COP28 begins amid calls for action
UN climate conference in Dubai sees world confront daunting emissions crisis, increasing temperatures
At COP28, the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, countries and international institutions are expected to review their commitments on climate action amid calls for concrete and resolute efforts.
The 28th UN climate change conference kicked off in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, on Nov 30, marking the event’s return to the Middle East after Qatar hosted COP18 in 2012.
The latest conference, which will run until Dec 12, bears the theme: “Unite. Act. Deliver.” The message highlights celebrating the interconnected world and fostering unity and inspiration toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
The World Climate Action Summit, hosted by President of the UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will be held from Dec 1-2, with heads of state and government participating.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Nov 28 emphasized urgent efforts to tackle the growing climate ambition gap.
COP28 in Dubai “must be the place to urgently close the climate ambition gap”, as emissions continue to rise and climate chaos intensifies, Guterres said at the United Nations.
“As the reality of climate chaos pounds communities around the world, with ever fiercer floods, fires, and droughts, the chasm between need and action is more menacing than ever,” he said.
Referring to the latest United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) report, the top UN official said that it reveals a stagnation in global climate ambition over the past year, with national climate plans being “strikingly misaligned” with scientific findings.
The UN’s climate change body says that global greenhouse gas emissions need to fall by 45 percent by the end of this decade compared to 2010 levels, to meet the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The UN chief called for hastening net zero timelines “so that developed countries get there as close as possible to 2040 and emerging economies as close as possible to 2050.” Additionally, he advocated a boost in renewable energy investments, in parallel with the phasing out of fossil fuels.
COP28 will offer an opportunity to assess global efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, said Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary General Martin Chungong.
Highlighting the unique context of COP28, Chungong underscored the shift from sideline parliamentary meetings to a central role of the negotiating mechanism.
This transformation provides a prime opportunity for parliamentarians worldwide to assert their expectations of governments in the face of the global climate emergency, the IPU chief said.
The expo at COP28 features Green Zone and Blue Zone. The Green Zone promises to be a vibrant hub, featuring the first-ever sustainable fashion show at COP, inspiring art installations, performances, theatrical shows, and more from Dec 3-12, according to the Emirates News Agency.
These experiences are designed and curated to educate, involve, and empower climate innovators as well as those curious about becoming climate advocates in their daily lives.
Visitors to the Green Zone at Expo City Dubai, a space managed and delivered by the COP28 Presidency, can look forward to discovering a wide range of arts and cultural activities.
The United for Climate installation revolves around the unification of the seven emirates of the UAE through the medium of art.
This initiative aims to harness the power of artistic expression to emphasize the collective commitment of the nation to climate action, the Emirates News Agency reported.
China’s pavilion at Expo City will host more than 100 events on the sidelines of COP28, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment said on Nov 30.
The pavilion, featuring two meeting areas and one exhibition area, is on the first floor of the Chinese delegation’s office.
Activities focusing on energy transition, digital development, green finance and China’s policies and actions on climate change will be held on nine days with different themes, including Opening Day, Youth Day, Mitigation Day, and Technology and Finance Day.