From November 30 to December 23, the signatory countries of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will meet in Dubai. This year, the Emirati presidency will focus on the Global Assessment, the energy transition and solidarity between the countries of the North and South.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP) is an annual meeting of all UNFCCC signatory countries to set global climate objectives. In fact, there are three different COPs: the one on biodiversity, the one on combating desertification and the one on climate change. The latter, which is the most important of the three and provided for by the UNFCCC, takes place every year in a different country, with the main aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This year’s conference will be held in Dubai. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
High expectations are being placed on oil producers at this upcoming conference, creating high-risk stakes for Sultan Al Jaber at the COP. His environmental priorities are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– As a first step, he would like to take collective rather than individual action through a Global Report Card. This would report on progress in global average temperature between now and 2050, and thus put the 2015 Paris Agreement back on the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Secondly, the implementation of a clear action plan is one of the environmental priorities that the Emirati presidency wishes to establish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– The conference will also put the spotlight on renewable energies and their development, tripling their use and reducing global temperatures. The President considers them to be the most effective and important means of regulating greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– He also wishes to take action against an inequality that could result from an unfair fight against climate change. Indeed, while adapting to climate measures underlines significant expenditure, it is essential for the conference chairman to adapt and put in place measures to enable inclusion, social justice and equity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The future of fossil fuels is a key issue at COP 28. Indeed, many climate observers have noted Sultan Al Jaber’s restriction on the use of fossil fuels, and therefore of oil. He is also the head of Adnoc, which ranks 11th in oil and gas production. It was noted that this same company was planning to increase its production capacity from 4 to 5 million barrels of oil per day. By failing to take into account the comments and advice of specialized scientists on all issues relating to environmental protection, the company of the conference chairman may be undermining its credibility at COP 28, and thus placing even greater emphasis on the high expectations and risks it faces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n