Explainer: What’s COP28? Here’s what you need to know

As the world grapples with the urgent need for climate action, the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is holding in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The meeting is holding in Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12.

It is a pivotal event that brings nations together to address the pressing challenges of climate change. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding COP28.

First, what is climate change?

Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have significantly contributed to the increase in greenhouse gases, leading to global warming and climate disruptions.

Key Terms:

1. Greenhouse Gases (GHGs): These are gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. Elevated levels of GHGs contribute to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
2. Global Warming: The long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
3. Mitigation: Actions taken to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases, aiming to mitigate the impact of climate change.
4. Adaptation: Strategies and measures to adjust and adapt to the changing climate, minimizing the damage caused by its effects.
5. Paris Agreement: Adopted at COP21 in 2015, the Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Countries commit to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to achieve this goal.

What is COP28?

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the highest decision-making group for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The COP conferences are annual gatherings where countries that have ratified the UNFCCC, an international treaty established in 1992 to address climate change, discuss and negotiate climate policies and actions. They play a crucial role in advancing international efforts to address climate change.

It serves as a platform for nations to review progress made towards the Paris Agreement, a landmark accord adopted in 2015 to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

COP28 is the 28th of such gatherings.

Why is COP28 Important?

COP28 holds immense significance as it comes at a critical juncture in the global fight against climate change. The world is witnessing the devastating impacts of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss, all fuelled by anthropogenic climate change.

Key Expectations for COP28:

This year’s conference will focus on these key themes:

• Fast-tracking a just and orderly energy transition
• Increasing climate finance from developed to developing nations to support adaptation and mitigation efforts.
• Protecting people, nature, lives, and livelihoods
• Mobilising for an Inclusive Climate Action

Countries are expected to present updated and more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions, outlining their plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.

There will also be talks on facilitating the transfer of climate-friendly technologies from developed to developing nations to enhance their mitigation and adaptation efforts.

What is Nigeria’s focus at COP28?

Nigeria has a delegation to COP28. President Bola Tinubu is attending the event.

Salisu Dahiru, director general of the National Council on Climate Change, said Nigeria’s focus for COP28 is securing funds to implement its Energy Transition Plan that was launched last year.

Nigeria also hopes to raise additional finance based on the $100 billion pledge made by the global north in 2009 to support mitigation and adaptation in developing countries.

The country will give attention to using gas as a transition fuel and also the loss and damage fund which was agreed on at the last COP.

“Our focus for this COP28, will be to operationalise the loss and damage fund and to be in a position to support countries that are vulnerable to climate change including Nigeria with emphasis on leaving no one behind,” Dahiru said.