COP 28 is the 28th annual United Nations climate meeting, this time taking place in Dubai at Expo City. The meeting will see international governments come together to discuss how to limit and prepare for future climate change. The annual conferences bring together countries’ governments that signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – an international environmental treaty addressing climate change.
As the notion of climate change becomes ever more a reality, this summit becomes even more crucial in sustaining and ensuring the future of our planet. According to scientists, 2023 is almost certainly the hottest year on record, and time is running out to keep global warming below 1.5C above pre-industrial levels – as per the Paris Agreement decided at COP21. The summit, which is being held from November 30 until December 12, will see global leaders gather to discuss vital issues and ways to avoid the most damaging impacts of climate change moving forward.
The world is currently on track for approximately 2.5C of warming by 2100, which is still set to be drastically damaging. More work needs to be done to reduce this number and slow the rate of global warming for our planet to continue for many years to come. This year COP28 will focus on:
- Focusing on nature, lives and livelihoods.
- Fast-tracking the move to clean energy sources and slashing greenhouse gas emissions before 2030.
- Fixing climate finance and funding for poorer countries to assist with climate action and working on a new deal for developing nations.
- Fostering inclusivity for all, with Blue and Green zones working side-by-side to deliver real, actionable solutions to the climate crisis.
COP28 is being headed up by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 UAE President, who has been steering the planning process and engaging world leaders. He is assisted by HE Razan Al Mubarak, High-Level Champion and HE Shamma Al Mazrui, Youth Climate Champion, who will be working to enhance the impact of the event and ensure positive outcomes for the future. More than 200 world governments have been invited to the event, although official confirmations are yet to be revealed.
The event will run across a two-week schedule, covering key areas and topics that are crucial in the fight against climate change. This will include health, finance, gender equality, energy, food and water, nature, land and oceans, youth and education, urbanization and more. Cross-cutting themes include technology and innovation, inclusion, frontline communities and finance.
The event, which will take place at Expo City Dubai, will be sectioned into two areas: The Green Zone and the Blue Zone – the first is where the official negotiations will take place, and the second will be open to stakeholders and members of the public.
