What is COP28?
COP28 is the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It is a global summit where world leaders, policymakers, scientists, and activists come together to discuss and take action on climate change. COP came into existence in 2010. It facilitates the exchange of best practices and innovations across vital sectors crucial to decarbonisation efforts in the areas of energy, transport, buildings, industry, finance and nature.
The COP is a crucial annual gathering where world leaders, policymakers, scientists and activists convene to find out solution to the growing challenges of climate change.
• The COP meetings act as the decision-making body of the UNFCCC in order to address the climate change.
• COP28, the 28th edition of this significant assembly, marks another pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against climate change.
Objectives of COP28
The main objectives of COP28 are to:
• Limiting the increase in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
• Assisting the communities who are most vulnerable to the consequences of climate change.
• Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. “Net-zero emissions by 2050” aims to balance the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere with their removal through human-made or natural processes by 2050.
The term “climate change” describes notable and persistent alterations to the Earth’s long-term climate patterns, usually spanning decades to millions of years. These changes include differences in temperature, precipitation, wind direction, and other Earthly climate factors.
Achievements of COP
COP has already achieved a number of important milestones, including:
- The Kyoto Protocol: This international treaty was established in 1997 and set binding targets for industrialized countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
- The Paris Agreement: This agreement was adopted in 2015 and aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.
Challenges
Despite the progress that has been made, there are still a number of challenges that need to be addressed, including:
- The need for more ambitious emission reduction targets
- The need for more financial support for developing countries
- The need for more innovation in clean energy technologies
Initiatives by India
Despite not having legally binding emission reduction targets, India has been actively engaged in addressing climate change and implementing measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated “Panchamrit” on India’s climate action at the 26th session of the COP 26 held in Glasgow, United Kingdom. This Include commitment towards• Reaching 500GW Non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
• Sourcing 50 % of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
• Reduction of total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now to 2030.
• Reduction of the carbon intensity of the economy by 45 per cent by 2030, over 2005 levels.
• To attain net zero emissions by 2070.
India has prioritized sustainable development projects like, renewable energy targets, promoting energy efficiency, implementing emissions reduction policies, to achieve its climate goals.
COP 28 is scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30, 2023, to December 12, 2023. It is expected that around 70,000 participants, including the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, will attend COP28. Participants include journalists, young people, Indigenous Peoples, climate scientists, business executives, and a variety of other professionals and stakeholders.
COP28
COP28 will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30, 2023, to December 12, 2023. It is expected that around 70,000 participants will attend. COP28 is an important opportunity for world leaders to come together and take action on climate change. The summit is expected to make significant progress towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Additional Information
- For more information on COP28, please visit the official website: https://www.cop28.com/
- For more information on climate change, please visit the website of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: https://www.ipcc.ch/
Important Questions Related to Exams
Question 1: When and where will COP28 take place?
Solution: COP28 will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30, 2023, to December 12, 2023.
Question 2. What is the main purpose of the COP meetings?
Solution: The COP meetings serve as the decision-making body of the UNFCCC and provide a platform for world leaders, policymakers, scientists, and activists to address the challenges of climate change and work towards solutions.