The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Image via COP28 UAE

This year’s Conference of the Parties (COP28), the United Nations climate change summit, is set to take place at Expo City Dubai in the UAE. From November 30 to December 12, the conference will assess worldwide progress since adopting the Paris Agreement with the first Global Stocktake (GST). This year’s programme will also include new themes like health, trade, relief, recovery, and peace.

Who will participate?

As one of the most significant international gatherings in 2023, COP28 is expected to host over 70,000 delegates, including Heads of State and world leaders, who will be involved in the decision-making process on climate action among 198 countries, the European Union and a number of non-government organisations, companies, youth groups, and other stakeholders.

Why should you be concerned?

Basically, COP is not just another meeting; it’s crucial for the future of our planet. In these gatherings, nations unite to combat the existential threat of climate change. Back in 2015, during COP21, it was agreed upon to limit global warming to 1.5°C in comparison to pre-industrial levels by 2050. Studies project that emissions need to be cut in half by 2030 to remain on track. COP28 UAE reminds us to reassess and concentrate on the climate agenda with only seven years to go in order to meet the previously set goal.

The policies forged in COP reverberate worldwide, shaping industries, economies, and the fate of generations. By caring about COP, you’re championing a collective resolve to safeguard our environment, advocating for justice in the face of adversity, and seizing the opportunity to redefine our world’s trajectory toward sustainability.

The anticipated summit is supposed to be the next step of Sharm El Sheikh’s COP27 last November. Last year’s outcomes included the decision to remove the resolution aiming for GAS emissions to reach their highest point by 2025, where they only go down from that point.

On the other hand, having successfully secured an accord regarding The Loss and Damage Fund is a noteworthy achievement. However, the more challenging phase involves the actual establishment of the fund and its financial resourcing. Presently, there is no solid decision on the origin or mechanism for procuring the necessary funds. It is expected that this year’s COP is a step towards settling on an agreement.

How can you join in?

If you’re feeling inspired to tag along on the pathway to COP28, then head to their website and join either the Blue Zone, a UNFCCC-managed site open to accredited party and observer delegates, or the Green Zone, which is open to delegates and guests of the Blue Zone, the public and private sectors, NGOs, and the general public.