The 28th United Nations Conference of Parties (COP28) Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) is being held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from November 30 to December 12, 2023. With the theme "Unite, Act, and Deliver," the summit is a climate change convention that brought together world leaders, scientists, civil society groups, and businesses to take stock of progress on the Paris Agreement and chart a course of action for urgent climate action.

What is COP & Why is COP28 significant?

The hope is that COP28 as a climate change convention will contribute to the ongoing effort to uphold the commitment made by nearly 200 countries in Paris in 2015 to limit long-term global temperature increases to 1.5C.

The 1.5C target holds paramount importance in preventing the most severe consequences of climate change, as emphasized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a body under the United Nations. Currently, the long-term warming has reached approximately 1.1C or 1.2C compared to pre-industrial times, the era preceding widespread human combustion of fossil fuels.

Despite these efforts, recent projections indicate that the world is heading towards a temperature increase of about 2.4C to 2.7C by 2100, with some uncertainty in the exact figures. Consequently, the United Nations warns that the timeframe for maintaining the 1.5C limit is rapidly closing.

Key highlights of COP28 - UN Climate Change Conference

Global Stocktake: The first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement assessed progress towards the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The assessment found that current efforts are not enough to achieve this goal, and that emissions must be urgently reduced. This served as a wake-up call to the international community, highlighting the urgent need for a significant acceleration in climate action.

World Climate Action Summit: In response to the Global Stocktake, the World Climate Action Summit convened world leaders to present their revised and ambitious commitments. Over 170 countries made new pledges to cut emissions, invest in renewable energy, and adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate change. While the specific details of these pledges are still being negotiated, the overall tone was one of renewed urgency and determination.

Finance for Climate Action: A key bottleneck in climate action has been the lack of sufficient financial resources, particularly for developing countries. COP28 saw a renewed focus on this issue, with developed countries urged to fulfill their long-standing pledge of providing $100 billion per year in climate finance. Additionally at this climate change convention, there were discussions on innovative financing mechanisms, such as carbon markets, to unlock additional private sector investment.

Nature, People, and Lives: COP 28 went beyond just emissions reduction, acknowledging the vital role of nature in mitigating climate change and protecting vulnerable communities. Discussions centered on nature-based solutions like afforestation and ecosystem restoration, as well as the need to support communities on the frontlines of climate impacts. This holistic approach marked a significant shift towards recognizing the interconnectedness of climate, nature, and human well-being.

Inclusive COP: COP28 aimed to be the most inclusive COP ever, with a focus on ensuring that the voices of youth, indigenous peoples, women, and local communities were heard. There were also efforts to make the summit accessible to all, including people with disabilities and those from developing countries. For example, COP28’s Gender Day focuses on establishing inclusive policies for an equitable shift that acknowledges the vital role of women in building resilient communities and promoting effective climate action. Stressing the importance of enhancing the gender responsiveness of climate resources and finance.

Outcomes of COP28:

While the final outcomes of UN Climate Change Conference COP28 are still being negotiated, the summit has already produced some significant results. These include:

• A new commitment to reduce global emissions by 45% by 2030.
• A pledge to double climate finance to developing countries by 2025.
• A roadmap for action on nature-based solutions.
• A recognition of the need for a just transition to a low-carbon economy that leaves no one behind.
• For the first time in 28 years of climate change negotiations, the climate-health nexus took centre stage.

The Road Ahead

UN Climate Change Conference COP28 was a critical moment in the fight against climate change. However, it is clear that much more needs to be done. The world must now turn its commitments into concrete action. This will require unprecedented levels of collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society. It will also require innovation and investment in new technologies and solutions.

The future of our planet depends on our ability to unite, act, and deliver on the promises made at COP28. We must not let this opportunity slip away.