BY NABIMARA BENSON
The 2023 Dubai Climate Change Conference, known as COP28, unfolded with a mix of optimism and challenges, marking a significant step forward in addressing the urgent global climate crisis. Spanning from November 30 to December 13, the conference exceeded its original schedule by 23 hours, reflecting the intensity of negotiations and the commitment of nations to forge a path toward a sustainable future.
The conference commenced on a positive note with the adoption of a decision operationalizing the new loss and damage fund established in the previous year in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Pledges for its initial capitalization were announced, showcasing early collaborative efforts. A pivotal role was played by the Transitional Committee, which met throughout 2023 to make recommendations on the institutional arrangements for the fund.
Agendas for the meeting were swiftly adopted, thanks to pre-sessional consultations that secured agreements on addressing contentious issues within existing agenda items. This set the stage for a constructive dialogue, laying the foundation for more challenging negotiations.
Negotiations during the two-week meeting proved to be arduous, particularly on key outcomes such as the first Global Stocktake (GST) under the Paris Agreement, the framework for implementing the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), the mitigation work program, just transition pathways, and matters related to aligning finance flows with low-greenhouse gas climate-resilient development.
The second week saw negotiations taking place behind the scenes, with bilateral consultations working towards identifying landing zones for draft texts. Issues of contention included language on fossil fuel phaseout in the GST decision and references to means of implementation for the GGA. Despite the intention to conclude on time, consultations extended into the early hours of the last day.
The closing plenary saw the adoption of crucial decisions. The GST decision recognized the imperative for deep, rapid, and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in line with 1.5°C pathways. It urged parties to contribute to global efforts in areas such as renewable energy, coal power phase-down, net-zero emission energy systems, and the reduction of non-carbon-dioxide emissions.
Compromises were evident in the language, with some expressing dissatisfaction regarding the absence of a clear reference to fossil fuel phaseout. Despite criticisms, the decision is hailed as a significant step toward the “beginning of the end of fossil fuels.”
Apart from the GST decision, COP28 yielded several other noteworthy outcomes. The framework for the GGA was adopted, outlining impactful measures for goal implementation. The Santiago Network on loss and damage found a host in the consortium of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the UN Office for Project Services.
The work program on just transition pathways was launched, emphasizing the importance of inclusive dialogues. Additionally, decisions were made to continue the dialogue on aligning finance flows with low-GHG climate-resilient development and to convene expert dialogues on mountains and climate change and the disproportionate impacts of climate change on children in June 2024.
COP28, with its 97,372 registered attendees, marked the largest UN climate change conference to date. The engagement of parties, observers, and media representatives demonstrated the global commitment to addressing climate change collectively. Despite the challenges and differences in perspectives, the outcomes of COP28 underscore the importance of international collaboration in tackling the complex and urgent issue of climate change.
As the world navigates the complex landscape of environmental challenges, COP28 stands as a testament to the resilience of global cooperation in the face of adversity. While compromises were necessary, the decisions made in Dubai paved the way for continued efforts towards a sustainable and climate-resilient future. The journey toward mitigating climate change remains ongoing, and COP28 serves as a crucial chapter in this collective endeavor.
About The Author
NABIMARA BENSON Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture and Community development from BISHOP STUART UNIVERSITY, is an Environmentalist who is concerned with protecting and preserving our natural environment.