From November 30 to December 12, 2023 the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) in order to build upon past achievements and provide the foundation for future efforts to successfully address the worldwide issue of climate change. However, it’s worth noting that the conference has faced its fair share of controversies. These controversies include frustration over the appointment of an oil company CEO to the presidency of the conference to the never-ending debates on climate finance and responsibility for past emissions. At the heart of this summit lies a critical component—the first Global Stocktake (GST). The GST embodies a profound reckoning of our collective progress, or lack thereof, towards the goals set by the Paris Climate Agreement. There are also growing calls for a phase out fossil fuels, not limited to coal but encompassing oil and gas.

In addition, the conference’s agenda is further complicated by the talks around loss and damage, which pertain to the financial and infrastructural consequences experienced by vulnerable countries as a result of climate change. The resolution of these discussions, which will be determined at COP28, establishes the framework for tackling the economic and social consequences of climate change and highlights the difficulties of reaching agreement in the presence of conflicting interests and historical emissions.

As we begin our investigation of COP28, we examine the crucial Global Stocktake and analyze its relevance in relation to the Paris Agreement. We then turn our attention to the UNFCC synthesis report and highlight some of its most important findings, highlighting the pressing need for increased ambition in climate action. We then examine the resurgent disputes between developed and developing countries as COP28 draws near, with a focus on the loss and damage fund in particular. Finally, we shed light on the complex dynamics of COP28’s leadership, exploring its consequences for global sustainability and the conference’s potential to produce meaningful outcomes in the fight for climate resilience and renewable energy.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) released a synthesis report, which represents a major achievement in evaluating worldwide advancements towards the objectives set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement. This study is an essential part of the global stocktake, which is a thorough assessment that takes place every five years as required by the Paris Agreement. In 2015, nations made a commitment in Paris to limit the increase in global temperatures to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, with the goal of staying below 1.5 degrees Celsius if possible. As part of this agreement, countries also agreed to regularly assess and evaluate the efforts made by individual nations in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. It provides valuable insights on countries’ endeavors to address climate change and shift towards renewable energy sources. The first report of the year is anticipated to have a substantial impact on the deliberations in November, when delegates from various nations gather in Dubai for the 28th iteration of the United Nations Climate Conference of Parties (COP).

The study presents seventeen crucial observations that together indicate that the world is not making sufficient progress towards meeting the goals set by the Paris Agreement. However, there is a limited timeframe within which governments may still take necessary actions to rectify the situation. The seventeen headline declarations indicate that the Paris Agreement has motivated governments to establish objectives and emphasize the urgent nature of the climate challenge. It is essential for governments to provide assistance in shifting their economy away from fossil fuel industries, while states and communities must enhance their efforts in this regard. Although fast change may cause disruption, it is crucial for governments to prioritize the establishment of an equitable and inclusive economic transition. The statement emphasized the need for much greater ambition in order to achieve a 43% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, followed by a further 60% reduction by 2035, ultimately leading to the attainment of net zero CO2 emissions worldwide by 2050.

The expansion of renewable energy sources must be increased, while all “unabated fossil fuels” should be swiftly phased out. The cessation and reversal of deforestation and land degradation are essential, while promoting agricultural techniques that are crucial for emission reduction and the preservation and enhancement of carbon sinks. Although the global community has pledged to increase efforts to address the present and future consequences of climate change, most actions have been fragmented, gradual, focused on certain sectors, and unevenly dispersed across different areas.

Also, there is a need to quickly increase support for adapting to and supporting efforts to prevent, reduce, and remedy the negative consequences of climate change. In order to address the pressing and growing demands, it is imperative to align financial transactions with the principles of climate-resilient development. There is a need to improve access to climate financing in underdeveloped nations. Unlocking and reallocating trillions of dollars is crucial in order to address global investment requirements. This includes swiftly redirecting financial flows worldwide to promote a transition towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development.

The next COP28 in Dubai is generating a sense of anticipation, as the global stocktake report is expected to have a significant impact on the discussions and direction of the event. The need to tackle climate change is more pressing than ever, and COP28 serves as a crucial platform for countries to come to terms with the report’s alarming conclusions. The synthesis report functions not just as an evaluation but also as a strong appeal for courageous commitments. The success of COP28 depends on governments using this report as a catalyst for comprehensive reforms, representing the necessary commitment to shift the detrimental trajectory that humankind is now on.

There has also been renewed conflicts between developed and developing countries ahead of COP 28, particularly around the creation of a fund for loss and damage. The latest position taken by the United States underscores its longstanding reluctance to acknowledge and assume financial responsibilities associated with its significant emissions of greenhouse gases. The fundamental tenet of common but differentiated responsibly encounters opposition, as wealthy countries exhibit reluctance to be clearly acknowledged as the main financial contributors. The unresolved conflict in loss and damage debates poses a danger to larger climate objectives and undermines confidence among countries, so jeopardizing their efficacy.

As COP28 in Dubai approaches, key issues and dubious actions raise doubt on its ability to handle the global climate catastrophe. Sultan al-Jaber, CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), as COP28 president casts doubt on climate action. Al-Jaber’s conflict of interest in running a fossil fuel corporation and promoting sustainable energy programs affects the conference’s legitimacy. The problematic position of encouraging fossil fuel firms to participate in climate debates despite their history of climate denial is a paradox. In May 2023, 133 US Senators and EU MPs called for his removal, highlighting his unsuitability to lead a conference essential to global sustainability.

This nomination highlights COP28’s apparent conflict between urgent emission reductions and big fossil fuel interests. The conference’s leadership’s links to the fossil fuel sector cast doubt on its capacity to generate substantial results as the globe struggles to switch to renewable energy. In addition to climate discussions, COP28 will test the worldwide community’s commitment to tackling the climate catastrophe.

Jesus Diaz