The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will take place from 30 November to 12 December 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This is the first time the conference has been hosted in the Middle East and North Africa region, which is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
COP28 is expected to be a pivotal moment for global climate action, as it will mark the first global stocktake of the progress made by countries under the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. The stocktake will assess whether the current national climate plans, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs), are sufficient to achieve the Paris goals, and whether countries need to enhance their ambition and action.
COP28 will also focus on five key areas for action, according to the World Economic Forum1:
- Speeding the energy transition: Accelerating the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, while ensuring a just and inclusive transition for workers and communities.
- Putting people at the heart of climate action: Enhancing the participation and empowerment of women, youth, indigenous peoples, and other marginalized groups in climate decision-making and implementation.
- Climate finance and the impact of global trade: Mobilizing and scaling up public and private finance to support climate action in developing countries, and addressing the carbon footprint of international trade and consumption patterns.
- Broader leadership on climate change: Engaging subnational and non-state actors, such as cities, regions, businesses, investors, and civil society, in climate action and collaboration.
- Climate solutions for frontline communities: Supporting the adaptation and resilience of the most vulnerable countries and communities to the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and food insecurity.
COP28 will also be an opportunity for countries to showcase their climate innovation and technology, and to learn from each other’s best practices and experiences. The UAE, as the host country, has been a regional leader in renewable energy, especially solar power, and has set a net-zero emissions target by 20501.
COP28 will be a critical test of the global commitment and cooperation to tackle the climate crisis, which is already affecting millions of lives and livelihoods around the world. The summit will also set the tone and direction for the next decade of climate action, which will be decisive for the future of humanity and the planet.