The highly significant annual climate change summit, COP28, is scheduled to commence in Dubai, drawing the participation of prominent leaders from member countries. Slated to take place from November 30 to December 12, the summit is expected to be attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, King Charles III, and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, among other world leaders, with an anticipated total of 70,000 attendees. Notably, US Vice President Kamala Harris will represent the United States after President Joe Biden withdrew.
COP, an acronym for “Conference of the Parties,” refers to the countries that signed the original UN climate agreement in 1992. This year’s COP aims to address strategies for limiting and preparing for future climate change.
In addition to its role as the host, the UAE is anticipated to announce commitments from major oil and gas companies to reduce methane leakage. The summit will also evaluate the global progress toward the Paris Agreement’s 2015 goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the COP28 President-Designate, emphasized the UAE Presidency’s commitment to holding every country and stakeholder accountable to keep the 1.5-degree Celsius target within reach.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged COP28 to target a complete “phaseout” of fossil fuels, warning of a “total disaster” if the current trajectory continues. Guterres emphasized the importance of clarity in commitment, advocating for a clear “phase-out” rather than a vague “phase-down.”
The agenda for COP28 includes a focus on limiting long-term global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius, a crucial target to avoid the most damaging impacts of climate change, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). With the current warming at about 1.1 to 1.2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial times, urgent action is needed to prevent an estimated 2.4 to 2.7 degrees Celsius of warming by 2100.
COP28 will prioritize fast-tracking the transition to clean energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions before 2030. Additionally, discussions will center on securing climate finance from wealthier to poorer nations and developing a new deal for developing nations. Last year’s conference in Sharm el-Shaikh led to the establishment of a loss and damage fund for countries affected by climate disasters.
Reports indicate that France, with support from the United States, plans to halt private financing for coal-based power plants during COP28 in Dubai.
As for India’s agenda, Prime Minister Modi is expected to attend the first two days of the conference. India sees COP28 as an opportunity to build upon its G20 achievements, particularly in addressing climate change during its G20 Presidency. PM Modi will also advocate for the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA), launched during the G20 Summit in New Delhi. Comprising major producers like Brazil and the US, GBA aims to foster a global market for biofuel obtained from biomass.
India has committed to achieving net zero by 2070, reaching a non-fossil energy capacity of 500 GW, and meeting 50% of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.
Regarding the UAE’s role as the host, initial reports suggested plans to leverage its position for oil and gas deals with multiple countries. As one of the top 10 oil-producing nations globally, the UAE did not deny its intention to discuss business matters during COP28, emphasizing that private meetings remain private.
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