‘Is it worth it? Is it going to solve climate change?’ These were some of the questions that I found myself grappling with when I was elected as a part of the delegation to represent Northwestern University at COP28. These thoughts were amplified by reflecting on the United Nations' efforts in climate change over the past decades. Despite witnessing 27 iterations of the Conference of the Parties (COP), tangible, impactful outcomes seemed few and far between. Contrastingly, my recent reading of Yuval Noah Harari's 'Sapiens' offered a thought-provoking perspective on the evolution of humankind and our unique capacity for problem-solving through critical thinking, distinct from other species. While I was still navigating through this intriguing blend of doubt and optimism, it was already the end of November signaling the time for my journey to Dubai.
If conducting COP in an oil-producing nation wasn’t enough pressure, the UNFCCC elected the Chairman of ADNOC, state-owned oil company of the UAE as the COP28 president. This decision sparked widespread discussions, with many voicing skepticism about the likelihood of a fossil-fuel-dependent country endorsing significant reductions or phasing out of fossil fuels. This skepticism was fueled by a leaked document reported by the BBC, suggesting the UAE's intention to utilize its role as the COP28 host to negotiate new oil and gas deals. Moreover, hosting COP28 in the Middle East, a region beset with various socio-political challenges, added another layer of complexity to the proceedings.
Amidst this backdrop, COP28 was poised to be a unique summit, marking the conclusion of the first Global Stocktake initiated in Glasgow at COP26. This Global Stocktake was akin to a comprehensive audit of the world’s progress on climate action and support, aimed at identifying gaps and devising strategies to accelerate global climate efforts. COP28 also carried the expectation of operationalizing the first loss and damage fund, a significant topic that gained momentum in the previous COP. The summit emphasized the involvement of diverse groups, including youth, indigenous communities, and representatives from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), highlighting a shift towards more inclusive climate discussions. The anticipation was high to see whether the COP28 presidency would rise to meet these expectations or fall short, as had been the case in many of the previous summits.
When we reached on the second day of COP28, we were greeted with the news that had already set the tone of the conference: the establishment of the Loss and Damage fund. This decision, made on the inaugural day, was a significant stride, yet it left me in a state of reflection. As I delved into the details, reading articles and examining contributions from various countries, the reality hit me. These contributions, while noteworthy, seemed like a drop in the ocean of climate crisis. It was a moment that mingled hope with a dose of reality, underscoring that the journey ahead was still long and arduous.
The World Climate Action Summit (WCAS) on the 2nd day added layers to this narrative. Here, global leaders, statesmen, and government heads gathered to reiterate their commitments to broader, more pressing climate action, in line with the Paris Agreement’s Global Stocktake. At the summit, the range of speeches varied greatly: some were genuinely heartfelt, while others seemed overly flamboyant. This disparity made it challenging to discern the true intentions behind their words, casting a shadow of doubt over the potential long-term impact of these commitments. The varying degrees of genuineness in the speakers' addresses sparked questions about their real involvement and effectiveness in the broader narrative of climate action.
As the days at COP28 unfolded, I immersed myself in a plethora of activities. From attending side events that opened new windows of understanding, to walking through the vibrant country pavilions, each day was a journey in itself. The panel discussions were particularly enlightening, covering a spectrum of topics from the intersection of technology with climate change mitigation and adaptation, to the intricacies of climate finance, and the crucial need for capacity building and a just transition.
One of the highlights was listening to notable figures like Bill Gates, Hillary Clinton, and Al Gore. Their discussions spanned a range of pertinent topics, from the practicality and necessity of direct air carbon capture to the nuanced ways in which climate change intertwines with issues of gender inequality. Their insights added depth to the narrative of the summit, offering perspectives that were as diverse as they were profound. Each day at COP28 was a chapter of learning and understanding, of seeing the climate crisis through multiple lenses and comprehending the varied strategies needed to address it. The days were a blend of realization, inspiration, and introspection, leaving me with much to ponder as the summit progressed.
Our mornings at COP began with what quickly became a cherished ritual - our team breakfasts. These were moments where we congregated, not just as delegates but as a unit, sharing insights, planning our day, and discussing observations from the whirlwind of activities. These breakfast gatherings fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie among us, underlining the shared purpose that brought us together at COP28. Following breakfast, our journey to the Expo 2020 venue began. This commute itself felt like an adventure every day, a mini-challenge to kickstart our mornings. We took the metro, joining a sea of other delegates, each absorbed in their thoughts or last-minute preparations for the day ahead.
The first impression of the Expo 2020 venue was its sheer size - an architectural marvel that initially felt like a labyrinth. Navigating through this colossal space during the initial days was a task in itself. There was an overwhelming sense of being part of something vast and significant, a small cog in the giant wheel of global climate discussions. However, with each passing day, this sense of being overwhelmed gave way to familiarity. The initially daunting task of finding our way through the venue transformed into a more comfortable routine. The pathways and corridors, once a complex network, began to feel more navigable as we acclimatized to the rhythm and scale of the event. This evolution from confusion to familiarity mirrored our journey at COP in many ways. Just as we learned to navigate the physical space of the venue, we also found our footing in the expansive and often intricate discussions on climate action. Each day was a step forward, not just in covering the physical distance to our designated panels and events but also in advancing our understanding and contribution to the global dialogue on climate change. Got to say, the UAE presidency really went the extra mile to ensure everyone's comfort at COP28. Impressively, they placed water fountains every 200 steps, an essential in Dubai's heat. The variety of dining options was fantastic, catering to all tastes and diets. Plus, the COP28 mobile app which had an exhaustive list of events with their schedules and locations, made getting from one event to another a breeze. Beyond the logistical arrangements, the UAE's exhibition of its culture, history, and efforts in climate change within the Green Zone was nothing short of spectacular. It was an immersive experience that showcased the rich heritage of the Emirates and their strides in environmental conservation and sustainability. This display served dual purposes – while it was informative and enlightening about the UAE's journey in climate action, it also subtly positioned the Emirates as an attractive destination for tourism and business. If the intention was to showcase the UAE as a prime location for both, it was achieved with remarkable finesse. The seamless blend of traditional elements with modern environmental initiatives painted a picture of a nation that respects its roots while ambitiously embracing the future.
I had the observer badge only for the first week. Hence, as we were getting acclimatized to the weather and the venue, it was time to return to the States. From there, I continued to engage with the summit, following key topics and discussions remotely. The latter half of COP28 was marked by particularly intense debates over the language used in the Global Stocktake (GST), resulting in the event being extended by an extra day. The culmination of these discussions was on the final day with the announcement of the UAE consensus. This was a defining moment of the summit - another 'landmark' decision that laid out an ambitious plan for the GST. It charted a course for countries to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, with goals to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030. These commitments, as grand as they were, sparked a spectrum of reactions. Questions arose from different sectors of society, pondering if these measures were sufficient. For me, the significance of COP28 lay in its ability to convene over 80,000 people from around the globe, fostering dialogue on climate action, even if just for two weeks a year. This gathering, in itself, symbolized a collective effort worth acknowledging.
The harsh reality is that the adverse effects of climate change are deeply entrenched in our ecosystem. While our actions might not completely reverse these effects, they are pivotal steps towards mitigation. Achieving the 1.5-degree target set in the Paris Agreement seems daunting, yet I remain hopeful. I believe that the world will find a path to recovery, perhaps not in our lifetime or the next but eventually a balance will be struck.
So, while answers may vary to the question, "Is this going to solve climate change?" based on who you ask, in my view, the effort is unquestionably worthwhile. Engaging in this global dialogue, pushing for change, and striving for a sustainable future – all of these efforts are steps in the right direction. The journey to a healthier planet is a marathon, not a sprint, and I believe every step counts.
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