The United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP28, is a major international event that will take place in the United Arab Emirates from 30 November to 12 December 2023. The conference will bring together representatives from nearly 200 countries that are parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the main global treaty on climate action. The aim of the conference is to review the progress made under the Paris Agreement, the landmark deal adopted at COP21 in 2015, and to raise the ambition and action of all countries to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.
COP28 is expected to be a crucial moment for the global response to the climate crisis, as it will mark the first time that countries will submit their updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs), which are their plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The conference will also address other important issues, such as the global stocktake, which is a periodic assessment of the collective efforts and achievements of all parties; the global goal on adaptation, which is a long-term vision for enhancing adaptive capacity and resilience; the just transition, which is a concept that ensures that workers and communities are not left behind in the shift to a low-carbon economy; the mitigation work programme, which is a platform for exchanging best practices and experiences on reducing emissions; and the loss and damage mechanism, which is a framework for providing support to countries that are most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
The host country of COP28, the United Arab Emirates, has announced its intention to make the conference a showcase of innovation and collaboration for climate action. The UAE is one of the world’s largest oil producers, but it has also invested heavily in renewable energy and clean technologies. The UAE has set a target of generating 50% of its electricity from clean sources by 2050, and it hosts the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), as well as several initiatives and projects that promote low-carbon development and green economy. The UAE has also pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 23.5% by 2030 compared to business as usual, and it has launched several programmes and policies to enhance its adaptation and resilience to climate change.
COP28 will be an opportunity for all countries and stakeholders to demonstrate their commitment and leadership in tackling one of the most urgent and complex challenges of our time. The conference will also be a platform for sharing knowledge, solutions and best practices that can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.
