Guide to COP 28 United Nations Conference

At the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 154 nations participated in discussions about legislation to prevent global warming and its ramifications. Since then, the conference has taken place every year and established international policies like the Paris Agreement that aim to meet goals to reverse climate change. This year, the annual Conference of the Parties for the UNFCCC will mark its 28th session, giving it the name COP 28.

COP 28 will take place from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12 with 198 parties attending the conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Countries will discuss their individual plans to combat the worsening climate crisis given the recent global increase in wildfires, floods, heat waves, and rising sea levels, according to the nonprofit organization The Nature Conservancy. As the host country, the UAE is required to set the four focus topics for this year’s conference. The issues chosen were transitioning to clean energy; centering nature, people, lives, and livelihoods; delivering on finance; and mobilizing inclusivity.

Regarding the transition to clean energy, countries at COP 28 will brainstorm how to execute a smooth and efficient transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This transition to clean energy sources—such as wind or solar energy—would decrease greenhouse gas emissions that trap the Sun’s heat in the atmosphere and cause global warming.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency communicated that the second topic highlights the importance of nature and people when creating climate change policy. This will encourage consideration of nature-based solutions and equity when it comes to receiving the benefits of international plans.

The third topic concentrates on a new international financial deal being created to allocate funds to fight climate change. The Nature Conservancy reported that COP 28 has the objective of this financial deal being affordable and attainable to both developed and developing countries.

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the President-Designate for COP 28 and the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, expressed the need for the financial deal to be conscious of developing countries while speaking at a conference.

“Expectations are high. Trust is low. Developing countries are still waiting for the 100 billion dollars promised by developed countries 14 years ago. We need to bring everyone to the table from across the international community, using every tool available, and take a holistic approach to a global challenge,” Al Jaber said.

Lastly, the fourth topic of mobilizing inclusivity has the goal of making sure solutions formed at COP 28 will be executed through partnerships with indigenous and local communities. This cooperation will take more perspectives into account to generate more inclusive and applicable solutions for all communities.

COP 28 is an opportunity for countries to craft policies to tackle the climate crisis, and the resulting plans will intend to play a role in reversing global warming.