Conference of Parties 28: Measure-to-cope-up-with-climate-issues

On 30th November 2023, Expo City in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, hosted the Conference of Parties (COP) 28 Summit to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Prime Minister Modi delivered a speech during the conference, advocating for India to host the COP33 Summit.

INTRODUCTION

Before we talk about the COP 28, you should have to know about What is UNFCCC?

One of the most important organization which deals with the climate change is the UNFCCC. The UNFCCC stands for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Countries adopted the international treaty during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992.The primary objective of the UNFCCC is to address global climate change and its impacts. The convention provides a framework for negotiating and coordinating efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the inevitable effects of climate change.

About Conference of Parties

Now the another question which emerge here is what is Conference of the Parties (COP) in UNFCCC

In the context of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Conference of Parties (COP) stands for Conference of the Parties. The COP(Conference of the Parties) is the supreme decision-making body of the UNFCCC, and it brings together representatives from the countries that are parties to the convention.

The COP (Conference of the Parties) meets annually to assess progress in dealing with climate change, discuss and negotiate key issues, and make decisions on policy, finance, and other matters related to addressing climate change at the global level. The (Conference of the Parties) COP meetings provide a forum for countries to collaborate, share information, and negotiate agreements to advance the objectives of the UNFCCC.

The COP meetings play a crucial role in shaping international efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

COP3 adopted the Kyoto Protocol, and COP21 adopted the Paris Agreement.

The COP meetings play a crucial role in shaping international efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Berlin, Germany, hosted the COP1 meeting in 1995. Egypt hosted the meeting last year.The slogan of the COP27 is “Together for Implementation” and the theme of this summit was mitigation, adaptation, Finance and collaboration.

Outcomes of COP27

The outcomes of the COP27 summit were

They finalize the lost and damage funds
Vision Life
Global shield Plan
Global Renewable Alliance
Global Resilience Alliance
African Carbon Market

COP: 28 Summit

Dubai, UAE, hosted the Conference of Parties. The host of this conference was

Objectives of COP28

Key objectives or focus areas for a climate-related conference or initiative. Let’s break down each point:

Fast-Tracking the Energy Transition and Slashing Emissions Before 2030:

This emphasizes the urgency of transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions rapidly. The goal likely aligns with global efforts to achieve specific emission reduction targets by 2030 in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Transforming Climate Finance:

This involves re-evaluating and improving the financial commitments made to address climate change. It may include holding stakeholders accountable for previous promises, as well as creating a new framework for financing climate-related initiatives. Climate finance is crucial for supporting developing nations in their efforts to adapt to and mitigate climate change.

Putting Nature, People, Lives, and Livelihoods at the Heart of Climate Action:

This indicates a commitment to an approach that not only addresses environmental concerns but also prioritizes the well-being of communities and ecosystems. It recognizes the interconnectedness of nature, human lives, and livelihoods in the context of climate change.

Mobilizing on the Most Inclusive COP Ever:

COP likely refers to the Conference of the Parties, which is a United Nations climate conference. This objective aims to ensure that climate discussions have broad and inclusive participation, taking into account diverse perspectives, especially those from vulnerable communities, when shaping climate policies.

Identifying Global Solutions for Limiting Global Temperature Rise to 1.5 Degrees:

This aligns with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The focus is on finding and implementing global solutions to achieve this ambitious temperature target, which is critical for preventing severe climate impacts.
These objectives collectively reflect a comprehensive and ambitious agenda for addressing climate change. They highlight the need for swift action, financial commitments, inclusivity, and a strong focus on both environmental and human well-being. Achieving these goals requires collaboration on a global scale and a commitment to sustainable practices across various sectors.

Theme of the COP28

The themes you’ve mentioned cover a broad spectrum of cutting-edge technologies and advancements. Here’s a brief overview of each theme:

Artificial Intelligence (AI): The field of AI involves creating intelligent machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. This can include machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
Satellite Technology: This theme likely focuses on the development and applications of satellites, including communication, Earth observation, navigation, and scientific research.
Big Data: Big data refers to the analysis and interpretation of large and complex datasets. In various fields, big data analytics can provide valuable insights, patterns, and trends.
Clean Energy: Clean energy involves renewable and sustainable sources of power, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy. The emphasis is on reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.
Industrial Decarbonization: This theme is likely about strategies and technologies to reduce carbon emissions in industrial processes, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
Advanced Materials: Advances in materials science often lead to the development of new and improved materials with enhanced properties, which can have applications in various industries.
Hydrogen: Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier with potential applications in various sectors, including transportation, industry, and energy storage.
Energy Storage: Effective energy storage solutions are crucial for the stability and reliability of energy systems, allowing for the efficient use of renewable energy and addressing intermittent power sources.

It’s great to see a conference that covers such a wide range of topics. Attendees will likely benefit from exposure to the latest developments and trends in these key areas of innovation.

The COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health, signed by 124 countries at the World Climate Action Summit, reflects a global acknowledgment of the serious health implications of climate change.

Signatories and Champions:

124 countries signed the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health, indicating a broad international commitment to addressing the health impacts of climate change.
The declaration received support from several ‘country champions,’ including Brazil, Malawi, the UK, the US, the Netherlands, Kenya, Fiji, India, Egypt, Sierra Leone, and Germany. These nations likely played a leadership role in promoting the declaration.

Context of Health Challenges:

The declaration comes in the context of significant health challenges, with approximately 9 million annual deaths attributed to polluted air and 189 million people exposed to weather-related events each year. These challenges underscore the urgency of addressing climate-related health issues.

World Climate Action Summit and Conference of Parties (COP) 28:

Global leaders came together to announce the declaration at the World Climate Action Summit, a platform for discussing and taking action on climate-related issues.
COP28, the 28th Conference of the Parties, is the UN climate conference where countries negotiate and collaborate on climate policies and initiatives.

Recognition of Climate Change’s Impact on Health:

The Conference of Parties (COP) 28 President, Sultan Al Jaber, highlighted that the impacts of climate change are already affecting people’s health and have become one of the greatest threats to human health in the 21st century.
Governments are increasingly recognizing health as a crucial element of climate action, reflecting a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of environmental and public health issues.

The declaration signals a collective effort to address the health threats posed by climate change on a global scale.
It implies a commitment to developing and implementing strategies that not only mitigate climate change but also protect and enhance public health.
Overall, this initiative demonstrates a collaborative and multilateral approach to addressing the complex challenges arising from the intersection of climate change and public health. It emphasizes the need for coordinated action to safeguard the well-being of populations around the world in the face of a changing climate.

Criticism of Conference of Parties (COP) 28

Jess Beagley’s observations point to important inadequacies in the Conference of Parties (COP) 28 Declaration on Climate and Health. Let’s break down the key points she highlighted:

Absence of Human Rights Mention:

Beagley notes that, despite the human right to health being embedded within the Paris Agreement and UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) documentation, the declaration lacks mention of human rights. This omission may be seen as a gap in acknowledging the fundamental right of individuals to live in an environment that supports good health.

No Reference to Fossil Fuels:

Beagley points out the absence of any mention of fossil fuels in the declaration, despite their significant role as leading drivers of climate change, air pollution, and subsequent health impacts.
Viewing this omission as a missed opportunity to address a key source of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants that contribute to both climate change and adverse health outcomes is warranted.

Addressing these inadequacies would likely require a more explicit acknowledgment of the human right to health within the context of climate action and a recognition of the role of fossil fuels in driving climate change and associated health challenges.

Advocates and policymakers may call for revisions to the declaration or additional commitments that specifically address these concerns. Incorporating language that aligns with international agreements and underscores the interconnection between climate, health, and human rights could strengthen the declaration and its impact.

Commonly, stakeholders scrutinize and offer feedback on such documents, and authorities make adjustments over time to reflect a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing the complex challenges associated with climate change and public health.

India’s Role in Conference of Parties (Cop) 28

The offer to host the 33rd edition of the Conference of the Parties (COP) in India in 2028, along with the call for developed countries to vacate carbon space before 2050, reflects a significant commitment to addressing climate change. Additionally, the advocacy for India’s “Green Credit initiative” highlights a non-commercial effort to create a carbon sink. Let’s break down these key points:

Hosting COP33 in India (2028):

The offer to host COP33 in India in 2028 signals India’s willingness to take a leadership role in global climate discussions.
Hosting such conferences provides an opportunity for nations to showcase their commitment to addressing climate change and to engage in diplomatic efforts to advance global climate goals.

Call for Developed Countries to Vacate Carbon Space Before 2050:

The call for developed countries to vacate carbon space before 2050 suggests an emphasis on equity and a fair distribution of the global carbon budget.
This is in line with the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), acknowledging that developed nations historically contributed more to greenhouse gas emissions and, therefore, bear a greater responsibility for addressing climate change.

Advocacy for India’s “Green Credit Initiative”:

They describe the “Green Credit initiative” as a non-commercial effort to create a carbon sink.
A carbon sink is a reservoir that absorbs more carbon than it releases, helping to offset greenhouse gas emissions. In the context of the “Green Credit initiative,” this could involve projects or activities that enhance carbon sequestration, such as afforestation, reforestation, or sustainable land management practices.

These initiatives collectively reflect India’s commitment to playing an active role in addressing climate change, emphasizing the need for global cooperation and the importance of both historical responsibility and current efforts in achieving climate goals. The offer to host COP33 also provides a platform for India to influence international climate negotiations and showcase its own climate actions and innovations.

The success of such initiatives often depends on international collaboration, policy frameworks, and the support of various stakeholders.

Read Also: Climate Terms Explained