The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), hosting over 70,000 participants, recently drew to a close in Dubai, where world leaders and environmental experts grappled with crucial decisions and committed to big environmental action. Here are the top five highlights of the event:
View on flamingos at Ras al Khor wildlife sanctuary with the city of Dubai in the background.
1. Shaping future energy landscapes: the fossil fuel transition
Representatives from nearly 200 countries achieved a historic breakthrough at COP28, agreeing to commence a global reduction in fossil fuel consumption, marking a decisive move away from the oil age. The deal, sealed after intense negotiations in Dubai, sends a powerful message about the world's unified commitment to break with fossil fuels. COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber termed it a ‘historic’ moment, emphasising the need for tangible actions. The agreement calls for a ‘transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems’ to achieve net zero by 2050. Despite facing challenges, including strong opposition from the OPEC-led oil producer group, the deal received widespread support. It now places the responsibility on nations to translate these commitments into actionable policies and investments.
Read more: COP28 unveils $1 billion push for 'new forest economy'
2. Loss-and-damage fund approved: addressing the impact
During the inaugural day of COP28, delegates formalised a historic loss and damage fund to aid countries most affected by changing environmental conditions. The fund gained support from various nations, including the UAE pledging $100 million, and Germany and the EU contributing $100 million and $245.39 million, respectively. Other commitments came from Britain ($51 million), the United States ($17.5 million), and Japan ($10 million). Calls were made for diverse contributions, including from the private sector and fossil fuel companies.
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3. Paris Agreement progress scrutinised: bridging gaps and assessing plans
As the global temperature rise goal of the Paris Agreement took centre stage, COP28 conducted the first assessment of nations' progress. With 196 countries signed, the need for robust mitigation plans became evident. The conference emphasised the importance of adhering to the agreement, paving the way for renewed commitments and assessments at COP33 in 2028. Simon Stiell, the UNFCCC executive secretary, urged nations to commit to new environmental action plans aligned with the Paris Agreement goals.
The map showing the countries that have signed the Paris Agreement.
Read more: US makes groundbreaking $3 billion pledge to global Green Climate Fund at COP28
4. Carbon markets milestone: decarbonising global economies
COP28's High-Level Roundtable on Unlocking High-Integrity Carbon Markets marked a significant milestone. Led by COP28 President Dr Sultan Al-Jaber and key figures such as UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell and the World Bank Group President, Ajay Banga, the event conveyed two crucial messages.
A row of young tree seedlings, Hongera Reforestation Project, DGB.
Firstly, it emphasised the pivotal roles of carbon pricing schemes, compliance markets, and high-integrity voluntary carbon markets in the global net-zero transition. Noteworthy plans were unveiled for the growth of high-integrity global carbon markets, with 15 countries set to earn income from preserving their forests. Secondly, participants underscored the need for coordination among stakeholders to solidify the global carbon market architecture by 2024 and 2025. The roundtable symbolises a concerted effort to pave the way for high-integrity carbon markets aligning seamlessly with our collective Paris Agreement commitments.
Read more: Leading carbon credit standards unite for global environmental impact
5. Oil and gas decarbonisation charter: from ambition to implementation
Major oil and gas companies, representing 40% of global production, committed to a decarbonisation charter. While the initiative aims for zero methane emissions by 2030 and overall decarbonisation by 2050, critics highlight the voluntary nature of these commitments. The debate intensifies over the necessity of government policies for a comprehensive and equitable transition away from fossil fuels.
As the curtain falls on COP28, the intricate details of these highlights offer insights into the complexities and challenges of global environmental action and the necessity for collective action and commitment.
Read more: Accelerating environmental initiatives: a glimpse into progress ahead of COP28
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Close-up of a worker's hands holding a tree seedling, Hongera Reforestation Project, DGB.
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