Dubai COP28 Controversy: Dilemmas and Opportunities, by Donovan Reynolds, independent writer.

 

This week, Dubai hosts COP28, the 28th annual United Nations meeting aimed at discussing strategies to mitigate and adapt to future climate change. COP stands for the "Conference of the Parties," where the participating countries in the original UN climate agreement of 1992 convene. Running from November 30 to December 12, 2023, in the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this choice of location sparks controversy as the UAE is one of the world's top oil-producing nations.

Scandal and Controversy.

Critics argue that staging such a pivotal conference in a leading oil-producing nation could lead to conflicts of interest, akin to entrusting a cat with safeguarding a cheese factory. Adding to the controversy, recent revelations by BBC UK unveiled a scandal involving the UAE's intention to leverage its role as the host for UN climate talks to negotiate oil and gas deals on the sidelines of the conference. Leaked documents indicate meetings with at least 27 foreign governments and proposed talking points highlighting the UAE's state oil company's willingness to explore international LNG opportunities.

This scandal underscores the unchecked influence of major polluting entities in climate change conferences, prioritizing financial interests over the crucial climate change agenda. Despite this, it is imperative to address global warming to avoid severe consequences such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and threats to food and water security.

While the controversy looms, COP28 has commenced with over 70,000 delegates, including UNFCCC member states, business leaders, young activists, climate scientists, Indigenous Peoples, journalists, and other stakeholders. Despite the proverbial cat among the climate change pidgeons, there remains an opportunity to shift focus from oil deals to renewable energy agreements, promoting a sustainable and resilient future for the planet.

COP Aims.

In addition to addressing the existing Paris Agreement goals, delegates are expected to focus on pragmatic strategies for climate change. The conference aims to expedite the transition to cleaner energy source aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions before 2030.

It will also prioritize the allocation of funds from wealthier to less affluent nations for climate action, alongside negotiations for a new agreement tailored to developing countries. A central theme revolves around the intricate relationship between nature and humanity, with an effort to make COP28 the most inclusive gathering yet. Themed days on health, finance, food, and nature are scheduled for a comprehensive examination of pertinent issues related to climate change

Initial COP discussions.

The inaugural day of Cop28 in Dubai was a mixed bag. Hope was raised; a significant development unfolded as countries agreed to establish a loss and damage fund, addressing a longstanding challenge in climate negotiations. Notably, the UAE promptly committed $100 million to the fund, with additional contributions from the EU, led by Germany, the UK, the US, and Japan. Despite commendation, the US faced criticism for a perceived modest pledge. The day also saw the World Meteorological Organization forecasting 2023 as the hottest year on record, prompting UN Secretary-General António Guterres to declare that the world is experiencing real-time climate collapse. Likewise, the spirit of the delegates were dampened, when a representative of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the continued importance of coal in India's energy landscape.

King Charles of the United Kingdom delivered a cautionary message at the summit in Dubai on Friday, emphasizing that the perils of climate change are no longer remote threats. Expressing concern, he highlighted the alarming proximity to tipping points and lamented that countries are significantly deviating from effective crisis mitigation efforts. Concluding with a poignant statement, King Charles asserted, "The Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth."

On day four, approximately 100 countries committed to tripling global renewable energy use by 2030, while 50 oil and gas companies, including Saudi Arabia's Aramco, pledged to halt the addition of planet-warming gases by 2050, focusing solely on production emissions. Critics argue that this falls short of meaningfully addressing climate change as it excludes emissions from the burning of fossil fuels.

However, nations supporting the renewable energy initiative asserted that it could contribute to eliminating fossil fuels from the global energy system by 2050. Advocates, including the EU and the host country UAE, aim to incorporate this pledge into the final COP agreement, with hopes of universal participation from the nearly 200 represented countries. While climate groups cautiously welcomed the commitment to increase renewables, they dismissed oil and gas companies' promises as "greenwashing."

Africa, the Caribbean and other Small Island Developing States.

As the conference gains momentum, Africa's concerns will take center stage, with the continent facing severe repercussions from a warming planet. Grappling with the consequences of climate change, African nations aim for equitable representation in discussions often dominated by wealthier Western countries, despite contributing less than 5 percent of global emissions. The Horn of Africa currently contends with widespread floods, causing mass displacement from Somalia to Kenya. African negotiators, led by Gambia, are expected to emphasize climate justice and equality, asserting that affluent nations bear primary responsibility for addressing global warming and supporting vulnerable populations in the Global South.

Meanwhile, the Caribbean and other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) strive to unite their voices at COP28, presenting a unified regional perspective. They emphasize priorities such as loss and damage, demanding new and additional support of at least $100 billion annually to the fund. SIDS, highly exposed to ocean and cryosphere hazards, seeks to address issues like sea-level rise, extreme sea levels, tropical cyclones, marine heatwaves, and ocean acidification, hoping to secure support for their priorities.

Phasing out Fossil Fuels.

A noteworthy proposal is emerging that suggests phasing out fossil fuels, presenting a significant challenge, especially as the host, the United Arab Emirates, is a prominent petrostate. Convincing 197 countries to agree on such a monumental shift seems realistically slim. While cautiously optimistic about incremental progress on climate change, kingstonmouth.com acknowledges the naivety of expecting a full-fledged pledge to phase out fossil fuels in Dubai.

Final Thoughts; the need for global cooperation.

As the world gathers for COP28 in Dubai, the urgency of addressing climate change is underscored by the diverse concerns of nations and regions. From Africa, grappling with the immediate and deadly impacts of a warming planet, to the Caribbean and Small Island Developing States seeking recognition and support for their unique vulnerabilities, the conference reflects a mosaic of voices striving for climate justice and sustainable solutions. The proposed pledges and discussions, whether ambitious or challenging, signal a collective awareness of the need for global cooperation.

However, the road ahead is fraught with complexities, as evident in the juxtaposition of proposals - phasing out fossil fuels against the backdrop of a host nation deeply rooted in the petroleum industry. While incremental progress is hoped for, it remains crucial to acknowledge the limitations and realistic challenges in achieving a comprehensive and immediate transformation of global energy systems.

To conclude, it is a priority to recognize the significance of unity and collaboration in overcoming the pressing environmental issues that affect us all. The outcomes of COP28 will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of international efforts to combat climate change. The commitment to finding common ground is paramount. The global community's ability to transcend geopolitical and economic interests in favor of a sustainable and equitable future will ultimately determine the success of the collective endeavor to address the climate crisis.

Donovan Reynolds is the CEO of Kingstonmouth.com. He is a trained Diplomat, Human Rights Activist, and Communication Consultant. This article is edited by Ann Smith, a British Educator and Social Activist. Kingstommouth.com is a charitable organization that has been in existence for over nine years. We have an interest in Politics, Human Rights, and International Development Issues. Viewers wishing to comment on this article may do so at the space provided on this blog. Alternatively, they can contact us at kingstonmouth63@gmail.com or on our Twitter or Facebook Page.