In November 2023, the world turned its attention to Expo City, Dubai, where the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28 UAE) unfolded as a landmark event. As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) took center stage, the global community convened to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change and explore innovative solutions.
The Evolution of COPs:
From its origins as a gathering of government negotiators, COPs have evolved into global mega-events, attracting political leaders, business magnates, sectoral experts, climate activists, and the public. COP28 UAE aimed to build on this legacy by fostering dialogue, collaboration, and deal-making on climate issues.
Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement:
Under the guidance of Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 UAE President, the leadership team, including H.E. Razan Al Mubarak and H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui, played pivotal roles in steering the conference. The Presidency engaged with domestic and international stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to climate action.
COP28 Action Agenda:
The COP28 Action Agenda, guided by the commitment to keep the global temperature increase within the 1.5°C target, focused on four key areas:
- Fast-tracking a just and orderly transition
- Fixing climate finance
- Focusing on nature, lives, and livelihoods
- Fostering inclusivity for all
The urgency for action was underscored by the Global Stocktake, which highlighted the need to reduce 22 gigatons of emissions before 2030.
Thematic Program and Plan of Action:
COP28’s thematic program, developed through an inclusive consultation process, featured a diverse range of topics and sectors. The two-week program addressed pillars of the Paris Agreement through real-world sectors and incorporated four cross-cutting themes: Technology & Innovation, Inclusion, Frontline Communities, and Finance.
1. World Climate Action Summit:
The summit welcomed leaders from various sectors to evidence progress and guide the COP. Sector-specific segments and leader-level statements showcased commitments to climate action.
2. Health/Relief, Recovery, and Peace:
Addressing the human perspective of climate impacts, these themes aimed to boost investment, prevent loss and damage, and strengthen community resilience.
3. Finance/Trade/Gender Equality/Accountability:
A focus on drastic changes to finance and trade systems, with a special emphasis on gender equality, aimed to leverage private sector finance for climate goals.
4. Energy, Industry, and Just Transition:
This day focused on pathways for rapid decarbonization across energy and industrial value chains, with outcomes addressing renewable energy, innovation, and job growth.
5. Multilevel Action, Urbanization, and Built Environment/Transport:
Involving local leaders, this day highlighted solutions for low-carbon built environments, sustainable waste systems, and climate-friendly mobility.
6. Youth, Children, Education, and Skills:
Empowering young people, this day focused on their engagement, skills development, and inclusion in climate policymaking.
7. Nature, Land Use, and Oceans:
Addressing climate and nature co-benefits, this day sought to sustainably manage natural carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots.
8. Food, Agriculture, and Water:
Recognizing the pressure on agri-food and water systems, this day focused on innovation, regenerative agriculture, and financing mechanisms.
9. Stakeholder Engagement Opportunities:
COP28 UAE provided diverse opportunities for stakeholder engagement, from speaking opportunities to site visits and international coalition memberships. The multifaceted approach aimed to catalyze collective action for climate solutions.
Key Resolutions:
- Dubai Consensus and Global Stocktake: The Dubai Consensus introduced the concept of a ‘global stocktake,’ fostering a collaborative approach among nations to enhance their climate actions by the end of the decade.
- $30 Billion Global Climate Solutions Fund: The UAE President announced a financial commitment of $30 billion to catalyze $250 billion in investments by 2030, focusing on supporting diverse climate solutions globally.
- $700 Million Funding for Climate Change Loss and Damage: COP 28 saw a notable pledge of $700 million to assist lower-income countries in coping with the adverse impacts of climate change.
- Inclusion of Agriculture Emissions in National Plans: Over 130 countries declared to incorporate emissions from agriculture and farming into their national plans, addressing a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Renewable Power Generation and Energy Efficiency Targets:
A landmark agreement was reached, with 118 countries committing to ambitious targets, including tripling renewable power generation capacity to 11,000 GW and doubling energy efficiency within the decade.
Peering into the horizon of COP29, Baku emerges as the unconventional host, shattering preconceptions rooted in its oil-rich history. In a testament to global dedication, Azerbaijan boldly steps into the climate dialogue, emphasizing the collective resolve to combat climate change in unexpected corners of the world. The city, once home to ancient oil fields, now stands at the forefront of a new era, symbolizing the fusion of tradition and progressive environmental stewardship.
As COP28 ended, it emerged as a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change. While nations acknowledged the urgent need to shift away from fossil fuels, concerns arose over the absence of binding commitments and a clear timeline in the agreement. The success of COP28 was ultimately measured by the tangible actions taken by nations to fulfil the objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement, securing a sustainable future. With the UAE as a dedicated host, the event provided a unique opportunity for collaboration and decisive action, marking a significant turning point in addressing the climate crisis.
