What Is COP28 UAE And Why It Is Important For Global Climate Change Policies?

ClimateAngels | Sep 07, 2023

“It is just 2-3 months remaining until the commencement of COP28 in Dubai, UAE. The urgency to combat climate change is reaching a fever pitch. Read this article to find out what is “COP28 UAE”, and its importance in uniting the global north and south on climate policies.”

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The global community stands at a critical crossroads, where the need to reduce emissions has never been more pressing.

It’s more than clear that the current approaches to dealing with climate change are falling short. Existing climate policies, while well-intentioned, have proven to be ineffective, often alienating the very nations (G20 countries) crucial to addressing this global challenge.

In this era of division between the Global South and North, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is taking the beacon of hope in its hands to bridge this gap.

Let’s unfold this article and uncover more about the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference, commencing in late 2023 – “The COP28 UAE.”

What Is COP 28 UAE?

COP28 UAE, the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), is set for November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Dubai, UAE.

Since its inception in 1992, this conference has been crucial for global governments to address climate change challenges, aiming to limit rising temperatures and adapt to their impacts.

The UAE is hosting COP28 at Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion in Dubai, UAE.

Terra-The-Sustainability-Pavilion-Grimshaw- Architects-dubai-COP28UAE-Washington-DC-2023-01

Source: Expo2020Dubai

The country is demonstrating its commitment to climate action, including a pledge to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and signing the Paris Agreement in 2016.

The UAE is investing significantly in clean energy, with $50 billion committed internationally and an additional $50 billion by 2030, along with a $100 billion partnership with the United States.

Nonetheless, COP28 UAE remains a vital event despite challenges, uniting nations to combat climate change and pursue a sustainable, greener future.

Furthermore, this climate conference is of significant importance in promoting decisive and sustainable growth within the G20 economies.

See this infographic to Understand COP28 UAE at a Glance:

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COP28 UAE at a Glance 👆

What is the importance of COP28 UAE?

Increasingly, there’s a prevailing sentiment that current global institutions, including the World Bank, IMF, and COP, do not adequately represent the interests of developing nations.

This sentiment was underscored by the UK’s Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, who recently called for reforms to the UN Security Council to grant the Global South greater representation.

Cleverly highlighted the significant risk of excluding developing nations from global decision-making, which could potentially lead to their withdrawal from the global trading system.

The developing world holds the key to the battle against climate change. It is where most of the net emissions growth occurs, driven by rapid economic and population expansion.

Thus, to limit global warming to the crucial 1.5°C target, these nations must pursue a low-emission development pathway that simultaneously promotes growth and development. This necessitates a focus on reducing global energy consumption rather than merely restricting energy supply.

The Western world’s fixation on emissions reduction sometimes comes at the expense of social and economic development in developing nations. This was starkly evident during COP-26 in Glasgow, where industries responsible for 90% of global energy production, such as oil, gas, nuclear, and coal, were marginalized and excluded from the conversation.

This decision was rooted in the misconception that the net zero agenda could be achieved without oil and gas, which, in reality, is unattainable given the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources and the cost of nuclear energy.

Why is Climate Change a Challenge for developing nations?

As mentioned earlier, Climate change is a challenge for developing nations because of rapid economic and population expansion.

Take the example of India. Its economic aspirations, vulnerability to climate impacts, and the need to balance development with environmental sustainability are creating complex dilemmas.

India’s actions in transitioning to cleaner energy sources and achieving net zero by 2070 will influence global efforts to combat climate change.

Here are the 10 key challenges posed by climate change for developing nations like India:

1. Economic Development vs. Emissions: Balancing the need for economic growth to support a growing population with the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

2. Heatwaves: Coping with increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves that pose significant health risks, strain healthcare services, and impact vulnerable populations.

3. Monsoons and Flooding: Managing the effects of heavier rainfall and changing monsoon patterns, which can disrupt agriculture, and food supply, and lead to flooding.

4. Drought: Dealing with longer dry spells between monsoons, reducing access to reliable water sources for drinking, agriculture, and livestock.

5. Resource Mismanagement: Addressing the mismanagement of natural resources like water, which exacerbates vulnerabilities to water scarcity and environmental degradation.

6. Economic Impact: Managing the economic consequences of climate change, including reduced productivity, damage to infrastructure, and potential displacement of communities.

7. Vulnerable Communities: Protect vulnerable populations, particularly those working in labor-intensive jobs, who lack access to clean drinking water and cooling solutions.

8. Meeting Climate Targets: Striving to meet climate change mitigation and adaptation targets while addressing the growing energy demands of a rapidly expanding economy.

9. Resource Transition: Transitioning from fossil fuels, like coal, to green/renewable energy sources, requires significant infrastructure and investment.

10. Global Cooperation: Collaborating with the Global North (United States, United Kingdom, China, Russia, France, Germany, Canada, Japan, Italy, the Republic of Korea – South Korea) and international organizations (like Commonwealth of Nations, OPEC, ASEAN, AU, OAS, EU, NATO, WHO, World Bank Group, IMF, WTO, UN, and alike) to secure financial support and resources for climate action.

These challenges highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of climate change impacts on developing nations such as India, and COP28 is likely to address these challenges.

COP28UAE-Dubai-2023: Website Landing Page

Source: Cop28 Website

Hence, the world can expect a positive change in this regard from COP28 UAE, concluding in late 2023.

What is required to effectively combat Climate change?

Effectively addressing climate change requires more inclusive decision-making, equitable representation, and a genuine commitment from the West. It is to support the needs of developing nations, fulfill climate funding commitments, and provide technical assistance.

The promised $100 billion in annual climate finance for developing nations, dating back to 2009, remains elusive, with only about 10% of sustainable project financing going to countries outside China.

Establishing a reliable source of climate funding and its finances is imperative.

One potential solution is the creation of a new global institution—the World Carbon Bank. This institution could channel technical assistance and climate aid to developing nations while prioritizing initiatives that promote global equity and social impact.

It would ensure that climate action benefits those most in need, facilitating a just transition to a low-carbon economy.

COP28 UAE: World’s Expectations for a Sustainable, Greener Future

The UAE, as a major investor in various forms of energy, including renewables, across 40 countries, possesses the necessary resources, both in terms of finance and low-cost solar energy, to advance the technologies of the future.

The country has emerged as a global leader in green energy investments (climate/ESG investing). UAE has committed to invest $54 billion in renewables over the next seven years to help the world achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Additonally, the government of UAE is focusing on hydrogen as the main source of clean energy, said the Bloomberg news article.

The country’s strategic geographical location makes it a natural meeting point between the Global South and North, serving as a hub for trade, finance, and diplomacy, with strong ties to both developed and developing nations.

The UAE’s unique position allows it to bridge the gap between the Global North and South effectively. Despite some unwarranted criticism surrounding COP-28 being held in Dubai, it is poised to be one of the most inclusive and impactful COPs from the United Nations to date.

The fight against climate change necessitates global solidarity and concerted action. The COP-28 promises to be a pivotal moment in this global endeavor, where we can witness meaningful change in action for Climate Change action.