The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 30 November to 12 December 2023. The conference will be a critical opportunity for governments, businesses, and civil society to come together and accelerate action on climate change.
The theme of COP28 is "Adapting to Climate Change: Pathways to a Resilient Future." The conference will focus on a number of key issues, including:
The need to increase ambition in climate action, including by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in adaptation measures.
The importance of building resilience to climate change, including by improving early warning systems and disaster risk management.
The need to mobilize finance for climate action, including by supporting developing countries in their transition to a low-carbon economy.
COP28 will be a critical moment for the world to come together and take decisive action on climate change. The conference will provide an opportunity to build on the progress that has been made since the Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015, and to chart a course for a more sustainable future.
What is the Paris Agreement?
The Paris Agreement is an international agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), dealing with greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, adaptation, and finance starting in the year 2020. The agreement aims to substantially reduce global greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.
The agreement was adopted by 196 Parties at COP 21 in Paris, on 12 December 2015 and entered into force on 4 November 2016. As of March 2023, there are 197 Parties to the Agreement.
Why is COP28 important?
COP28 is important because it will be an opportunity for countries to review progress on the Paris Agreement and to make new commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The conference will also be an opportunity for countries to discuss how to adapt to the impacts of climate change, and to mobilize finance for climate action.
The outcome of COP28 will have a significant impact on the global climate effort. If countries are able to make ambitious commitments to reduce emissions, and to mobilize the necessary finance, then there is a chance that we can avoid the worst impacts of climate change. However, if countries do not take action, then the world will be at risk of catastrophic climate change.
What can you do to help?
There are a number of things that you can do to help make COP28 a success. You can:
- Get involved in the climate movement. There are many ways to get involved, such as attending protests, writing to your elected representatives, or volunteering for a climate organization.
- Make changes in your own life to reduce your carbon footprint. This could include things like driving less, eating less meat, and using less energy.
- Support businesses and organizations that are working to address climate change. This could include buying from sustainable brands, investing in climate-friendly companies, or donating to climate-focused charities.
By taking action, you can help to make a difference in the fight against climate change.