Despite the conclusions reached, or even those yet to be embraced in the final agreement of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, climate action remains more pressing than ever before.
What Has Been Agreed Upon?
The COP28 conference in Dubai witnessed global leaders responding to the growing calls to cease the use of oil, coal, and gas. The demand is to end the fossil fuel era permanently and support the transition to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. The civil society added its voice to climate action demands, emphasizing the need for urgency in the current conference, which has committed to providing a comprehensive and secure space for all participants.
Despite the conclusions reached, or even those yet to be embraced in the final agreement of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, climate action remains more pressing than ever before.
A Hopeful Start
Under the presidency of the United Arab Emirates, the conference made history from its inception by activating the Loss and Damage Fund. Countries pledged over $700 million to this new financing mechanism, contributions that will significantly impact vulnerable communities affected by climate disasters. The wait is now to see if the wealthiest and most climate-responsible nations will fulfill their responsibilities and provide the necessary resources for the fund.
Beginning the End of the Fossil Fuel Era
COP28 was the largest ever, with over 100,000 attendees over two weeks of climate negotiations. Despite initial hopes for an early conclusion, final negotiations were extended late into the night, concluding just one day after the scheduled date. The rush toward the finish line ended with a final acknowledgment of the need to move away from fossil fuels. However, frontline communities facing the climate crisis need more than this. They require a steadfast commitment to rapid, just, and well-funded phased-out of all fossil fuels, accompanied by a comprehensive financing package for developing countries to transition to renewable energy and address escalating climate impacts.
What’s Next for Climate Action?
Despite the intensive negotiations witnessed in Dubai, climate action will remain more urgent than ever.
Climate justice can only be achieved by cutting off the main cause of the imposed climate crisis. Climate justice also requires securing new and additional funding for vulnerable communities on the front lines of the climate crisis. This funding should not only be allocated to losses and damages but should also expand its scope to support adaptation and mitigation measures.
What’s Next for COP?
As we leave Dubai today, we are certain that hope is still alive within us, and our mission is not yet complete. Next year, Azerbaijan is preparing to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) – another fossil fuel-producing state, with an economy dependent on oil and gas for nearly half of its GDP and over 92.5% of its export revenues.
