Delegates from nearly 200 countries gathered in Dubai for the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) climate summit. The summit aimed to evaluate the progress and challenges of implementing the Paris climate agreement [3ea0976a].
Controversies surrounding the anti-climate behavior of major emitters such as the US and key EU economies overshadowed the event. The host country, UAE, appointed the CEO of the state-owned oil company as the president of COP28, raising concerns over conflict of interest [3ea0976a]. Despite being a climate-vulnerable country, the UAE has invested in renewable energy but still has high per capita emissions [3ea0976a].
The talks at COP28 focused on addressing the falling behind of targets set in the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Global Stocktake, a two-year process that informs greenhouse gas reductions, was a key focus. The current reductions and commitments were not consistent with the Paris Agreement's goals. The summit aimed to prioritize the phase-out of fossil fuels and the acceleration of renewable energy deployment [6784423f] [3ea0976a].
Major emitters struggled to draft consensual documents, with countries most affected by the climate crisis urging an end to fossil fuel use within a stipulated timeframe. The COP28 agreed to begin reducing global consumption of fossil fuels and transitioning away from them. However, critics argue that the deal falls short of the necessary actions and includes half measures and loopholes [3ea0976a].
In addition to addressing climate targets, the conference focused on scaling up climate finance, particularly for the Global South, and addressing the energy crisis and inequality. The establishment of a climate damage fund to help countries that have already suffered irreparable damage from climate change impacts was also discussed. Wealthy nations were expected to announce contributions to the fund, with the EU and US already committing to contribute [6784423f].
The talks also addressed the slow commitment of sub-national governments, such as cities and states, to the Paris Agreement. The next Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) updates are due in 2025 and must include short-term targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions [6784423f].
The COP28 summit presented an opportunity for countries to come together and find common ground on climate action. The outcome of COP28 remained to be seen, but there was a call for optimism and unwavering resolve [6784423f].
On the same day as COP28 in Dubai, a counter-COP began at the submarine base in Bordeaux, organized by the collective Scientists in Rebellion. The purpose of the counter-COP was to highlight the local impact of climate change and the exploitation of new oil wells in the same area where a fire occurred. The counter-COP emphasized the need to address climate change as a direct and local issue that affects people's lives [481b1002].
The UN climate conference COP29 is set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan. The conference aims to utilize green issues to ease global tensions and prevent climate-fueled conflicts. Azerbaijan's national security and foreign policy adviser, Hikmet Hajiyev, mentioned that they are discussing a COP truce similar to the Olympics, but it will require additional consultations and discussions. The decision for Azerbaijan to host COP29 came after Armenia withdrew its bid and confirmed it won't veto its neighbor's bid, marking the first gesture of support between the two countries. The host country aims to make COP29 a COP of peace alongside the climate action issue. However, there are concerns about linking climate change and national security too closely together, as it could potentially spill ill feelings over conflicts into climate negotiations. Azerbaijan's human rights record and its status as a petrostate have also raised concerns. COP28, held in the UAE, faced controversy due to the large number of fossil fuel lobbyists and the failure to commit to a fossil fuel phaseout. The focus on peace at COP29 is welcomed by former UN climate envoy Mary Robinson, but she expressed concern over Azerbaijan's human rights record. The country's approach to the peace agenda is seen as living by example. The impact of the climate crisis on food and water shortages and migration could spark border issues and add to the pressure on countries, making climate action relevant to national security and peace [5f75b58b].