Five Things to Know About COP28

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The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, 2023. The conference is bringing together heads of state, government officials, climate experts, and civil society representatives from around the world to discuss and negotiate action on climate change.

Here are five things to know about COP28:

  1. The stakes are higher than ever. The world is not on track to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. The consequences of climate change are already being felt around the world, and they are only going to get worse if we don’t take urgent action.
  2. There will be a focus on loss and damage. Loss and damage refers to the irreversible and irreparable harm that is already being caused by climate change, particularly in developing countries. At COP28, there is a push to create a new fund to help developing countries cope with loss and damage.
  3. The climate financing gap is a major challenge. Developing countries need an estimated $100 billion per year to adapt to climate change and mitigate its effects. However, there is a massive gap between what is needed and what is being provided. COP28 is an opportunity for developed countries to step up and provide more finance to developing countries.
  4. Methane and food systems are on the agenda. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is responsible for about 30% of human-caused warming. COP28 is expected to focus on reducing methane emissions from agriculture and other sources. Food systems are also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. COP28 will discuss ways to make food systems more sustainable.
  5. There is a need for more ambitious action. COP28 is an opportunity for countries to raise their ambition on climate action. This means setting more ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and taking more concrete steps to achieve those targets.

COP28 is a critical opportunity to make progress on climate change. However, it will not be enough on its own. We need to see more ambitious action from governments, businesses, and individuals in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.