When it comes to the climate crisis, every action matters
COP 28 refers to the United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 through December 12, 2023.
UN Climate Change conferences (or COPs) take place every year, and are the world’s only multilateral decision-making forum on climate change with almost complete membership of every country in the world.
To put it simply, the COP is where the world comes together to negotiate global goals for tackling climate change, such as limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, helping vulnerable communities adapt to the effects of climate change, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Delegates also present their individual countries’ plans for contributing to those goals, and report on their progress.
Representatives from nearly 200 countries consisting of more than 70,000 delegates are expected to attend COP28, including the member states (or Parties) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Business leaders, young people, climate scientists, Indigenous Peoples, journalists, and various other experts and stakeholders are also among the participants.
Officially, COP 28 stands for the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC and you might also hear this referred to as the UN climate change convention.
Key facts about nature & climate
1.5° C
The target for limiting global warming to reduce the harmful effects of climate change
1/3
The amount of emission reductions we could realize by protecting and restoring nature
<10%
The amount of climate funding currently allocated to nature-based solutions
Why is COP28 important?
The planet is experiencing unprecedented challenges due to global warming, such as extreme wildfires, devastating floods, and intolerable heat waves. Adding to the concern is the first-ever climate progress report, known as the Global Stocktake, revealing how significantly we lag behind our climate goals. Urgent and substantial actions are needed to benefit the climate, and the upcoming COP28 is a critical opportunity for the world to step up.
COP, or the Conference of the Parties, is an annual gathering held in different cities worldwide to underscore the importance of global collaboration in addressing climate issues. This year, from November 30 to December 12, COP28 will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. While the overarching objective is always to enhance international cooperation against climate change, the specific agenda can vary each year.
As with the previous year, the host country, in this case, the United Arab Emirates, sets the tone and initial direction for the discussions. This meeting is crucial for nations to come together and work towards effective solutions for the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
What are the four areas COP28 is focusing on this year?
Transitioning to Clean Energy
Fast tracking the energy transition and slashing emissions before 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5° C (2.7° F) above pre-industrial levels.
Centering nature, people, lives & livelihoods
Put nature, people, lives and livelihoods at the heart of climate action, including helping the most vulnerable communities adapt to the change that’s already occurring.
Delivering on finance
Deliver old promises and set the framework for a new deal on finance. Climate finance must be affordable, available, and accessible to developing countries.
Mobilizing inclusivity
Mobilize the most inclusive COP ever, ensuring that decisions and discussions, and how the solutions are implemented, are truly inclusive and done in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
What can we do to help address climate change?
Every action matters. Every ounce of carbon, every fraction of a degree, every day matters. Our leaders’ climate actions matter and your climate actions matter.
At COP28 there are 3 core themes that can help:
- Phase out fossil fuels. We must accelerate the equitable phase-out of fossil fuels to achieve net zero by 2050 or sooner.
- Build climate-resilient societies. We must empower groups who steward nature to secure their homes, livelihoods and futures.
- Invest in climate solutions. We must inspire commitments and investments in nature-positive projects, policies and practices.
Source: UNFCC and COP28
