The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference, COP 28, is poised to be a pivotal event in the global effort to address climate change. Scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from November 30 to December 12, 2023, COP 28 brings together world leaders, negotiators, and stakeholders to advance international cooperation in combating climate change. Led by COP 28 President-Designate Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, the conference aims to lay the groundwork for a low-emission and climate-resilient world.
COP 28 encompasses several critical meetings, including the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28), the fifth meeting of the COP serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA 5), and the 18th meeting of the COP serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP 18). Additionally, the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI 59) and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA 59) will convene, providing platforms for in-depth discussions on policy, science, and implementation.
Global Stocktake and the 2030 Agenda
A significant highlight of COP 28 is the conclusion of the first Global Stocktake (GST) of the Paris Agreement’s implementation. The GST, occurring every five years, assesses global progress towards climate goals. This stocktake coincides with the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing the interconnectedness of climate action with broader sustainable development objectives. A workshop in October will precede the GST, providing insights into the elements shaping the outcome.
Four Paradigm Shifts and the Vision for COP 28
In a letter dated July 2023, the Incoming Presidency outlined four paradigm shifts that will be central to COP 28’s agenda. These include fast-tracking the energy transition and reducing emissions before 2030, transforming climate finance, prioritizing nature, people, lives, and livelihoods in climate action, and mobilizing for the most inclusive COP ever.
The presidency envisions a three-fold approach for COP 28: a negotiated outcome, an action agenda, and a call to action. This comprehensive strategy reflects a commitment to addressing climate change from multiple angles, combining international cooperation with actionable plans and a call for collective responsibility.
Action Agenda and Negotiations
The October 17, 2023 letter to parties further delves into the specifics of the Presidency’s action agenda, negotiations, and the GST. Fast-tracking the energy transition involves setting ambitious targets for emission reductions and promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources. The transformation of climate finance seeks to fulfill existing promises and establish a new framework for financial commitments, recognizing the critical role of funding in climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Putting nature, people, lives, and livelihoods at the heart of climate action underscores the importance of holistic and equitable approaches. This shift recognizes that climate change affects not only the environment but also has profound social and economic implications. Lastly, the commitment to mobilize for the most inclusive COP ever emphasizes the need for diverse voices and perspectives in shaping climate policies and actions.
As COP 28 approaches, the global community anticipates a critical juncture in the fight against climate change. The conference in Dubai provides an opportunity for nations to collaborate, innovate, and commit to transformative actions. With a focus on paradigm shifts, a comprehensive vision, and an action-oriented agenda, COP 28 aims to catalyze global efforts toward a sustainable, low-emission, and climate-resilient future. As the world gathers in Dubai, the outcomes of COP 28 will reverberate far beyond the conference halls, influencing the trajectory of international climate action for years to come.
