DUBAI: The UN climate conference, COP28, commenced in Dubai on Thursday, drawing attention to the critical need for increased urgency in addressing global warming and transitioning away from fossil fuels.
The conference is being held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a country with significant oil reserves, adding scrutiny to its role as the host. With more than 97,000 participants, including world leaders, activists, and lobbyists, this event is touted as the largest climate gathering of its kind.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that this year is projected to be the hottest in human history, with global emissions still on the rise. The central theme of COP28 is to assess progress on curbing global warming and devise strategies for more effective climate action. The talks aim to build on the Paris Agreement’s goals set in 2015, where nations agreed to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius and preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Notable figures, including Britain’s King Charles III, are expected to participate in the two-week-long negotiations. Approximately 140 heads of state and government will articulate their ambitions to address climate change after a year marked by devastating floods, wildfires, and storms worldwide.
The UAE positions itself as a bridge between historically responsible developed nations and the rest of the world, emphasizing its commitment to addressing climate change. However, criticism has arisen due to the appointment of Sultan Al Jaber, the head of UAE oil giant ADNOC, as the COP president. Concerns about a potential conflict of interest were heightened when Jaber was accused of using the presidency to pursue fossil fuel deals, allegations he vehemently denied.
Thorny issues on the COP28 agenda include the future of fossil fuels and the ongoing debate over climate finance for developing countries. The absence of both US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the world’s top polluters, adds complexity to geopolitical tensions and trust-building efforts. The conference aims to achieve consensus among nearly 200 nations on critical issues, including phasing out fossil fuels, a proposition supported by vulnerable island nations and scientific experts.
In the midst of these challenges, the hope is that COP28 will result in tangible commitments and actions to accelerate the global response to climate change.
