COP28 UAE's Vision: Fast-tracking energy transition, fixing climate finance

At the closing of Pre-COP on Oct 31, COP28 President Dr Sultan Al Jaber commended the efforts made to move the COP process forward and expressed hope, adding "We are beginning to get the traction for action." (Image courtesy: @COP28_UAE)

The world prepares to convene in Expo City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, 2023, for the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). With the aim of establishing impactful agreements and driving transformative action to combat the climate crisis, anticipation is high for the forthcoming event.

COP28 UAE: Conference to battle climate change and achieve Paris Agreement goals

COP28 UAE, set against the backdrop of the Paris Agreement's (COP21) objectives, aims to serve as a pivotal moment in the battle against climate change. In recent years, world leaders have stressed the need to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of 2030. With a focus on efforts to keep the global temperature rise within the crucial threshold, this conference offers the potential to guide global collaborative efforts toward meeting the outlined objectives.

Key pillars of COP28: Energy transition, climate finance, prioritizing livelihoods, and inclusivity

One of the initiatives of COP28 will be the inaugural Global Stocktake, a comprehensive assessment measuring the progress in alignment with climate objectives. The COP28 Presidency's Action Agenda revolves around four pivotal pillars: fast-tracking the energy transition, fixing climate finance, focusing on people, lives, and livelihoods, and underpinning everything with full inclusivity.

Formal talks, side events - Key components of COP28

The COP28 UAE Presidency emphasizes the involvement of various stakeholders is paramount for the success of COP28, also stresses on the importance of collaboration between governments and the private sector in combatting climate change. The event includes two zones: The Blue Zone is open to accredited parties (country negotiators) and observer delegates (NGOs, IGOs, UN Agencies), media, and world leaders. The Blue Zone hosts formal negotiations, and hundreds of official side events, including panel discussions, speaking events, and cultural events. And, the Green Zone will provide a platform for the private sector to offer innovative solutions, technologies, and initiatives aimed at addressing the global climate challenge.

Alongside the proceedings in the two zones, numerous 'fringe' events organized by various entities passionate about climate action will take place, further enriching the discourse.

COP28 UAE Vision:

Key points emphasized in the UAE's climate action approach:

1. Fast-tracking energy transition and slashing emissions before 2030:

• Curtailing emissions and advance the transition to sustainable energy
• Mitigating the existing carbon footprint, and aiming to achieve the crucial 1.5°C target
• Reducing in fossil fuel usage and unabated coal to address coal-related methane emissions
• Increasing investments in clean energy supply
• Achieving universal energy access
• Curbing deforestation, managing non-CO2 gases and expanding carbon management
• Increasing renewable energy capacity, emphasis on electrification

• UAE urges developed nations to honor climate finance commitments, doubling adaptation funding, and making ambitious contributions to the Green Climate Fund
• Channeling financial support to developing countries
• UAE says to meet the Paris Agreement goals, emerging and developing countries require over $2.4 trillion in annual climate action investment by 2030
• Climate finance must be affordable, available, and accessible to developing countries as a critical driver for climate action
• Collaboration with key financial institutions and the establishment of a new financial system pivotal in mobilizing private capital for climate action

• COP28 focuses on addressing loss and damage
• Conservation of biodiversity, protecting natural carbon sinks, and promoting policies for the most vulnerable communities
• Invest in practical solutions to improve lives and livelihood, especially in nature, food, agriculture, health, and water sectors

• UAE places emphasis on inclusivity, engaging various groups such as women, indigenous peoples, youth, and local communities in COP28
• The objective is to encourage active youth participation, amplify their voices, and ensure meaningful involvement in decision-making processes

The gathering is expected to draw over 70,000 delegates from 197 countries, the European Union, and a multitude of non-government organizations, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors, and other stakeholders.