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Climate change is one of the most urgent and complex challenges facing humanity today. The impacts of rising temperatures, extreme weather events, sea level rise, biodiversity loss and food insecurity are already being felt by millions of people around the world. To avoid the worst-case scenarios, we need to act now and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as agreed by nearly 200 countries in the Paris Agreement in 2015.
But how can we achieve this ambitious goal? And what role will the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference, also known as COP 28, play in this process?
What is COP 28 and where is it?
COP 28 is the 28th annual United Nations Climate Change conference, where governments will discuss how to limit and prepare for future climate change. The summit is being held in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), from 30 November until 12 December 2023. COP stands for "Conference of the Parties", where the "parties" are the countries that signed up to the original UN climate agreement in 1992.
COP 28 is hosted by the UAE, one of the world's top 10 oil-producing nations, which has appointed the chief executive of the state-owned oil company, Sultan Al Jaber, president of the COP 28 talks. This may seem controversial, given that oil - like gas and coal - is a fossil fuel that contributes to climate change when burned for energy. However, Mr Al Jaber argues that he is uniquely well-placed to push for action from the oil and gas industry, and that as chairman of renewable energy firm Masdar, he has also overseen the expansion of clean technologies like wind and solar power.
Why is COP 28 important?
COP 28 is important because it is hoped that it will help keep alive the goal of limiting long-term global temperature rises to 1.5°C. This was agreed by nearly 200 countries in Paris in 2015. The 1.5°C target is crucial to avoid the most damaging impacts of climate change, according to the UN's climate body, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
However, the world is on track for about 2.5°C of warming by 2100 even with current pledges to tackle emissions. The window for keeping the 1.5°C limit in reach is "rapidly narrowing", the UN says. Therefore, COP 28 is an opportunity for countries to increase their ambition and action to close the gap between what they have promised and what they need to do.
What will be discussed at COP 28?
As well as progress towards the existing Paris goals, COP 28 will concentrate on:
- Fast-tracking the move to clean energy sources, to "slash" greenhouse gas emissions before 2030
- Delivering money for climate action from richer to poorer countries, and working on a new deal for developing nations
- Enhancing adaptation and resilience to cope with the impacts of climate change
- Promoting cooperation and innovation on low-carbon solutions
How will COP 28 affect our everyday lives?
The outcomes of COP 28 will have implications for our everyday lives in many ways. For example:
- If countries agree to accelerate their transition to renewable energy sources, we may see more solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles in our communities, as well as lower energy bills and cleaner air.
- If countries commit to providing more financial support for climate action in developing countries, we may see more opportunities for global solidarity and partnership, as well as reduced poverty and inequality.
- If countries enhance their adaptation and resilience measures, we may see more investment in infrastructure, agriculture and health systems that can withstand extreme weather events and protect vulnerable populations.
- If countries promote cooperation and innovation on low-carbon solutions, we may see more breakthroughs in technology, science and business that can create new jobs and markets.
COP 28 is a crucial moment for humanity's future. We all have a stake in its success. We can all play a part in making it happen. We can all raise our voices and demand action from our leaders. We can all take action ourselves by reducing our carbon footprint, supporting green initiatives and spreading awareness. Together, we can make a difference.