COP28 UAE: All about the UN Climate Change Conference
During COP26 (Conference of the Parties), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) named UAE the second Middle Eastern nation to host the UN Climate Change Conference. The 2023 event will be held at Expo City Dubai from 30th November to 12th December 2023. So, what exactly is the Conference of the Parties, and why is it such an important event? Our guide to COP28 UAE 2023 has the answers.
ABOUT THE CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE
COP, or Climate Change Conference, is held annually to develop a collective policy to combat climate change. Over 200 countries have come together to find creative and innovative solutions to limit greenhouse gas emissions. The latest edition of COP was held in November 2022 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, resulting in many key decisions to restrict some of the most destructive impacts of climate change.
The agenda at COP27 was as follows:
- Mitigate by keeping global warming no higher than 1.5°C.
- Adapt to and adjust the current and future impacts of climate change.
- Provide finance to aid developing countries in paying for mitigation and adaptation.
- Compensate loss and damage to developing countries caused by climate change attributed to developed countries.
- Take a global stocktake to assess the progress of fulfilling the Paris Agreement.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HOSTING COP28 IN THE UAE
The upcoming 2023 UN Climate Change Conference will be held in the UAE. This is significant because the UAE government has taken giant strides to tackle climate change. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has been crucial in pushing major initiatives, including ambitious climate pledges.
As one of the least methane-intense countries, the UAE will share its experience and expertise in reducing its dependency on greenhouse gases. The aim is to cut methane emissions by 30% by the end of 2030. The UAE government promised another $400 million to accelerate the transition from old energy generation methods to renewable energy in developing countries. Already, a lot of investment by the government has gone in to maximise renewable energy sources in the UAE.
At COP26, the USA and UAE presented a proposal for the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM). The aim was to invest in climate-smart agriculture. UAE had initiated plans to invest an extra $1 billion in the project.
Another roadmap was announced by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI). A comprehensive blueprint outlined the support of low-carbon industries and how the country can be established as an exporter of hydrogen. Similarly, the mangrove planting target was revised from 30 million to 100 million by the decade’s end.
To reduce the cost of solar energy, the UAE built the first-of-its-kind large-scale carbon capture facility. Additionally, $17 billion was spent on battery storage, wind, and solar energy projects in 27 island nations threatened by climate change.
Net Zero 2050 is another key initiative to turn the UAE into a carbon-neutral country by mid-century.
COP28 location is significant as the UAE as the country was a pioneer in using renewable energy and meeting its biodiversity conservation targets.
Given the continued commitment towards the cause by the UAE Government, the choice to make the country the next COP28 location didn’t come as a surprise. In fact, the decision was a way to acknowledge the country’s achievements in minimising ‘the climate crisis.’
The Logo for COP28 was unveiled during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Inspired by One World, the idea behind the logo is to represent the use of innovation for sustainable development. The light and dark green shades depict people, wildlife, nature and renewable technology.
THEMES FOR COP28 UAE
Four cross-cutting themes have been announced for COP28 UAE:
- Technology & Innovation
- Inclusion
- Frontline Communities
- Finance
COP28 SCHEDULE
Here’s a look at the schedule of the event, with each day planned to focus on different areas of need:
- November 30th: Opening Day
- 1st and 2nd December: World Climate Action Summit
- 3rd December: Health/Relief, Recovery and Peace
- 4th December: Finance/ Trade/Gender Equality/Accountability
- 5th December: Energy and Industry/Just Transition/Indigenous Peoples
- 6th December: Multilevel Action, Urbanisation and Built Environment/Transport
- 7th December: Rest
- 8th December: Youth, Children, Education and Skills
- 9th December: Nature, Land Use and Oceans
- 10th December: Food, Agriculture and Water
- 10th and 11th December: Final Negotiations
WHO CAN ATTEND COP28?
The arena has two separate areas. Blue Zone access is limited for UNFCCC-accredited participants, including media, world leaders and observers. The Green Zone will be accessible to the general public once they have registered via the official website. Guests and delegates from the Blue Zone, NGOs and participants from the public and private sectors can also be in attendance.
GREEN ZONE
Attendees at the Green Zone COP28 Dubai will have access to:
- Sponsor and stakeholder hubs
- Technology & Innovation Hub
- Knowledge Hub
- Energy Transition Hub
- Climate Finance Hub
- Curated content and programming
- Arts & Culture
- Exhibitions
- Networking
- Panels
- Roundtables
- Technical conferences
- Community engagement
- Youth Hub
- Sameem, Story of our Culture
- Ministry of Education ‘Green Education Hub’ and Civil Society Hub
Green Zone will be hosting the biggest gathering of climate actionists. Visitors can view climate-inspired interactive exhibits, film screenings, art installations and over 300 talks and discussions about climate change and sustainability.
More than 200 private companies and civil society organisations will be in attendance. Opening hours of the Green Zone are 10:00 am to 06:00 pm/ However, some events will happen later. Green Zone will only have invited guests on the first three days of the event. However, from the 3rd of December onward, anyone can attend after registering via the official website.
WHAT ARE THEY SAYING?
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at the time of the award of the hosting right, said that this was an honour for the country:
“We are pleased and honoured by the UNFCCC decision to select the United Arab Emirates to host the UN Climate Change Conference in 2023 and commit ourselves as a nation to supporting the entire international community in accelerating our combined efforts to overcome the very real threat of climate change.
The Founding Father of the UAE had the highest regard for the environment, and it is his legacy which has inspired the progress we have made over the past 50 years to diversify our economy – and will continue to inspire us as we strive to safeguard the well-being of present and future generations.
“COP28 in 2023 will and must be a ‘solutions COP’ – and I am confident that the rich experience of this young, inclusive nation in advancing practical, viable and shareable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges will again come to the fore as we host the world for the UN Climate Change Conference in two years’ time.
“The UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, announced earlier this year, shows our own unwavering commitment to promoting climate action. Further, through new investment commitments and partnerships, we are illustrating our determination to support the world in addressing climate change.
“We look forward to welcoming the world at COP28. The voice of every nation and stakeholder will be heard, ensuring that, together, we not only help mitigate the effects of global warming but also unlock new opportunities to realise greater prosperity and a better life for future generations,” he said about COP28 Expo City Dubai.
FAQS ABOUT COP28 UAE 2023
HAVE THE FINAL DATES OF COP28 UAE BEEN ANNOUNCED?
The 28th session is scheduled for 30th November to 12th December 2023. His Majesty King Charles III will make the opening speech at the COP28 summit.
WHERE WILL COP28 BE HELD?
The COP28 location is Expo City Dubai.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE UAE MINISTRY OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT?
You can read more about the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, its role and the projects it has undertaken for the betterment of the country.
Hosting COP28 in the UAE will further signify the country’s goals for the future. Under the Presidency of H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, COP28 2023 is expected to be an event of great global significance.
Initiatives like UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and COP28 in the UAE are indicators that the wheels of change are already in motion and the benefits will come soon. You can also aid the process by leading a greener life in Dubai.
