The twenty-eighth United Nations Climate Change Conference, often known as the Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC or simply COP28, will take place at Expo City, Dubai, from November 30, 2023, to December 12, 2023. Ever since the first United Nations climate accord in 1992, the meeting has been conducted yearly. Governments are expected to reach a consensus at the COP conferences on measures aimed at curbing global temperature increases and mitigating the effects of climate change.

The science is clear: by 2030, the world’s renewable power capacity—which includes wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal energy—must treble to maintain a habitable climate. Coal, oil, and gas output must also drastically drop. Simultaneously, there has to be a radical shift in the way adaptation finance and climate resilience investments are made. Leaders from industry, government, non-governmental organizations, and civil society come together at COP28 to discover practical answers to the central problem of our day.
Background Information; COP28
Climate-vulnerable nations, such as the United Arab Emirates, face significant challenges due to their extremely hot and humid climate. Between 1990 and 2022, the UAE’s average mean surface air temperature increased by 1.27°C. By the 2070s, wet-bulb temperatures are predicted to consistently exceed 35°C. The Persian Gulf and Red Sea areas experience the highest frequency of heat-humidity severe occurrences, causing drought, rising sea levels, and dust storms.

The UAE is actively promoting clean energy and a circular economy to reduce emissions and promote a sustainable future. The country has pledged to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 and has invested $50 billion in clean energy internationally. In November 2022, the UAE agreed to partner with the United States to invest another $100 billion in clean energy, making it the first Middle Eastern government to make such a pledge.
History: COP28
The UAE, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, announced in November 2021 that the country would host the 2023 OPEC climate conference. This marks the second time the conference has been held in the Middle East and the third time it has been hosted by a member of OPEC. The UAE allowed environmental activists to peacefully gather at the summit, despite its laws prohibiting unauthorized protests.
However, the geopolitical situation, including the war in Ukraine and frosty relations between the US and China, poses challenges to limiting temperature rises to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Governments are also concerned that the 2023 Israel-Hamas war may negatively impact negotiations at COP28.

In November 2023, a pre-COP meeting of ministers was held, with 100 delegations and 70 ministers attending. The conference aimed to deliver on the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference’s goals. Pope Francis, King of the United Kingdom, and President Joe Biden did not attend due to ill health. China’s representative announced cooperation between China, the United States, and the European Union.
Insiders expressed hope for a climate agreement between China and the United States, similar to the 2014 agreement that led to the Paris Agreement. The United States and China announced an agreement to triple renewable energy globally by 2030, addressing greenhouse gases but not phasing out coal-fired power plants.
Climate change’s effects on public health
Climate change is a significant concern for public health, with experts like Edmond Fernandes urging the UNFCCC to include public health in all meetings and policies. The medical community believes a phase-out of fossil fuels is the only way to deliver health for all.

The World Health Organization calls on ministers of health to lead by example with climate-friendly healthcare systems and advocate for climate finance that safeguards human well-being. The estimated cost of climate change to vulnerable countries is $580 billion by 2030.
Comments 1