COP 28 UAE  – UN CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE 2023

2023 will be a historic year for the UAE. The country is going to host the 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP 28) to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) from November 30, 2023 to December 12, 2023. 

An interesting fact is that COP 28 will coincide with the UAE national day, which is December 2. The event will host more than 80,000 delegates, including 140 heads of state and government, who will be contemplating and taking decisions on important environmental issues.

Dubai Expo City will serve as the venue for COP28. There can be no better location to host COP 28 than Dubai Expo City, as both COP 28 and Expo 2020 Dubai have some goals in common: achieving sustainability and encouraging global cooperation to address global issues.

If everything falls in place, the UAE will be the second country in the Middle East to host a COP session after Egypt. The UNFCCC made this decision after UAE received unanimous support from the Asia-Pacific group at COP 26 in Glasgow, Scotland in 2021.

Going by global reports, COP28 carries a lot of environmental expectations and is poised to take some major resolutions to combat climate change.

Meaning and Significance of COP

COP or the Conference of Parties is the apex decision making body of UNFCCC. UNFCCC was instituted to deal with the growing threat of climate change. It was signed in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development also known as Rio Summit or Earth Summit. The Secretariat of UNFCCC is located in Bonn, Germany. 

The Presidency and venue of COP rotate among the five recognized UN regions – Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, Africa, Central, Eastern and Western Europe. The first COP meeting was held in Berlin, Germany in March 1995. COP is held every year unless the Parties decide otherwise.

Outcomes of COP 26

COP has had some significant outcomes since its first conference in Berlin. UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Patricia Espinosa outlined the sustainable outcomes of COP 26 during the ministerial dialogue at OLADE energy week. Here they are:

• Adapting to the impacts of climate change. After COP 26, a work programme has come into existence to define how all the countries will adapt to this phenomenon. 

• Creating more funds for developing countries to help them in the process of adaptation.

• Although emission levels have come down, more efforts need to be taken by governments. For this, the deployment of renewables needs to be accelerated. 

• Finalizing the guidelines for the complete implementation of the Paris Agreement*. The compromise reached on Article 6 talks about carbon markets that will ensure fair competition. Along with this, negotiations on the ETF or Enhanced Transparency Framework were also finalized to help countries build trust.

* Paris Agreement – It is an international treaty on climate change that legally binds all parties involved in its goal of limiting global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. It was adopted during COP 21 in Paris in 2015.

What is Cop 28?

COP28 is the 28th session of the Conference of Parties. COP is held every year to discuss and find solutions for climate change. COP28 will be held in the UAE at Dubai Expo City from November 30 to December 12, 2023. The thirteen-day long programme will begin on Thursday and conclude on Tuesday.

Agenda for COP 28

Here are a few actionable steps that we can witness during COP 28 in November 2023:

• The transitional committee set up at COP 27 for the Loss and Damage Agreement* will be making recommendations on how to operationalize the fund at COP 28. Its first meeting will take place before the end of March. Unnikrishnan Divakaran Nair, head of Climate Change at the Commonwealth Secretariat said attention needs to be paid to the ways to collect and fill the fund and disburse it properly.

*The Loss and Damage Agreement created at COP 27 aims to help low-income countries that are facing the effects of climate change.

• The $100 billion adaptation funding goal set in 2009 at COP 15 is yet to be fulfilled by the high-income countries. Although there was a daily loss of more than $200 million due to adverse climate, COP 27 negotiators failed to take a stand on adaptation finance. COP 28 will definitely witness the creation of a framework for the global goal of adaptation. This will help people whose work directly depends on a favorable climate like farmers.

• The CAF report (commissioned by a group of 20 major economies) postulates that the World Bank should take on a more prominent role in issues like climate change. Before COP 27, the World Bank President said that it was working with its shareholders to come up with a variety of approaches to tackle climate change. Development experts are of the opinion that the United Nations should push the World Bank to take on a larger role in monitoring the commitment of different countries to cutting global greenhouse gases. According to Rabah Arzeki, former Chief Economist and Vice President at the African Development Bank and Philippe Le Houérou, Chairman of the Board of the Agence Française de Développement, it is easy for an institution like the World Bank to take on a more active role in climate change as the majority shareholders will contribute more towards climate stability.

• Till now the JETPs (Just Energy Transition Partnership) has helped countries like South Africa (COP 26), Indonesia and Vietnam (last year) use blended finance to stop dependence on coal and transition to a more green energy mix.

• General António Guterres, the U.N. Secretary General, launched a plan at COP 27 that allows all the residents of the Earth to be covered by a multi-hazard early warning system over the next 5 years. In 2023, three things will be prioritized – identifying any gaps and analyzing the capabilities of people to handle the early warning system, moving ahead with the implementation, ensure that the funding is scaled up. Guterres will report on the developments at COP 28.

• The Global Stocktake (a 2-year process which happens every 5 years) began at COP 26 and will conclude at COP 28. At present, it is in its second phase – a time for technical assessment where the three themes (mitigation, adaptation, implementation and support) are being discussed through in-person dialogues. The findings will be presented and analyzed at COP 28.

• The Global Goal on Adaptation established under the Paris Agreement got a framework at COP 27. This framework will be discussed before COP 28 and should get adopted at the convention in November.

• A new food and agricultural security plan was created at COP 27. The only glitch was that the final agreement disregarded the food systems approach and overlooked important things like nutrition and dietary shifts, adaptation and mitigation work plans. The food and land use coalition program agenda includes pushing for a better outcome at the Global Stocktake and COP 28. In accordance with the goal of limiting temperature rising above 1.5 degree celsius, the Food and Agriculture Organization is ready to release a plan to reduce emissions from the food and agriculture system. The AIM(Agriculture Innovation Mission) for climate initiative will hold a summit in Washington. The initiative is led by the U.S. and the U.A.E. with U.N. as the founding member. It is aiming to increase the $8 billion funding for innovation in climate-smart agriculture to $10 billion by COP 28.

• The importance of the ocean and oceanic life will be presented at COP 28. The host UAE in its Nat-Zero 2050 strategy has already made efforts to restore and enhance ecosystems like seagrasses, mangroves and salt marshes.

Environmental Relevance of the UAE as the Host of COP 28

The position of the UAE as the host for COP28 reflects the government’s efforts to transform the economy into one that is fueled by clean and renewable energy sources along with technological advancements and climate-smart solutions. The conference will primarily focus on the economic case for inclusive climate action. 

According to the UAE, it’s a privilege to get a chance to host COP28 and it certainly comes as a recognition of the country’s environment-friendly steps taken for over three decades. The UAE has been committed to battling climate change since 1989, the same year it ratified the Vienna Convention for the protection of the Ozone layer. After this, it became a member of the UNFCCC in 1995 and also ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2005.

Some of the ‘green’ initiatives practiced and propagated by the UAE include:

• Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate or AIM – A proposal put forth by the UAE and the US at COP 26. The objective of this proposal was to create huge investments in climate-smart agriculture and food systems over the next 5 years. The agriculture sector employs around 5 billion people globally. The UAE has pledged an extra $1 billion for this project. 

• The UAE is one of the countries with the least methane emissions and as a part of this, it has joined the Global Methane Pledge. The hydrocarbon industries in the UAE have the world’s lowest methane intensities of 0.01%. The country also aims at reducing methane emissions by 30% by the end of 2023.

• The UAE government has also taken steps to maximize the sources of renewable energy. A $400 million investment has been made to help developing countries transition from old methods of energy generation to renewable sources.

• The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in UAE has created a blueprint-Hydrogen Leadership Roadmap, that contains comprehensive steps to establish the country as a leading exporter of hydrogen by supporting low carbon industries. 

• The UAE is also home to the first of its kind large scale carbon capture facility (CCUS). This facility aids in reducing the cost of solar energy. 

• By the end of the decade, the UAE aims at planting 100 million mangrove trees as part of its second NDC (Nationally determined contribution). NDC was adopted from the Paris Agreement.

• The government also spent $17 billion on helping 27 island nations facing the climate change threat. Many projects like solar, wind and battery storage were initiated here.

• In April 2022, the Barakah Nuclear Plant started its operations. Once the four reactors of the plant are fully operational, the greenhouse gas emissions of UAE’s power sector will reduce considerably.

• Net Zero 2050 is another strategic initiative that aims at making the UAE carbon-neutral by mid-century. The UAE was among the first countries in the Middle East and North Africa to announce this project.

Words from the UAE Government Representatives

Several representatives of the UAE government expressed their gratitude for the UNFCCC’s decision. 

Remembering the legacy of the founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation stated, that COP 28 should be a ‘solutions COP’ and it should create shareable solutions for all the difficult challenges the world is facing today.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change said that COP 28 should be a stage of inclusivity. Each representative, whether it is the public sector or private sector, developed nation or developing nation, academicians or civilians, should be able to express their opinions and concerns. He said that the UAE believes in the motto ‘partnership promotes progress’ and this motto should reflect in the upcoming COP 28.

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said COP 28 will be the perfect platform to understand the ‘planetary and economic aftermath of climate change’ and constitute solutions for the same. She said the UAE’s ‘challenges are opportunities’ approach has helped the country to create a sustainable future for the coming generations. She said COP 28 will help them share their insights about this approach as well. She also expressed her desire to expand youth participation in the COP proceedings.  

COP 28 Key Highlights

Venue/Location	Dubai Expo City, UAE
Opening date	Thursday, November 30, 2023
Closing date	Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Number of delegates	70,000+ (as per the latest sources)
Website	https://unfccc.int/
Get Involved	https://www.cop28.com/en/get-involved

COP 28 Leadership

1. DR. SULTAN AHMED AL JABER, PRESIDENT-DESIGNATE FOR COP28 UAE

Dr. Al Jaber is a highly experienced leader with a strong background in the energy sector, including renewables. He has played a pivotal role in shaping clean energy initiatives in Abu Dhabi and has actively participated in multiple COP conferences, including COP21 in Paris. Currently serving as both COP President and CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), he is driving a significant decarbonisation strategy and low-carbon solutions business worth $15 billion.

2. H.E. SHAMMA AL MAZRUI, UAE, YOUTH CLIMATE CHAMPION

H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui, the Minister of Community Development, is the inaugural Youth Climate Champion with ministerial responsibilities at COP28 UAE. Her role involves fostering global youth engagement, facilitating capacity-building, and supporting youth-led innovations in collaboration with various stakeholders. More information about the YCC, its role in COP 28, strategies, initiatives etc. is available here.

3. H.E. RAZAN AL MUBARAK, UN CLIMATE CHANGE HIGH-LEVEL CHAMPION

H.E. Razan Al Mubarak, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion, will spearhead efforts to unite the private sector and civil society to tackle the climate and nature crises collaboratively. Her role involves engaging a wide range of stakeholders, drawing upon her extensive experience in conservation and environmental leadership to drive progress in biodiversity, protection, and nature-based solutions.

COP 28 Advisory Committee

 The COP28 UAE Advisory Committee is composed of 31 members who are experts in the field of climate change, representing various countries from six continents. These members come from diverse backgrounds, including policy, industry, energy, finance, civil society, youth, and humanitarian action. They will serve as advisors to the COP Presidency, offering guidance and advice leading up to COP28 and in the future.

The Advisory Committee embodies the values of diversity and inclusion that are central to COP28 UAE. With 65% of its members hailing from the Global South, it ensures a broad representation of perspectives. The committee’s primary goal is to foster collaboration and drive transformative action in key areas such as adaptation, mitigation, finance, loss and damage, food and agriculture, and nature-based solutions.

List of Committee Members:

1.	H.E. Olafur Grimsson	Chairman of Arctic Circle (Former President of Iceland) Iceland (EUR)
2.	H.E. Hilda Heine	Former President, Republic of the Marshall Islands Pacific Marshall Islands (OC)
3.	H.E. Laurent Fabius	President of COP21 / Paris Agreement, Former Prime Minister of France France (EUR)
4.	H.E. Dr. Muawieh Radaideh	Minister of Environment Jordan (ME)
5.	Dr. Izabella Teixeira	Former Minister of Environment Brazil (LA)
6.	H.E. Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany	Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) United Arab Emirates (ME)
7.	Sheikha Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa	Ambassador & Former President of UN General Assembly 2006/2007 Bahrain (ME)
8.	Laila Mostafa Abdullatif	Director General of Emirates Nature–WWF United Arab Emirates (ME)
9.	Francesco La Camera	Director General, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Italy (EUR)
10.	Damilola Ogunbiyi	CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (UN SRSG) for Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy Nigeria (AFR)
11.	Jagan Chapagain	CEO and Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Nepal (NPL)
12.	Dubai Abulhoul	Founder & CEO, Fiker Institute United Arab Emirates (ME)
13.	Mukesh Ambani	Chairman and Managing Director, Reliance Industries Ltd. India (AS)
14.	Fu Chengyu	Former Chairman of China Petrochemical Corporation China (AS)
15.	Makhtar Diop	Managing Director, International Finance Corporation (IFC) Senegal (AFR)
16.	Bob Dudley	Chair of the Oil & Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), former CEO of BP United States (NA)
17.	Larry Fink	Chairman and CEO of BlackRock United States (NA)
18.	Kate Hampton	Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation UK (EUR)
19.	Prof. Saleemul Huq	Director, International Centre for Climate Change and Development Bangladesh (AS)
20.	Hindou Ibrahim	Association for Indigenous Women And Peoples Of Chad (AFPAT) Coordinator Chad (AFR)
21.	Badr Jafar	Chief Executive Officer, Crescent Enterprises United Arab Emirates (ME)
22.	Joe Kaeser	Supervisory Board Chairman at Siemens Energy and Daimler Truck Germany (EUR)
23.	Dr Agnes Kalibata	President, AGRA and Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the 2021 Food Systems Summit Rwanda (AFR)
24.	Prof. Carlos Lopes	Chair of the African Climate Foundation Board Guinea Bissau (AFR)
25.	Dr Ernest Moniz	President and CEO, Energy Futures Initiative (Former US Secretary of Energy) United States (NA)
26.	Sunita Narain	Director General, Centre for Science and Environment India (AS)
27.	Manuel Pulgar-Vidal	Global Leader, Climate and Energy, WWF (COP20 President) Peru (LA)
28.	Sir John Rose	Deputy Chairman, Rothschild Group (Former CEO, Rolls-Royce) UK (EUR)
29.	Dr Daniela Rus	Computer Scientist, Roboticist (Director, MIT Computer Science and AI Lab) United States (NA)
30.	Jeffrey Ubben	Founder and Managing Partner, Inclusive Capital Partners United States (NA)
31.	H.E. Hunaina Al Mughairy	Former Ambassador to the United States, Sultanate of Oman Sultanate of Oman (ME)

International Youth Climate Delegates

100 delegates have been selected for the International Youth Climate Delegate Program, which will be integrated into the COP process, with a preference for delegates from the list of least developed countries (LDCs), small island developing states (SIDS), indigenous peoples, and other global minority groups. To learn about the selected delegates you can click on the link here.

Youth Climate Delegates

The COP28 Youth Climate Champion, the COP28 UAE Presidency, and the Ministry of Culture and Youth collaborated to create the UAE Youth Climate Delegates Program, which aims to empower UAE youth to participate in global climate decision-making while enhancing their skills and advocating for climate action. Additionally, this effort aims to increase climate change awareness among the younger generation in the UAE and incorporate youth viewpoints into COP28. Here is a list of the delegates.

COP 28 Venue

COP 28 will be held at Expo City Dubai. The venue’s size and design, featuring both a Blue Zone for accredited parties and observer delegates and a Green Zone for civil society, will host an estimated 70,000 participants, fostering inclusive dialogue at COP28 UAE.

The COP 28 Zones

There are two zones at the COP 28 summit in the UAE

1. Blue Zone

Blue Zone is a UNFCCC-managed site that will host all parties, including heads of state, ministers, and negotiators, along with accredited observer organisations (NGOs, IGNOs, and UN agencies), the media, and other leaders. The Blue Zone is situated within Expo City Dubai and is conveniently linked to the broader Dubai area through the Dubai Metro system. 

All UNFCCC-registered COP28 UAE event attendees will receive a free electronic Special Entry Permit, commonly known as a COP28 UAE Visa, from the UAE government. After completing your UNFCCC registration, you will receive an email from the UNFCCC with a link to the application for the COP28 UAE Visa. Please click the link to access the visa portal, complete the form, upload the necessary files, and submit it for approval. You will receive an email with a link to download your COP28 UAE Visa after your application has been granted. If you are planning to visit COP 28, Click here to get relevant information.

2. Green Zone

The Green Zone is a site that will host youth organizations, civil society, indigenous groups, and the private sector. The area will be a mixture of entertainment, culture, and business. Businesses have been given a chance to display their ideas in 3 exhibition areas: the Decarbonization Hub, the Technology and Innovation Hub, and the Knowledge Hub. The purpose of this zone is to encourage conversation, awareness, and commitment to climate action. COP28 UAE Presidency believes in government-private sector collaboration and is offering the Green Zone for the private sector to showcase climate solutions.

The Green Zone at COP28 will be operational from November 30 to December 12, 2023. Initially, from November 30 to December 2, it will exclusively welcome sponsors, business visitors, and accredited Blue Zone delegates. Starting from December 3 to December 12, the Green Zone will open its doors for entities to host their events and activations, including public programming, which will begin on December 3, with additional evening events between 18:00 – 22:00. 

Thematic Program

The COP28 Presidency is committed to tackling the urgent issues of climate change through a two-week themed agenda that focuses on reacting to the Global Stocktake and bridging the gaps to 2030. What sets this Presidency apart is its inclusive approach, as it has engaged a wide range of stakeholders in open consultations to shape the thematic program. In response to these consultations, the Presidency has urged governments and climate stakeholders to act in four key areas: accelerating the switch to clean energy and cutting emissions before 2030; reforming climate finance by fulfilling existing commitments and laying the groundwork for a new financial framework; prioritizing nature, people, lives, and livelihoods in climate action; and mobilizing efforts for the most inclusive COP in history.  

TWO WEEK SCHEDULE

Nov 30	Opening
Dec 1	World Climate Action Summit
Dec 2	World Climate Action Summit
Dec 3	Health/Relief, Recovery and Peace
Dec 4	Finance/Trade/Gender Equality/Accountability
Dec 5	Energy, Industry/Just Transition/Indigenous Peoples
Dec 6	Multilevel Action, Urbanization and Built Environment/ Transport
Dec 7	Rest
Dec 8	Youth, Children, Education and Skills
Dec 9	Nature, Land Use and Oceans
Dec 10	Food, Agriculture and Water
Dec 11 and 12	Final Negotiations

COP28 Event Registration

The application portal to secure pavilions for COP 28 opened for expressions of interest on May 10, 2023, and closed on June 15, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. (GMT+4).

According to the announcement from the UNFCCC, delegations interested in securing a pavilion during COP 28 can visit https://www.cop28.com/en/blue-zone-eoi to find more information and submit applications. 

Observer organisations, including NGOs and IGOs, should register their representatives for every conference through an ORS (Online Registration System). You can find details regarding the admission process for NGOs and IGOs at the official UNFCCC website. Once they are registered, they can attend any session or meeting of the UNFCCC.

Pre-COP 28

Pre-COP 28 is an exclusive preparatory meeting leading up to the 28th UNFCCC Conference of Parties, set to take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from October 30-31, 2023. This event serves as a pivotal milestone on the path to COP28 and is an invitation-only gathering. It represents a crucial opportunity for global collaboration to address the climate crisis and will be the final formal ministerial engagement before COP28. The specific agenda will be disclosed to invited delegates, and further details can be found here.

Partnerships

The Partnerships Team is committed to fostering effective partnerships in a variety of fields, including energy, finance, technology, youth education, government, food security, biodiversity, inclusion, gender, and fragility, with the goal of bringing together businesses, organisations, and communities to find long-term solutions to the climate change crisis. 

Launching the University Climate Network to support carbon neutrality in higher education in the UAE, planning educational speaking engagements at illustrious organisations, and actively interacting with international stakeholders during occasions like the IPU Assembly in Bahrain and the World Bank and Spring meetings in Washington DC to advance COP28’s goals are a few highlights from the partnership team. For further information, you can email-engagement@cop28.com.

Additional Information

Here are a few additional details that will be helpful for delegates and participants at COP 28:

1. Accommodation

Participants who have registered for COP28 are urged to book their lodging as soon as possible from a variety of UAE options, including 1- to 5-star hotels and serviced apartments. Abu Dhabi, the capital, is an hour away from the venue and has over 230 lodging options that are managed by the appointed agency, bnetwork. Click here for online booking.

2. Code of Conduct

Professionalism, respect, inclusivity, and a harassment-free atmosphere are prioritized at UNFCCC conferences, meetings, and events. Mechanisms are in place for reporting occurrences through the UNDSS-UN Directorate of Safety and Security or by email at SpeakUp@unfccc.int. Please refer to the detailed code of conduct.

3. Documents

Materials for COP 28 and associated sessions will only be available online via several platforms, including notifications via Twitter and push notifications on the UNFCCC website and app. This is done to emphasize sustainability and resource optimisation.

4. Health and Safety

All participants and visitors must adhere to the health regulations mentioned here.

5. Registration

Given below are the required details for COP 28 registration.

• The UNFCCC Online Registration System is used to register Parties, Observer States, United Nations Agencies, and Related Organizations. They may designate and confirm their representatives from June 19, 2023, through November 27, 2023, at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).

• Intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations can confirm their representation from August 25, 2023, to November 27, 2023, 23:59 CET. There is a stringent prohibition against repeated registrations for various roles. 

• The United Nations organizations, specialized agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations can all obtain alerts regarding COP 28 registration on this portal.

• To introduce transparency, the UNFCCC has brought some changes to the registration process. You can see them here.

• If the meeting permits online participation, delegates from Parties and observer organizations may access UNFCCC meetings remotely through the Online Registration System thanks to the introduction of virtual-only registration, which was successfully piloted at SB 58. Additional information is available in the FAQ on virtual-only registration.

6. Social Media

The COP 28 will have a live cast and also engage through social media tools like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Here is a list of all the social media channels. 

7. Information

If you have any queries, you can visit the UNFCCC information center or the distribution center located at the “Service Hub” along Al Wasl Avenue.

•  The operational hours are as follows:

Friday, 24 November to Tuesday, 12 December: 08:00 – 18:00 hrs

(except Thursday, 7 December – when the conference premises are closed)

• Please note that during the pre-sessional week from Friday, 24 November to Wednesday, 29 November 2023, the premises will open from 9:00 hrs instead of 8:00 hrs.

Universities Climate Network

The Universities Climate Network (UCN) is made up of 28 universities and other higher education facilities situated in the UAE that are dedicated to involving youth and academia in the run-up to COP28. Some of the prominent universities involved in this initiative are the American University of Ras Al Khaimah, Amity University Dubai, and the University of Wollongong in Dubai, among others. For more information, Click here.

Main Outcomes of COP28

1. A consensus was reached among the countries at COP28 to initiate the Loss and Damage (L&D) fund. This fund, which will be managed by the World Bank for a period of four years, is in accordance with the guidelines of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. It is open to all developing nations, and contributions are made on a voluntary basis. A certain portion of the fund is specifically set aside for the Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.

2. COP28 shared the fifth Global Stocktake (GST), outlining eight steps to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees C. These steps are:

• Increase renewable energy threefold by 2030 (to at least 11,000 GW) and double the yearly global energy efficiency improvements to over 4% by 2030.

• Gradually reduce coal power.

• Speed up global efforts to reach net zero emissions around the middle of the century.

• Speed up the development of technologies that produce zero or low emissions, like Nuclear, CCUS, Hydrogen.

• Move away from fossil fuels in a fair and orderly way to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

• Cut down non-CO2 emissions, like methane, globally by 2030.

• Reduce emissions from vehicles.

• Stop giving inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.

3. Under the Global Cooling Pledge, 66 countries have promised to cut down emissions from cooling by 68% before the year 2050.

4. UNCTAD predicts that by 2025, richer (developed) countries will owe poorer (developing) countries $500 billion as part of a climate finance goal set in the Paris Agreement. This goal starts at $100 billion each year, with $250 billion for reducing emissions, $100 billion for adjusting to climate change, and $150 billion for dealing with the loss and damage from climate change. However, the current $100 billion target hasn’t been met yet, which is causing financial problems for developing countries.

5. Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) framework: A plan has been proposed to help deal with climate change. It focuses on reducing water shortages caused by climate change, making food and farming more resistant to climate change, and improving our ability to handle health problems related to climate change.

6. Increase global nuclear energy threefold by 2050.

7. At the COP28, the PPCA was happy to see new governments join them in supporting cleaner energy. However, India is not part of the PPCA because it hasn’t promised to stop using coal. (PPCA (Powering Past Coal Alliance) is a group made up of governments, businesses, and organizations. Their goal is to move from using coal power to using clean energy.)

8. The Coal Transition Accelerator initiative was started to help share information and provide money to help move away from using coal.

9. Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnership (CHAMP): 65 countries have agreed to work more closely with local governments on plans to deal with climate change.

10. The Buildings Breakthrough Initiative, led by France and Morocco, was launched. This initiative aims to establish near-zero emissions and resilient structures as the standard by 2030. It’s organized by UNEP and the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction is in charge of it.

COP29

Azerbaijan has taken over the rotating presidency of the climate conference for the upcoming year, i.e., 2024. COP29 will tentatively be held in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11 to November 24, 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is COP?

COP means Conference of Parties. It is the UNFCCC’s highest decision-making body and a gathering of 197 countries (and counting) that holds annual meetings in the context of climate change and proposes climate-related goals and solutions each year.

What is UNFCCC?

UNFCCC is the abbreviation for United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It is an official body formed in the year 1992 to lend support to the global response to the dangers posed by climate change. Currently, 197 states parties are present in this body.

What is the objective of UNFCCC?

In simple terms, the objective of UNFCCC is to allow the ecosystem to achieve sustainable development.  It aims to stabilize greenhouse gases within a timeframe.

Who is the head of the secretariat?

The Executive Secretary heads the secretariat of UNFCCC. At present, the position is held by Patricia Espinosa. She hails from Mexico and has more than 30 years of experience in international relations with a special focus on climate change, sustainable development etc.

 

Why is COP 28 important?

COP28 is particularly significant because it marks the end of the first Global Stocktake, which began at COP26 in Glasgow. Stocktake is a biennial process that occurs every five years. It assesses the collective progress made under the Paris Agreement and identifies areas for additional action and support.

When and where will COP28 take place?

COP28 will take place in the UAE between November 30 and December 12, 2023. Dubai Expo City will be the venue for this 13-day long global event.

Who is the President of COP?

The Presidency position is held by the Minister of Environment from the host government. During COP 28, HE Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri will be occupying the presidency position.

Which country has hosted the COP of all three Rio conventions?

India is one of the few countries to have hosted the COP of all three Rio conventions including the Rio convention on climate change, land (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) and biodiversity (Convention on Biological Diversity).

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