The optimism that launched NOW was triggered during my trip to Paris in 2015, when the COP21 Summit engaged the public to debate, celebrate a historic agreement, and connect the dots between the urgency to protect the planet with actions to advance sustainable development, renewable energy solutions and decarbonization.

At COP21, 190 parties agreed to hold “the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and pursue efforts “to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C”. Countries agreed to submit and update national plans known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) every five years. The Paris Agreement entered into force on 4 November 2016.

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the apex decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) formed in 1994 to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions and to protect earth from the threat of climate change. UN member states convene annually to decide on climate action and assess progress, and even though it contains no enforcement mechanisms, COP provides a framework for negotiating specific international treaties (called “protocols”) that may set binding limits on greenhouse gases.

EXCEEDING CLIMATE THRESHOLDS

Unfortunately, most countries delayed urgent action. 2023 is “on track” to be the hottest year on record, and 2024 could be hotter. According to the fifth reanalysis of the global climate by ECMWF and implemented as part of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, Earth temporarily breached the 1.5°C climate threshold for several days this summer and temporarily exceeded 2°C above pre-industrial levels on November 17 and 18.  Scientists warn that the more often we exceed climate thresholds, the more serious the cumulative effects of these breaches will become and the likelihood of devastating and potentially irreversible climate calamities would increase dramatically.

WRESTLING WITH CONTROVERY

COP28 will be held in Dubai from November 30th until December 12th, 2023.

Organized around four cross-cutting themes – Technology and Innovation; Inclusion; Frontline Communities and Finance, the summit announced five major priorities:

1. The first global stocktake on climate action progress

2. Speeding the energy transition

3. Putting people at the heart of climate action

4. Climate finance and the impact of global trade

5. Broader leadership on climate change

The petrostate host nation – the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – appointed the CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and chairman of the Masdar (state renewables business) Masdar – Dr. Sultan al-Jaber – as COP28 president.

The appointment of Dr Al Jaber as the COP president provoked controversy and anger from climate activists and civil society groups. It was opposed by more than 100 USA and EU lawmakers who appealed to the leaders of their countries and the United Nations.  However, John Kerry, UN Special Presidential Envoy backed the UAE appointment, recognized his work on renewable energy projects and expressed “confidence that the right issues are going to be on the table and lead countries to recognize their responsibility.” Concerned activists, however, equated it to asking an “arms dealers to lead peace talks”.

Two days before the start of COP28, several media outlets reported on the UAE’s plans to use its role as COP host to push for fossil fuel deals. The leaked documents obtained by the Centre for Climate Reporting appeared to be briefing notes for Dr. Al Jaber for his meetings with foreign government officials. 

We should all be concerned when integrity is in question and when governments support businesses that prioritise profit over concerns for people and planet.   The 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer global survey revealed that trust in government as an institution is declining in many countries across the globe, and failure of leadership makes distrust the default.

CALLING FOR UNITY

At these most urgent of times, a skeptical and worried world is watching. NOW is calling for a better COP28 with integrity and accountable actions without the greenwash or creative PR. We should keep an open mind and welcome a radical COP hosted in a major petrostate for the enormous scrutiny and pressure it brings.

We have no time left for a bad COP. In the next two weeks, NOW blogs will focus on 5 key actions for a better COP28.

It must be NOW!

COP28 Two Weeks Agenda

– November 30: Opening ceremony

– December 1 and 2: World Climate Action Summit

– December 3: Health / Relief, Recovery and Peace

– December 4: Finance / Trade / Gender Equality / Accountability

– December 5: Energy and Industry / Just Transition / Indigenous Peoples

– December 6: Multilevel Action, Urbanisation, and Built Environment / Transport

– December 7: Rest Day

– December 8: Youth, Children, Education and Skills

– December 9: Nature, Land Use and Oceans

– December 10: Food, Agriculture and Water

– December 11 and 12: Final Negotiations