A Closer Look at COP28 in Dubai

COP28 is the 28th annual United Nations (UN) climate meeting, where world leaders gather to discuss how to prepare for future climate change. It is being held in Dubai, UAE, from Nov 30 until Dec 12, 2023. Since COP27 last year, conflict has persisted, and the impacts of climate change continue to escalate. There has never been a more crucial time for climate action to support sustainable peace.

What is COP? 

COP, or Conference of the Parties, refers to the annual meetings conducted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). During these conferences, leaders and representatives from 198 countries gather to discuss and negotiate global efforts to combat climate change. 

The meetings focus on developing and evaluating policies and initiatives to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and adapt to the impacts of climate change. COP also promotes international cooperation on climate-related issues. Each conference is a number, such as COP27 and COP28, to indicate its sequence in the ongoing series. 

Each COP has a president. Dr. Sultan Al-Jaber for COP28 leads an expected 70,000 attendees, including heads of state, government officials, industry leaders, private sector representatives, educators, and youth representatives. 

COP28 Agenda

In a historic move within the UNFCCC, a peace-themed day is set for Dec 3. The UAE Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery, and Peace advocates for increased resilience funding for vulnerable communities, especially those in conflict zones. While we appreciate this timely declaration at Alert, we eagerly await a robust follow-up framework ensuring accountability and a lasting impact beyond COP29.

The agenda in Dubai extends beyond peace, featuring the adoption of the Global Stocktake (GST) results, a critical 5-year assessment under the Paris Agreement. This assessment is poised to guide nations towards more ambitious climate policies and funding objectives. 

Expectations include defining deadlines for fossil fuel phase-out and establishing a global target for renewables and energy efficiency. 

Developed nations must pledge sufficient and predictable funding on the climate finance front, adhering to the $100 billion annual commitment since 2009. Simultaneously, negotiations must be initiated for a new yearly climate finance target, surpassing the existing $100 billion pledge. 

Establishing the New Climate Quantified Goal (NCQG) by 2024 for the post-2025 period adds another dimension to the discussions and commitments ahead.

Why is holding COP28 in Dubai controversial?

The UAE is one of the world’s top 10 oil-producing countries. Hosting a climate summit in an oil state was already controversial. But the BBC’s leaked documents from COP28’s president unfold another contention. On Nov 27, the BBC reported that the said evidence alleges that Dr. Sultan Al-Jaber planned on using his role to pursue oil and gas deals with other countries. However, a COP28 spokesperson denied those allegations in an email to CBC News. 

So, can a summit in one of the world’s biggest oil-producing states deliver meaningful action on climate change? 

Environmental activist Greta Thunberg said these UN climate summits are all talk and no action. But as world leaders convene, the summits provide opportunities to formalize global agreements that go beyond national initiatives. Even if making progress is challenging for all nations, the COP process has driven universal climate action, according to the UN. 

Will COP28 make any difference? 

The significance of COP28 in addressing climate change remains to be determined. The conference’s effectiveness relies on participating nations’ collective commitment and actions. Despite concerns raised by hosting such a summit in an oil state, COPs serve as crucial platforms for global collaboration. The success will depend on whether tangible agreements are achieved to strengthen climate action and enhance international efforts towards sustainability.