COP28 – the time for global climate action has never been more urgent

COP28 is currently taking place in Dubai (30th November to 12th December 2023). With the world experiencing unprecedented climate impacts: floods, droughts, wild fires, food shortages and increased food costs, the timing of the latest COP meeting comes at a most crucial time for international climate action.

The UN’s intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC) 2023 progress report has demonstrated the lack of progress and commitment by most member states to make any appreciable move towards the Paris Agreement goals of keeping global temperature rise to no more than 1.5^oC to 2^oC. COP28 presents a pivotal and final opportunity for all member states to take unprecedented and bold actions to tackle the current crisis.

What is COP?

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the UN's annual climate change conference, bringing together world leaders, ministers, negotiators, and various stakeholders to address climate change.

Since COP21 in 2015, the focus has been on implementing the Paris Agreement, with goals to limit global temperature rise, adapt to climate change, and align finance with low greenhouse gas emissions.

COP28

First Global Stocktake (GST)

COP28 marks the conclusion of the first GST, assessing progress under the Paris Agreement. Accelerating climate action is of utmost urgency for all member states.

The GST, conducted every five years, assesses progress and provides guidance for strengthening climate action.

COP28's political phase involves discussing findings and generating key political messages.

Loss and damage funds

Focus on loss and damage funds, global goal on adaptation, energy transition, and food systems transformation. Climate finance, a perennial topic, remains crucial for developing countries.

The Standing Committee on Finance will assess progress on doubling adaptation finance from developed countries by 2025.

Controversy underpins COP28

This year's COP host, Dr Sultan Al-Jaber of the UAE's National Oil Company, has faced scrutiny and criticism, a sentiment unfortunately underscored by his recent dismissal on Sunday of the scientific consensus linking fossil fuel use to climate change. Dr Al-Jaber has pushed back against recommendations advocating for the reduction, and ideally cessation, of fossil fuel use.

Other issues on the table for COP28

Fossil fuel phase-out

Despite, Dr Al Jaber’s outburst and refusal to accept the science, the majority of members will be focusing on how to phase-down and phase-out fossil fuel.

Food systems and agriculture

COP28's will at last place food systems and agriculture on the agenda. In previous meetings, despite the promise, food systems have failed to be tackled.

Aligning national policies with climate goals and committing funds and technology for transformation are emphasized.

Climate finance

The $100 billion annual mobilization target, unmet since 2020, remains a significant issue.

Negotiations on a new climate finance goal will take place, with a 2024 deadline.

In summary

COP28 provides a crucial platform for addressing these issues and steering global climate efforts in the right direction. The outcomes will significantly impact international climate action and the pursuit of a sustainable future.

Keep up to speed with the latest from COP28

• COP28 official website: click here

• UN Climate Action Live Updates: click here

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