COP 28 refers to the United Nations Climate Change Conference took place in Dubai,
United Arab Emirates, from 30 November until 12 December 2023.
What is COP 28?
The international community is set for a critical turning point in the continuous battle against climate change as it excitedly awaits COP28, the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Who can attend COP 28?
A total of approximately 70,000 participants is expected in Dubai for COP28.
Participation to COP28 and access to the blue zone is restricted to delegates, admitted observer organizations and accredited members of the press and media. Delegations from all 199 Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will attend the conference.
While the public cannot attend the conference in person, many events in the blue zone, such as the plenary sessions of the bodies, the high-level segment with heads of states, many press conferences and side events will be webcast live for the public on unfccc.int. COP TV is another opportunity for the public to follow the conference and watch interesting interviews and themed segments.
While access to the blue zone is strictly limited, the green zone, managed by COP 28’s host country UAE, is more widely accessible.
Setting the stage
With the urgency of the climate crisis becoming increasingly apparent, COP28 brings together nations, leaders, and stakeholders from around the globe. The conference serves as a crucial platform to reassess and strengthen commitments made in previous COPs, with a renewed focus on achieving the goals set forth in the Paris Agreement.
Global cooperation
COP28 emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in combating climate change. Based on the principles of common but differentiated responsibility, countries work together to create agreements that are fair, just and promote a sustainable future for all.
Key Themes and Agendas
1.Ambitious Climate Targets:
It is anticipated that COP28 will mark a sea change in the establishment of more ambitious climate targets. Enhancing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce global warming and lessen the effects of climate change will put pressure on nations.
2.Adaptation and Resilience:
As the consequences of climate change become more obvious, the main topics of conversation will be how to adjust to these changes and increase resilience. The goal of COP28 is to assess how susceptible ecosystems and communities are to problems brought on by climate change.
3. Finance and Support:
One of the main areas of concern for poor countries is how to provide them with financial assistance while they fight climate change. The goal of COP28 is to raise money and resources to support developing nations with adaptation and mitigation strategies.
4. Technology transfer and innovation:
Encouraging the transfer of green technology and fostering innovation are crucial to achieving sustainable development. COP28 will explore ways to accelerate the adoption of cleaner technologies worldwide.
Civil society and youth participation
In addition to government representatives, COP28 welcomes the active participation of NGOs and youth groups. Recognizing the power of grassroots movements and the enthusiasm of the younger generation, the conference seeks to strengthen diverse voices in pursuit of climate justice.
Meetings that took place during COP 28
The conference comprises the annual meetings of the three decision-making bodies of the Convention, the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol. In these bodies, delegates of all member states discuss and decide on a wide variety of climate-related agenda items.
Meetings at the 2023 UN Climate Change conference in Dubai include the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) – the supreme decision-making body of the Convention – as well as the fifth session of the decision-making body of the Paris Agreement (CMA 5) and the 18th session of the decision-making body of the Kyoto Protocol (CMP 18), discussing workstreams under the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol, respectively.
Furthermore, the two subsidiary bodies under the UNFCCC, the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), will convene for SBI 59 and SBSTA 59. These two bodies do not pass decisions themselves, but provide technical information and advice to COP, CMA and CMP.
Outcomes of the COP 28
COP28 concludes with a groundbreaking agreement, signaling the "beginning of the end" of the fossil fuel era. Key outcomes include a global stocktake for intensified climate action, short-term emission reduction targets by 2025, progress in loss and damage initiatives, adaptation goals, and increased climate finance. Inclusivity and stakeholder engagement were emphasized, with the commitment to real-world climate solutions and ongoing efforts until 2030 for decarbonization.
Conclusion
As COP28 unfolds, the world watches with anticipation, hopeful that this gathering will mark a historic step toward a sustainable and resilient future. The decisions and commitments made during the conference will shape the trajectory of global efforts to combat climate change, emphasizing the collective responsibility to safeguard our planet for generations to come
Source: UNFCCC
Note for UPSC Aspirants: For UPSC aspirants interested in exploring further, here are some keywords to guide your research: Global Stocktake, Loss and Damage, Adaptation, Climate Finance, Mitigation Work Programme, Inclusivity, Global Climate Action
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