Dubai hosts the 28th Conference of the Parties of the U.N. climate conference, against the backdrop of a warming world and ongoing conflicts. The stakes are high, but few expect major progress this year. To meet the Paris climate accord’s target, the burning of fossil fuels must be reduced. However, discussions are more likely to focus on phasing down, rather than entirely out, the use of these fuels. Another key issue will be securing funds to help developing nations adapt to climate change.
This year’s COP will welcome a diverse cast of attendees, including world leaders and industry heads. All eyes will be on Sultan al-Jaber, head of the Abu Dhabi national oil company, as questions arise about the Gulf countries’ commitment to transition to renewable energy.
Climate campaigners will be pushing for those at the conference to be held accountable for past unfulfilled pledges and to set more ambitious goals for the future. However, the conference is taking place in a world where attention is often diverted by other pressing issues, such as Israeli-Hamas conflict and global inflation. Nonetheless, it remains a crucial opportunity to address the growing climate crisis before it truly reaches devastating proportions.
