What exactly constitutes a COP, or Conference of the Parties, you may wonder?

It’s the United Nations’ annual climate change extravaganza, where global leaders, ministers, and negotiators unite to tackle the colossal challenge of climate change. Picture it as a high-stakes summit, with governments that have pledged allegiance to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, and/or the Paris Agreement taking center stage. But it’s not just politicians; the COPs also draw in a dynamic mix of thousands of individuals from civil society, the private sector, international organizations, and the media.

Since the groundbreaking COP21 in 2015, the focus of these conferences has been the implementation of the Paris Agreement. This landmark accord set out three ambitious objectives: keeping the global temperature rise ‘well below’ 2°C and striving for a limit of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels; adapting to climate change and fortifying resilience; and steering financial flows towards a trajectory of low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development. Imagine strolling beneath a canopy of vibrant succulent plants in the Green Zone of the UNFCCC COP27 climate conference in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

Now, here’s the intriguing part – each year, a different country plays host to this climate spectacle. The ongoing COP28 is set to unfold in the vibrant city of Dubai, hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since 30 November to 12 December 2023. Steering the ship and leading the negotiations is Dr. Sultan al-Jaber, a figure with significant roles in the UAE government and the fossil fuel industry. This blend of positions has, however, sparked controversy and raised questions about impartiality in the climate talks, especially given the increasing influence of fossil fuel lobbyists at these conferences.

COP decisions are no small feat – they’re made by consensus, a process complicated by the diverse needs and interests of participating parties.

Now, why is COP28 making headlines?

Well, it marks the finale of the first global stock-take (GST), the primary mechanism for evaluating progress under the Paris Agreement. With the world veering off course from the agreement’s objectives, the hope is that COP28 will be the stage for governments to craft a roadmap for turbocharging climate action.

In the spotlight of negotiations in Dubai are critical tasks such as setting the loss and damage fund (established at COP27) into motion and reaching a consensus on a framework for the Paris Agreement’s global goal on adaptation (GGA). Hot topics include the transition to clean energy, the transformation of food systems, and, as tradition dictates, the central role of climate finance discussions. COP28 promises to be a whirlwind of challenges, breakthroughs, and the ever-persistent pursuit of a sustainable future.

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