Everything We Know About COP 28 in Dubai This Year

As the world continues to grapple with the pressing issue of climate change, the upcoming 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) carries immense significance. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant city of Dubai, UAE, COP 28 marks a historic milestone as it marks the conclusion of the first Global Stocktake. 

Under the leadership of the UAE, and with the added convenience of easily available cheap flights to the city, the upcoming event anticipates a remarkable attendance of over 80,000 delegates. Please keep reading to learn everything you need to know about COP 28, from its objectives and key participants to the crucial discussions and outcomes expected during this pivotal event. 

What is COP 28?

Over the past thirty years, following the Rio Summit and the establishment of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Conference of the Parties (COP) has consistently brought together member countries on an annual basis. The primary objective of these gatherings has been to determine the level of ambition and responsibilities and identify and assess climate measures.

COP 28 marks the 28th annual summit where global leaders, experts, activists, and stakeholders convene to address and tackle the urgent global climate crisis. COP 28 is of particular significance as it marks the conclusion of the first Global Stocktake, a comprehensive assessment of the progress made in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. 

When and where will COP 28 take place this year?

The UAE will host COP 28. It will take place from November 30th to December 12th, 2023 at the Expo City Dubai, a state-of-the-art destination built to promote sustainability principles. 

What are the key objectives of COP 28?

Dr. Al Jaber, the President Designate for COP28, outlined the UAE's focus areas for the conference and its aim to enhance collective action worldwide as follows:

Mitigation:

1. Increase renewable energy generation from 8 to 23 TW hours by 2030.
2. Boost low-carbon hydrogen production to at least 180 million tons for hard-to-abate sectors.
3. Accelerate the transformation of food and agriculture systems through greater investment in agri-tech, smarter water usage, and food production.
4. Collaborate with the energy industry to expedite decarbonization, reduce methane emissions, and expand hydrogen usage.

Adaptation:

1. Safeguard vulnerable communities and critical systems from extreme weather and biodiversity loss.
2. Preserve rainforests and invest in nature-based solutions, including mangroves as carbon sinks, coastal protectors, and preservers of natural ecosystems.
3. Enhance the resilience of the global food system to cope with changing weather patterns that threaten farmers worldwide.
4. Double adaptation finance for the Global South to reach $40 billion annually by 2025.

Finance:

1. Enhance affordability and accessibility of climate finance.
2. Ensure every concessional dollar is matched by $2 or $3 of private capital.
3. Respond to the international community's call for an inclusive reform of multilateral development banks and international financial institutions.
4. As the chair of the World Bank-IMF Development Committee, the UAE intends to play a proactive and supportive role in encouraging this process.

Loss and Damage:

1. Aid the most vulnerable in rebuilding after climate-related disasters.
2. Collaborate with the international community to fully operationalize the loss-and-damage fund, building upon the progress made in Sharm El Sheikh

Who will participate in COP 28?

COP 28 will be one of the largest and most important international gatherings in 2023, followed closely by global media. This major event will host many high-profile participants, such as over 140 heads of state, senior government leaders, more than 80,000 delegates, and over 5,000 media professionals, including Heads of State and world leaders. 

The objective of the conference is to foster consensus and promote advancements in climate action among 198 countries, the European Union, and numerous non-governmental organizations, companies, youth groups, and other stakeholders.

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