A look back at COP28

COP28 set itself apart from its predecessors as it is the first summit where negotiators were well-informed about the actions taken by countries since the Paris Agreement through technical report released prior to the COP. After extensive discussions, the agreed-upon text experienced a slight delay, finally being revealed on the 13^th of December. Here are some key takeaways from the pledge after Dubai COP (“UAE Consensus):

Global Stocktake

The Global Stocktake functions as a comprehensive assessment, akin to taking inventory, evaluating the world's standing on climate action after the Paris Agreement.

Two years of study revealed that current efforts are insufficient. The report indicates a lack of implementation after Paris Agreement, jeopardising the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The stocktake calls for a transformative approach encompassing society and the economy, emphasising climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions. The report serves as an indication, with the real significance lying in the response from the participating parties.

In response to the global stocktake report, the negotiation text initially included options for strong language regarding whether to 'phase out' or 'phase down' fossil fuel use which mandates a ban on one of the main causes of Green House Gas Emissions.

However, subsequent drafts replaced these options with comparatively weaker language, 'calling upon' parties 'to take actions that could include' a list of potential measures. Now, the UAE Consensus invites countries to "transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly, and equitable manner" by 2050.

While debate surrounds the effectiveness of the language used, this outcome is partly welcomed as the first instance where fossil fuels are directly linked to climate change, and parties agreed to move away from their production and use in energy systems.

The next global stocktake will happen in five years’ time in 2028.

Strengthening Clean Energy Capacity

Energy security poses a challenge in the climate change dilemma. The capacity of renewable energy production alone is not sufficient to bear the entire burden, and it is unfortunately too early to rely solely on renewable energy.

To meet deadlines, the decision to use natural gas as a transitional fuel has been agreed upon. Although natural gas is not entirely clean, it is still a cleaner alternative compared to fossil fuels.

Despite some expressing concerns, the use of natural gas as a transitional fuel has been agreed in Dubai. Moreover, the commitment to increasing renewable energy capacity and enhancing energy efficiency is agreed on in Dubai indicating a promising roadmap for the future.

Loss and Damage Fund

Climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a human rights and justice problem. It stems from various causes and is closely tied to historical disparities in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with highly industrialised countries such as the USA, China, Russia, India, Germany, and the UK contributing significantly more and having larger carbon footprints than others.

However, the impacts of climate change are not distributed evenly across the globe. While major polluters may experience fewer consequences, some nations that have contributed the least, like small island nations, face severe impacts such as droughts, sea level rise, and floods. This unequal situation has led to a call for climate justice for affected countries.

The Loss and Damage funds serve as a response mechanism to assist developing countries in dealing with the destructive effects of climate change. During the inaugural day of COP28 in Dubai, the establishment of these fund was officially confirmed - a result of years of negotiations and pressure from NGOs and climate campaigners in developing countries.

Although the fund received approximately 700 million in pledges at COP28, which falls short of the estimated amount needed to support climate action in developing countries, it still represents a welcomed first step.

What to expect next?

Climate change presents a collective action challenge with varying impacts on all of us. In this context, the exclusive forum for climate discussions, COPs, holds significant importance for both current and future generations, as negotiators worldwide come together to formulate action plans.

COP28 this year marked a promising step forward in the roadmap, yet there is a call for greater expectations and advocacy. Although COP28 in Dubai raised the bar higher than before, there is anticipation (or hope) for even more ambitious standards to be set in the upcoming 29th COP in Azerbaijan.