The 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai, UAE, beginning November 30 to December 12, 2023, is marked by unique features
COP 28 in Dubai, UAE, scheduled from November 30 to December 12, 2023, is marked by unique features. Ahmed Al Jaber, the chairman of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNC), serves as its president, leading to debates on potential conflicts of interest, especially regarding discussions related to fossil fuels expected to take centre stage at the event. It's important to note that although the UNFCCC website acknowledges the absence of a conflict of interest policy, a Code of Conduct is in place.
Clause 22.3 of the draft rules of procedure of the UNFCCC Code of Conduct states that "the President shall participate in the session in that capacity and shall not simultaneously exercise the rights of a representative of a party." While these rules are yet to be officially adopted by the COP, they are consistently applied during each UN Climate Change Conference.
In simpler terms, it is considered inappropriate for the president to intervene in discussions concerning their country. However, this doesn't necessarily imply that presiding officers, including the COP President, must abstain from participating in discussions about their country.
Aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement, COP 28 will undertake the Global Stocktake for the first time, evaluating the strategies implemented to achieve climate goals. Governments will decide on additional actions regarding climate action plans that are due in 2025.
To meet the goal of reducing 22 gigatons of emissions before 2030, COP 28 focuses on four dimensions: fast-tracking the energy transition, climate finance, people, lives, and livelihoods, and inclusion. For the first time, the COP 28 Action Agenda is based on open consultations focusing on maintaining the 1.5°C limits.
This COP introduces a two-week thematic area and sequencing agenda based on open consultations, covering "new, essential topics like health, trade, relief, recovery, and peace."
COP28 UAE's menu is tuned to "1.5 Degree Celsius," and a 100 percent vegan food truck is included. The COP28 Sustainable Catering Strategy mandates caterers to minimise waste, provide sustainable packaging, source local/regional produce, and recycle where possible. Curators ensure that delegates stay within their individual budget of 2.3k CO2e per day through curated eating.
At the United Nations General Assembly, Jaber urged world leaders to support the COP28 Declaration on Resilient Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, and Climate Action—a groundbreaking initiative emphasising the link between food systems, agriculture, and climate change. The summit will feature the "first-ever ministerial dialogue on water-resilient food systems."
A specific focus on methane emissions and strategies to address them is also part of COP 28, acknowledging its higher potency than carbon dioxide. For the first time, COP 28 introduces a faith pavilion, elaborating on the role of faith and spirituality in addressing climate change.
Recognising the impact of climate change on health, parties will hold a "Health Day" for the first time, focusing on "climate-sensitive non-communicable diseases," primarily due to heat stress and air pollution.
India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is set to attend COP 28. Earlier, he had emphasised India's commitment to addressing climate change through initiatives like Panchamrit and LiFE (Lifestyle for the Environment). India's finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has discussed climate funding and technology transfer at the India Global Forum Middle East and Africa 2023, Dubai.
December 3 will feature a roundtable focused on "Health Response to Climate Change in the Context of G20," which will draw attention to "G20 high-level principles on climate and health" and present the new Climate and Health Initiative launched by India and ADB.