Preparing for COP28: Your Guide to Global Climate Initiatives
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With COP28 less than a month away, the world is gearing up for a monumental event that will dominate global conversations. This annual gathering, known as the United Nations Climate Change COP, is a critical platform where nations convene to address the pressing issue of climate change. As we prepare to dive into COP28, fear not. This can be your guide to understanding the significance of this conference and its role in shaping our planet's future.
COP conferences occur every year and have led to significant and successful agreements, including the renowned Paris Agreement in COP21 in Paris, France, on 12 December 2015, and the Kyoto Protocol in COP3 on 11 December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan. These agreements have paved the way for international cooperation on climate issues, and COP28 promises to be another milestone in this ongoing journey. So, let's embark on this journey together, exploring the intricacies of COP28 and gaining a deeper insight into global climate initiatives.
What is COP?
Before we delve into the details of COP28, let's shed some light on what exactly "COP" stands for. COP, or the "Conference of the Parties," is an annual gathering that brings together representatives from nearly 200 nations to deliberate on the pressing issue of climate change. We'll guide you through this complex landscape, drawing insights from Joel Makower, Chairman, and Co-founder of GreenBiz Group, and the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) website.
COP conferences are colossal in scale and serve as a vital platform where nations come together to assess progress and negotiate global climate agreements. These conferences traverse the globe, with the notable exception of the United States, and COP28 is on the horizon, set to take place in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023. This year's theme for COP28 is a "global stocktake," involving a comprehensive evaluation of each nation's progress in meeting the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. Here's a sneak peek: the progress report might not be as optimistic as we'd hope.
COP 21 Milestone: The Adoption of the Paris Agreement
The Secretariat Unveiled
You might be curious about the driving force behind these monumental events. That's where the Secretariat comes into play. The UNFCCC Secretariat, also known as UN Climate Change, is the United Nations entity tasked with supporting the global response to climate change. With almost universal membership, boasting 198 Parties, the Convention acts as the parent treaty for the 2015 Paris Agreement. The primary objective of the Paris Agreement is to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The UNFCCC also acts as the parent treaty for the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which preceds Paris. All three agreements share a common ultimate goal—to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, preventing harmful interference with the climate system and fostering sustainable development.
The Secretariat's journey began in 1992 when countries adopted the UNFCCC. Initially based in Geneva, it has been headquartered in Bonn, Germany, since 1996. The Secretariat's dedicated team, comprising around 450 employees from over 100 countries, represents diverse cultures, genders, and professional backgrounds. At the helm of the Secretariat is the Executive Secretary, a position currently held by Mr. Simon Stiell of Grenada, since August 2022.
What Does the Secretariat Do?
The Secretariat plays a pivotal role in supporting the complex architecture of bodies dedicated to advancing the implementation of the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement. Its responsibilities include providing technical expertise, analyzing and reviewing climate change information reported by Parties, and assisting with the implementation of the Kyoto mechanisms. Additionally, the Secretariat maintains the registry for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), a key component of the Paris Agreement's implementation.
Nationally Determined Contributions are integral components of the Paris Agreement, individual climate action plans submitted by each participating country. These plans outline the specific measures and targets a country commits to in its efforts to combat climate change. NDCs encompass a wide range of actions, such as setting emission reduction targets, implementing renewable energy projects, enhancing energy efficiency, protecting forests, and improving resilience to climate impacts. The central idea behind NDCs is that countries determine their climate commitments based on their national circumstances, capabilities, and development priorities.
However, the Secretariat's role isn't limited to mere technical support. It is the driving force behind organizing and supporting between two and four negotiating sessions each year. The most prominent of these sessions is the Conference of the Parties, an annual event hosted in different locations around the world, drawing an average of 25,000 participants. It's the largest annual United Nations conference, and it's where the most vital decisions are made.
Going beyond the main COP event, the Secretariat also orchestrates annual sessions of subsidiary bodies and hosts numerous meetings and workshops throughout the year. In recent years, the Secretariat has championed the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action, a collaborative effort that involves regions, cities, businesses, investors, and civil society. Their involvement underscores that effectively addressing climate change necessitates a global village.
To make the experience even more enriching, the Secretariat co-organizes regional Climate Weeks, aiming to drive forward the implementation of the Paris Agreement at the regional level and establish new climate action partnerships.
What Happens at COP Conferences?
Inside a COP Negotiation: A Glimpse Through the Lens of Freya Pratty.
Now, let's uncover the inner workings of a COP conference, where adventure takes a back seat, and intricate negotiations and discussions take center stage.
The Blue Zone. At the heart of every COP conference is the Blue Zone. Here, delegates from nearly 200 nations convene to discuss the terms of the climate treaty and evaluate the progress being made. Dignitaries, including CEOs, heads of state, and even celebrities, often grace the negotiations with their presence. The Blue Zone isn't solely a hub for negotiations; it also hosts a vast expo space where national delegations set up their pavilions. These pavilions come in all shapes and sizes, featuring everything from cutting-edge climate technology to engaging exhibits. NGOs and select companies also have their own dedicated spaces here. While the proceedings within the Blue Zone may appear somewhat performative, with parliamentary procedures taking center stage, it's where the world's most critical decisions are made.
COP Days: Themes and Insights. COP conferences aren't your typical routine gatherings. Many of the days are themed, revolving around specific aspects of climate change. These themes provide the backdrop for numerous activities within the Blue Zone, making each day unique and engaging. COP ensures that there's never a dull moment as you delve into climate-related topics and initiatives from around the globe.
The Green Zone. Just outside the high-security Blue Zone lies the Green Zone, an expo space primarily for NGOs. The Green Zone is designed to be open to the public, allowing visitors to explore innovative projects, connect with like-minded individuals, and become a part of the global movement to combat climate change. It serves as a bridge between the highly secure core of the conference and the broader public, making climate action more accessible.
The Climate Action Hub. A relatively recent addition, the Climate Action Hub is not far from the Blue Zone. It's a dynamic space where various speaker series and other events take place, including presentations by climate tech companies and a Resilience Hub with extensive programming. Some of these programs are streamed live globally, ensuring that the insights and innovations discussed at the conference have a far-reaching impact.
Official Side Events and Beyond. The third ring of the COP conference comprises official side events, usually held at nearby hotels or conference centers. These events are where specific forums, conferences, and discussions take place. They are organized by various entities, including governments, international organizations, and renowned publications. Organizations such as Bloomberg, The Economist, The New York Times, Fortune, the Financial Times, and The Wall Street Journal frequently host events during COP conferences. These side events provide a deeper dive into specific climate-related topics and serve as platforms for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Everything Else. Beyond these concentric circles, the COP conference offers a myriad of other events. Hundreds, possibly thousands, of receptions, panel discussions, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, cocktail parties, and meet-ups happen all over the region. These events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to network, share ideas, and engage with a diverse range of climate-related topics. It's a bustling atmosphere where connections are forged, knowledge is exchanged, and the momentum for climate action is bolstered.
This multi-layered structure of a COP conference ensures that climate discussions extend beyond negotiations, encompassing a wide range of events and initiatives, making it a comprehensive platform for addressing climate change on a global scale.
Empower Yourself, Inspire Change
As we stand on the brink of COP28, one thing is abundantly clear: the global climate crisis requires collective action. We've delved into the intricacies of COP conferences, discovering the vital role they play in shaping our planet's future. Joel Makower, Chairman and Co-founder of GreenBiz Group, has illuminated the inner workings of these critical events. Behind the scenes, the tireless efforts of the Secretariat propel the global mission to combat climate change.
Whether you're a seasoned advocate for climate action or just beginning to explore this crucial arena, COP28 offers a transformative experience. The complexity of these conferences may seem daunting, but they present an unparalleled opportunity to connect with individuals from all corners of the world, engage in diverse climate-related discussions, and make a tangible impact. If you're unable to attend in person, remember you can still be an active participant in the virtual sphere, following COP28 through official online channels and social media. Additionally, empower yourself by monitoring your country's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), track their commitments, and share your insights on social platforms. Your voice matters.
In a world where the climate crisis knows no bounds, COP28 beckons us to stand united, to inspire change, and to be catalysts for a sustainable future. The climate crisis won't wait, and neither can we. Let's embark on this journey together, ready to make a difference, as we dive deep into the heart of climate action.
