What is the Conference of the Parties (COP) known as COP28 ?
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Because it brings together the 198 parties (197 countries plus the European Union) that have signed the convention and their negotiators.
The COP has been meeting annually since 1995, and the UAE is hosting its 28th session.
The first Conference of the Parties COP was held in Berlin, Germany, in March 1995.
While the UNFCCC secretariat is headquartered in Bonn, Germany.
Why is the Conference of the Parties important ?
In fact, the COPs are annual conferences held under the auspices of the UNFCCC secretariat.
Moreover, they are the official meeting place for negotiating and agreeing on how to address climate change, reduce emissions, and limit global warming.
One of the key tasks of the COPs is to review the national reports and emissions data submitted by participating countries.
Mentioning that these reports provide essential information about each country’s actions.
And also progress towards achieving the overall objectives of the convention.
How is the COP presidency rotated ?
The COP meets every year unless the parties decide otherwise.
The five recognized United Nations regions:
(Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe, and Western Europe) take turns hosting the COP.
This rotation ensures that all parts of the world have the opportunity to host the conference.
It also demonstrates their commitment to addressing the climate challenge.
The Conference of the Parties will be in the UAE this year.
What is COP28, which the UAE is hosting ?
COP28 will be from November 30 to December 12 at Expo City Dubai.
In fact, it will be a critical juncture at which the world will unite to advance effective climate action and provide solutions.
This will necessitate cooperation between civil society, governments, industries, and all sectors of the economy.
What is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and what is its purpose ?
The UNFCCC is an international treaty, adopted in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
It is a global treaty aimed at limiting climate change and adapting societies to its effects.
The purpose of the convention is to:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and maintain the possibility of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to 1.5 degrees Celsius if possible.
- Help developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change.
- Promote international cooperation on climate change.
The UNFCCC Secretariat is the United Nations entity responsible for supporting the implementation of the convention. It is headquartered in Bonn, Germany.
What has happened since the start of the COPs and what is the Kyoto Protocol ?
On December 11, 1997, at the third COP in Kyoto, Japan, developed countries pledged to reduce and limit greenhouse gas emissions.
This treaty is known as the Kyoto Protocol, a legally binding agreement that entered into force in 2005 and has been signed by 192 parties.
In fact, it is a historic milestone in the fight against climate change.
What is Paris Agreement ?
The 2015 Paris Agreement, adopted at COP21.
It is one of the most important milestones in United Nations-led multilateral climate action.
With the aim of mobilizing the collective efforts of the parties to maintain the potential to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Above pre-industrial levels by 2100 and to work to adapt to the already existing consequences of climate change.
The agreement calls on countries to review their commitments every five years.
And also to provide the necessary funding to developing countries.
In order to help them mitigate the effects of climate change and support their ability to adapt to it, and enhance climate resilience.
Global Stocktake
The global stocktake to assess progress in the implementation of the Paris Agreement Goals.
Referred to in Article 14 of Paris Agreement, is a systematic process involving countries and stakeholders.
In order to assess the collective progress made towards achieving the Paris Agreement goals.
The stocktake will involve a comprehensive review of all aspects of global climate action and support.
It will also enable the identification of gaps, and how to unite efforts to find practical and effective solutions, both in the near future and beyond 2030.
How has the UAE supported the COP process ?
The UAE has been committed to supporting global climate action efforts since its founding in 1971.
By ratifying both the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
Due to the harsh climate conditions in the UAE, with high temperatures and water scarcity.
The country views climate change as a challenge that needs to be addressed through concerted efforts and cooperation with the international community.
His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, President of COP28, has attended eleven previous COPs.
And, at the behest of the UAE leadership, headed the country’s delegation at COP21, which was held in Paris in 2015.
As a regional leader in the energy and sustainability sectors.
The UAE has succeeded in developing and diversifying its economy, creating new sectors, jobs, and skills for future generations..
And also in reaching realistic and practical solutions to a global challenge with negative effects on the entire world.
What is the work plan of the presidency of COP28 ?
The presidency of COP28 conducted extensive global listening and engagement tours.
One of the largest ever undertaken by a COP presidency.
And also held the first-ever open consultations to develop the “specialized topics” program that runs over the two weeks of the conference.
The work plan of COP28 focuses on one clear goal: to preserve the possibility of avoiding the Earth’s temperature rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius.
While the global stocktake of progress in implementing the Paris Agreement goals has confirmed the need to reduce 22 gigatons of emissions by 2030.
The presidency of COP28 has prepared a work plan based on four main pillars:
-Accelerating the achievement of a transition in the energy sector that is orderly, responsible, fair, and rational.
-Developing climate finance mechanisms.
-Protecting people and nature and improving lives and livelihoods.
-Fully including everyone in the work of the conference.
How can I participate in the COP ?
There are several ways to participate in the COP, including:
- Official participation: Governments and official delegations can register via the COP website.
- Unofficial participation: Individuals and informal groups can participate in the COP by registering as observers.
- Virtual participation: Individuals and groups can participate in the COP by following sessions and events online.
What are the responsibilities of the presidency of COP28 ?
In fact, the presidency of the conference has played a leading role and made intensive efforts in its preparations for the conference.
In order to rally the efforts of all countries and encourage them to raise the ambition bar.
And also make new commitments and fulfill previous commitments.
What are the specialized topics program at the conference, and what does it mean ?
The presidency of COP28 followed an innovative and inclusive approach to developing the conference program.
Which Running for two weeks, for the first time in the history of COPs, it held open consultations on the specialized topics of the conference and its sequence.
Moreover, the program highlights the sectors and topics that stakeholders have consistently raised during the consultations.
Including the fixed and fundamental topics in all COPs.
In addition to new topics such as health, trade, relief, recovery, and peace.
The specialized topics program includes four pillars that support effective and integrated implementation:
technology and innovation, inclusion, communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and financing.
Who is allowed to attend COP28 ?
The presidency of the conference is collaborating with women, indigenous peoples, local communities, youth, people with disabilities, local actors.
And also religious organizations to ensure their participation and contributions in all programs and outcomes of COP28.
The conference also hosts a large number of parliamentarians, city mayors, and local leaders.
Who can participate in COP28 ?
COP28 is one of the largest and most significant global gatherings in 2023.
Also people from all over the world are following it with interest.
As the world’s largest decision-making process on climate issues.
It is expected to draw over 70,000 attendees, including heads of state.
In order to build consensus and make concrete progress in the negotiating process between parties and delegations.
As well as thousands of non-governmental organizations, the private sector, businesses, youth, stakeholders, and others.
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