UN COP 28

The 28th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) will take place from November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This critical event will bring together representatives from 196 countries to discuss and take action on climate change.

Issues for Discussions

At the COP 28 conference, several pressing matters will take center stage in discussions. Let's explore some of these crucial subjects:

Worldwide Evaluation: 

The first-ever "Global Stocktake" concludes at COP 28, where the UN gauges global progress in tackling the climate crisis. Regrettably, the Global Stocktake report published in September 2023 shows we are significantly off course in achieving our target of capping global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times. The key issue now is how leaders from nations, businesses, cities, and financial institutions will react to this evaluation. Will this be a time for simple contemplation or decisive action?

Fossil Fuels Transition: 

Swift measures are required to decrease emissions. Studies reveal that a 43% reduction from 2019 levels is necessary by 2030 to dodge the most severe climate change effects. Yet, current national climate plans only achieve a modest 7% reduction. At COP 28, governments ought to announce their plans to phase out fossil fuels and move towards accessible, dependable, and eco-friendly energy for all.

Climate Financing: 

Developed nations must supply the essential funding for adapting to climate impacts in vulnerable countries. Putting into action the Loss & Damage Fund, agreed upon at COP 27 in 2022, is vital. This fund supports nations as they recoup from inevitable losses and damages caused by climate change.

Adaptation and Resilience: 

Creating resilient systems against climate consequences is crucial. At COP 28, concerns surrounding water and food security, youth involvement, gender equality, trade relations, renewable energy resources, and robust relief systems will be addressed.

Net Zero Shift: 

Reaching net-zero emissions demands solid policy actions. COP 28 will examine the financial sector's part in moving towards low-carbon economies and societies that can endure climate challenges.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

The successful implementation of COP 28 supports both climate and the SDGs. The achievement of the perpetual goal of $100 billion every year towards climate finance would be a great achievement in sustainable development and climate mitigation efforts.

The coming COP 28 will probably be a milestone on the way to combating climate change at large. They expect that the conference will result in new commitments by countries to cut back their emissions and aid poorer nations. In addition, some people worry that COP 28 will not be enough. Some countries are hesitant to take bold actions toward climate change as well as, little trust among the developed and developing countries.

Background on UN COP

The UNFCCC is a collection of international sessions known as the Conference of the Parties, or COP for short. The UNFCCC was set up during the Summit of the Earth in 1992 which took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Its goal is to respond to the growing alarms about global warming.
 
Cop1, the first conference, was held in Berlin in 1995. Since then, each year, has seen representatives from the UN member countries converging for purposes of devising methods of combating global warming. Within the UNFCCC, the COP is the highest decision-making authority.
 
COP meetings have had a great impact on international climate policies and agreements over the years. COP3 in 1997 saw the adoption of the first ever internationally binding agreement, which aimed at reducing the level of greenhouse gases. COP conferences are well known for their complexity, which involves talks about emission reductions, climate finance, adaptive measures as well and technology transfer. The events are an opportunity for the countries to show their improvement, share experiences, and collaborate in addressing climate change issues. 
 
Recently, COP meetings have attracted more attention because of the necessity of collective global efforts to curb climate change For instance, COP21 took place in Paris in 2015 and is considered one of the most important agreements as it led to the Paris Agreement that seeks to limit global warming to less than 2℃ above pre-industrial levels. 
 
COP continues to be relevant in global efforts for climate change and each successive conference is an expansion of the victories of the foregoing conferences. it is a very important platform for countries to come together to agree on just and effective solutions to such complex and interrelated problems of climate change.