Anticipating COP28: Key Themes and Expectations

What is COP28?

The annual United Nations Climate Change Conference is arguably the biggest climate event of the year. COP or Conference of the Parties is where influential politicians, world leaders, representatives, and diplomats align efforts to make climate action happen where influential politicians, world leaders, representatives and diplomats align efforts to make climate action happen. COP28 is particularly monumental because it indicates the end of the first global stockade which is how the progress under the Paris Agreement is measured.

What is the Paris Agreement?

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that aims to address climate change and its impact. It was adopted at CHOP21 to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The main goal of the Paris Agreement is global climate action. This treaty brought together countries from across the globe to fight the Earth's battle against climate change and commit to limiting global warming. One way that they do this is by requiring Nationally Determined Contributions, or plans submitted by each country outlining their plan to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.

Photo: Tree Aid

COP27 Recap

One thing we saw at COP27 was western countries defying tradition and relenting to create a "loss and damage" fund for less developed countries that were affected by climate change disasters. This was seen as a sign of progress, because the more developed countries typically failed to take financial liability for more vulnerable countries, defying the Paris Agreements goal for global solidarity.

Another key theme observed at COP27 was the lack of funding provided for climate adaptation, with experts claiming the amount dedicated to adaption efforts being 5 to 10 times below what was needed (Carlin).

Finally, the participants of COP27 maintained their commitment to keep global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2030. Since the Earth is currently outpacing its warming rate, countries need to commit to mitigating climate change by reduce emissions quickly with new technology and green energy developments. 

COP28: What to Expect

With that 1.5-degree Celsius goal at the top of many minds, expect green energy, fossil fuels, and carbon subsidies to be at the forefront of the discussion. Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, the president delegate of COP28, sent out a letter to all parties outlining the priorities for COP28.

Most highly anticipated for this year's conference is the first Global Stockade of the Paris Agreement. GenHydro Pressure vessel Engineer, Vinod Selvaraju, weighs in: "One of the key aspects of COP 28 is to be pragmatic with the Global StockTake (GST) initiative by uniting nations, institutions and world leaders to curtail carbon emissions without a divided approach. This ensures a nexus and that every entity is well informed to take corrective action based on past events and future predictions".

The Global Stockade, which occurs every five years, is designed to evaluate the progress that the world has made towards climate goals as set in the Paris Agreement. Additionally, the Global Stockage keeps countries updated on progress so they can update their "Nationally Determined Contributions" (NDCs) accordingly. These are plans that countries set to outline their tactics and strategies to fight climate change in their country, and the updates that the Global Stockade provides keeps countries ambitious.

Al Jaber highlighted a key theme of fast tracking the energy transition to green energy sources and slashing the usage of fossil fuels. An overarching theme to the conference is importance of commitment and unity required for this transition, and how each country must play a part. Policies should be comprehensive, and address both the supply and demand for fossil fuels in order to limit global warming to the 1.5 degrees Celsius as outlined in the Paris Agreement. Jabar touches on the additional support that developing countries may need during this transition, and how policies must be equitable due to finance being a key enabler of climate action. 

Al Jaber emphasizes the importance of climate finance being affordable, accessible and available for developing countries. If the world stays on track with the Paris Agreement, emerging nations need over 2.4 trillion USD to achieve climate goals by 2030. This goal requires action from all countries, and discussions surrounding the financing at this large of a scale are to be expected.

What COP28 Means for the Energy Industry?

COP28 gives the energy industry the chance to step up and play their part in the fight against climate change. With the overarching themes of unity and commitment in mind, big oil and gas companies have chances to make big impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in green energy technology. 

Selvaraju highlights four key efforts to implement a green energy transition by 2023 and their potential results.