with its climate objectives.
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One of the challenges at COP28 is the discussion on the future of fossil fuels, particularly the disagreement on unabated fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.
While there are calls for a phase out, there are differing opinions on the timeline and extent of this transition.
The financing of climate action remains an issue, with developing nations requiring support to adapt to climate impacts and transition to clean energy.
The UAE’s role as the host of COP28 questions about conflicts of interest, given its status as an oil and gas producer.
The appointment of the chief executive of the state owned oil company, Sultan al-Jaber, as the president of COP28 has drawn scrutiny. Leaked documents suggest plans for the UAE to use its role to strike oil and gas deals.
As the world watches closely expectations are high for COP28 to deliver outcomes in the fight against climate change.
However, skepticism exists, with critics pointing to past COPs accused of greenwashing, promoting climate credentials without changes.
The urgency of addressing climate change is evident, with the window for keeping the 1.5°C limit narrowing, according to the UN.
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