Q&A about COP 28

ArabiaWeather - The 28th Annual Climate Change Conference, also known as “COP28” , will bring together states parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change , in addition to thousands of experts, journalists, climate activists, local community members, business representatives, and non-governmental groups. Government, this conference is considered an opportunity to discuss ways to confront the climate crisis and the increasing negative impacts on human rights around the world.

Despite the growing challenges, previous meetings did not result in the necessary reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, provide sufficient support for the transition to renewable energy, or protect people most affected by floods, droughts, hurricanes, and other disasters resulting from climate change. UAE COP 28 from 30 November to 12 December 2023 , which is worrying given the UAE’s climate policies and human rights record.

What is COP 28?

Answer: It is the annual meeting that brings together hundreds of countries to discuss climate change. It is known as the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28). The history of these talks extends for more than 28 years , and this year it was officially called the twenty-eighth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention. United Nations Framework on Climate Change.

The original idea behind establishing this conference, three decades ago, was to create a multilateral platform that would enable all participating countries to contribute equally to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, difficult disputes continue between rich and developing countries, with developing countries pointing out that advanced industrial countries It has earned its wealth over the past decades by relying on fossil fuels, which is why it must take responsibility for cuts as well as allowing developing countries to achieve economic development.

The process of the Cope summits led to a historic agreement in Paris in 2015, where all countries agreed for the first time to keep temperature rises below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and set an ambitious goal of ensuring that temperature rises do not exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius to achieve this goal. Emissions must be reduced to net zero by the middle of this century.

Although the Paris Agreement was a historic moment, countries had difficulty adhering to their commitments, and it was necessary for each member to present a clear plan for how to achieve their commitments in the face of rising temperatures. However, those plans were not enough.

Why is COP 28 important?

Answer: This year represents a unique opportunity as countries will review their progress in addressing climate change since the Paris Agreement, which was signed in 2015. Despite previous promises, it appears that countries have not made the required progress in reducing carbon emissions at the speed that was expected under the Paris Agreement, and it is expected This review will put additional pressure on countries to increase and accelerate their climate change efforts.

After COP28 is held in the UAE, countries will be given an opportunity until 2025 to present new plans and strategies to combat climate change, and these plans will play an important role in determining whether the world is moving in the right direction or not.

Some rich countries, especially in Europe, are increasing their pressure to make more stringent pledges, such as gradually abandoning fossil fuels and setting a maximum limit for their emissions that must not be exceeded by 2025. However, achieving this requirement remains difficult for some developing countries such as India, which sees... Fossil fuels as the basis of its economic development.

The COP28 summit is also expected to play a vital role in financing efforts to combat climate change, as rich countries have not committed enough to provide $100 billion annually as a contribution to help poor countries deal with the effects of climate change. Next year, participating countries will seek to Reaching a new collective agreement on financing climate efforts after 2025. Initially, the rich countries that account for most of the historical emissions were required to contribute to the financing, but there are calls to expand the circle of contributors to include major economies such as China, which is considered the largest source of emissions resulting from the phenomenon. Global warming in the world.

Where will COP 28 be held?

Answer: The United Arab Emirates assumed the presidency of “COP28 in the Emirates” this year, and this summit will be held in Expo City in Dubai. Choosing one of the largest oil-producing countries in the world to chair these talks was a surprising step, but the Emirates confirmed the strength of its position and its ability to push Other countries rich in oil and gas to take more effective and legislative measures in reducing carbon emissions.

Why is the climate change crisis a human rights crisis?

Answer: The human right to live in a healthy environment is a universally recognized right, and the climate crisis also affects human rights in many other aspects, such as the human rights to life, housing, food and water.

From fires devouring forests to cities suffering from extreme heat, to drying farmlands and storm-swept coastlines, the climate crisis is causing huge losses in lives and livelihoods around the world, and the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases mainly through burning... Fossil fuels from global warming, leading to disastrous consequences, and this damage is already tangible, and will increase significantly in the future.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently warned that about 3.5 billion people already live in contexts highly vulnerable to climate change by 2050 , and more than 1 billion people living on small islands and low-lying coastal settlements are expected to be at risk from rising global levels. Sea and extreme weather conditions, the climate crisis is also exacerbating social and economic inequality.

The groups most affected by climate change are low-income people, indigenous peoples and groups with marginalized identities. Climate change exacerbates social and economic inequalities and exacerbates existing problems. These groups also include people with disabilities, the elderly, women, children and migrant workers. These groups are Most vulnerable to neglect when disaster strikes, the ability of governments to address the climate crisis depends largely on what governments do today to support the rights of those already suffering from the impact of climate change and to combat the economic and policy forces causing it.

The climate crisis requires support for non-fossil fuel economies and political systems focused on ending economic marginalization, combating racism and discrimination, and promoting environmental justice.

What are the challenges facing human rights at the COP28 meeting?

Answer: The human right to live in a healthy environment is a universally recognized right, and this right is greatly affected by the climate change crisis. The climate crisis also significantly impacts other human rights, including the rights to life, housing, food and water.

The repercussions of the climate crisis are reflected in various aspects of life, from fires devouring forests to extreme weather events, their harmful effects on agriculture and coastal communities, and rising levels of greenhouse gases. Which is causing dangerous changes, as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns of its negative impacts on millions of people in the world, especially in areas at risk of sea level rise and extreme natural phenomena.

The negative impacts of the climate change crisis on vulnerable and marginalized groups, such as the poor, indigenous people, the elderly, people with disabilities, women and children, are multiplying. This challenge constitutes a threat to the basic rights of these groups and requires international cooperation to address it effectively. The ability of governments to address the climate crisis depends on integrated policies that promote human rights. It takes effective measures to protect against the increasing effects of climate change.

Also know:

What does the COP 28 logo symbolize?

The countdown to COP 28 begins... and reshaping the course of global climate action

COP 28 is a real test of the world's seriousness in saving the planet from climate change

Sources:

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