What is COP28 and why is it so important?
Astro Awani
November 30, 2023
COP28 is expected to be a turning point where countries not only agree on 'WHAT' stronger climate action will be taken, but also show 'HOW' to implement it. -Facebook COP28 UAE
TOWARDS the end of this year, global temperatures continue to record record highs and thus require urgent action to reduce the destruction of the climate system.
Accordingly, attention should be focused on the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) which is currently taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
At COP28, bold action must be taken in global efforts to address climate change.
Here are some things you need to know about COP28.
What is 'COP'
The UN climate change conference is a large-scale annual gathering of governments focused on climate action.
This platform is also referred to as the COP - Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The UNFCCC Convention entered into force on 21 March 1994 to reduce the destruction of the climate system due to human actions.
Today, the convention's membership consists of 198 countries - a near-universal membership figure. The Paris Agreement 2015, was raised as the goal of the implementation of this convention.
COP28 will be attended by more than 60,000 people consisting of representatives from UNFCCC member countries, industry leaders, youth activists, representatives of indigenous communities, journalists, and other stakeholders.
COP28 will provide an indication of the extent to which the global community is involved in the climate crisis and how much change needs to be made.
Where and when?
COP28 will take place in Dubai Expo City from 30 November to 12 December 2023.
The opening ceremony will take place on November 30 before world leaders will give speeches on December 1 and 2, 2023.
The UAE is hosting COP28 representing the Asian continent, where each continent is given the opportunity to chair the conference.
Why is the COP28 Conference important?
Since the Paris Agreement on climate change at COP21 was signed in 2015, the focus of the next conference has been on the implementation of the main goal of stopping the increase in global average temperature well below 2°C and working to limit the increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
If Paris sets the goal, Katowice (COP24) and Glasgow (COP26) show the direction of the plan.
Next, at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh (COP27) take implementation action.
Now, COP28 is expected to be a turning point, where countries not only agree on 'WHAT' stronger climate action will be taken, but also show 'HOW' to implement it.
Therefore, it is important that COP28 be a platform to measure progress in achieving the Paris goals on mitigation, adaptation, and climate finance as well as adapting existing plans.
So, the decision taken by the parties at COP28 could appear as the most historic result after the Paris 2015 conference.
Four main focuses of COP28
1. Accelerate the energy transition and reduce carbon emissions before 2030 2. Transform climate finance, by fulfilling old promises and setting the framework for new agreements 3. Put nature, people, lives, and livelihoods at the center of climate action 4. Mobilize the most inclusive COP conference
Who will attend?
- Sultan Al Jaber, President of COP28 who is also the UAE Minister of Advanced Technology
- Raja Charles III
- Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General
- John Kerry, Special Envoy of the US President on Climate Change
- Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank
- Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Yang DiPertuan Agong
- Prince Mohamed bin Salman, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia
- Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei Darussalam
- Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India
COP28 passes climate disaster fund
Astro Awani
December 1, 2023 09:00 MYT
COP28 passes climate disaster fund
Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber during the COP28 conference held in Dubai, UAE. - REUTERS photo
DUBAI: The first day of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) saw member countries officially approve climate disaster funds.
COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber described this move as historic.
Representatives from developed and developing countries drafted the agreement this year.
This fund will help vulnerable countries face the cost of destruction caused by climate change, including droughts, floods and sea level rise.
What is COP28 and why is it so important?
"The fact that we managed to achieve significant success on the first day of the COP is very impressive.
"This is historic, the fact is that we managed to start with the agenda that was voted and agreed without any delay, for those who were involved in the COP before, this is something that has never happened," he said.
The COP28 conference will see a series of ongoing negotiations related to carbon emissions, the oil and gas sector, which contributes the main factor in emissions.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed the launch of the climate disaster fund at the COP28 meeting.
He through his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric described, the fund will be an important tool to fight for climate justice to the most vulnerable communities.
"The UN Secretary-General welcomes the decision taken at the opening of COP28, to start operating the disaster fund, an important tool to deliver climate justice to the most vulnerable.
"He (Guterres) also appealed for world leaders to contribute to ensure that this fund is started with a solid foundation," he said.
