Key Facts About UN COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai: Analysis

World leaders, government representatives, and delegates are preparing to attend the annual United Nations climate change summit, known as COP28, in Dubai, UAE. The summit, scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 12, will focus on reining in fossil fuels and carbon emissions. Additionally, international funding to assist countries in adapting to climate change will be a significant topic of debate, as developing nations have been calling for increased contributions from industrialized nations.

Last year, an ambitious loss and damages fund designed to support poorer nations in managing the negative impacts of climate change was agreed upon. However, the fund has not been implemented yet due to disagreements over which countries should contribute and how much. Furthermore, COP28 will mark the first review of countries’ progress towards the Paris Agreement, a landmark international treaty aimed at limiting carbon emissions.

The choice of Dubai as the host country has received mixed reactions. Although the UAE was the first Middle Eastern nation to ratify the Paris Agreement, critics argue that hosting the summit in a country heavily reliant on fossil fuels undermines the goals of the conference. Moreover, concerns have been raised about the inclusion of oil and gas-linked representatives in such conferences.

COP28 serves as the primary decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), established in 1992. Representatives from 197 countries that have signed or are parties to the UNFCCC will participate in debates and negotiations during the summit.

The conference will be held at Expo City in Dubai, UAE. It takes place against a backdrop of devastating floods, heatwaves, wildfires, and a record-breaking global temperature increase this year.

COP28 presents an opportunity for countries to strengthen their efforts in combating climate change by developing improved targets and measures. However, recent reports indicate that current climate plans fall short of meeting the necessary reductions in carbon emissions to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

At COP28, member states will conduct their first Global Stocktake, analyzing progress towards the Paris Agreement. The findings will inform their next climate action plans due in 2025. Negotiations will also focus on operationalizing the loss and damages fund, with developing countries calling for at least $100 billion in financial assistance by 2030.

The summit will revolve around four themes: climate financing strategy, adaptation and resilience, nature-based solutions, and energy transition. Critics argue that merely focusing on these themes without addressing global financial structures and debt is insufficient. African countries, for instance, require significant reforms to achieve renewable energy and energy efficiency targets.

More than 140 heads of state, senior government leaders, and around 70,000 participants are expected to attend COP28. Notable figures include US President Joe Biden, who will be represented by Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry. The summit will feature a “blue zone” for state representatives and a “green zone” for registered participants from the public and civil society.

Concerns have been raised about the choice of Sultan al-Jaber, CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Co, as the president of COP28. Critics argue that his involvement conflicts with the goal of transitioning away from fossil fuels. Environmentalists and civil society organizations have demanded reforms and voiced concerns about the UNFCCC’s engagement with the fossil fuel industry.

In conclusion, the article provides an overview of the upcoming COP28 climate change summit in Dubai. It presents various perspectives, including criticism of the choice of host country and concerns about the involvement of the fossil fuel industry. The article covers key themes of the conference and highlights the need for more substantial financing and structural reforms. Overall, the article provides a factual account of the summit but could benefit from further analysis and exploration of differing viewpoints.

Source: Aljazeera news: UN COP28: What to know about the climate summit in Dubai