8 things to know about COP28 and why the youth need to know this
The youth shall inherit this Earth. Yet, when you ask anyone below the age of 35, it seems that they are more aware of the latest TikTok dance trend than of COP28. In the general context of things, it is the outcomes of COP28 that will be consequential in their lives, perhaps even impacting the very way society thrives and survives.
Yes, climate change is not a “sexy” topic and a lot of people may shun reading news about the climate. In reality, however, climate change’s impact permeates every facet of our lives. It has an effect on the food we eat, the shelter we build, or the clothes we wear. When you realize it, climate issues touch our daily lives. If you are a student, for example, climate even dictates whether you attend a face-to-face class or not.
Amidst its importance, climate issues still sit at the bottom of the knowledge of the youth. So, to bring more awareness, here are eight things you have to know about COP28.
1) What is COP28?
COP28 is the 28th Conference of Parties. It is set to take place from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to the UN, COP is an "annual meeting where United Nations member states convene to assess progress in dealing with climate change and formulate a climate action plan within the guidelines of the UNFCCC (the formal name for the meetings is the Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change or the United Nations Climate Change Conference).”
The inaugural COP was held in Berlin in 1995. Last year's COP27 took place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
2) Why is COP28 significant?
The significance of COP28 becomes evident when considering that it pertains to our shared home. A fundamental fact to recognize is that our nation is among the most climate-vulnerable globally, owing partly to our Pacific Ocean location. As such, the outcomes of COP28 will inevitably impact us directly.
According to McKinsey, the significance of COP can be summarized as follows: "COP decisions can have global authority; in the UN system, powerful nations such as the US and Russia possess equal voting rights as tiny island nations like Vanuatu or São Tomé and Príncipe. Plus, decisions can be made only by consensus. UN member states send representatives to participate in the negotiations, (while) observer organizations, industry representatives, and lobbyists also attend."
3) What happened at the last COP?
There were “significant roadblocks” that remained on the path to achieving net zero. Specifically, a 1.5°C pathway is not yet achievable, according to McKinsey. To reduce emissions to the extent required, leaders and their organizations will need to take additional, urgent action toward emissions reductions and removals.
4) What will happen in this year’s COP?
COP28 UAE is an opportunity for the world to come together, course correct, and drive progress.
“We need everyone to be more ambitious in the fight against climate change to meet the goals and ambition of the Paris Agreement. COP28 will emphasize a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to climate action. Underscoring all efforts are the principles of transformation, solidarity, pragmatism, and inclusivity. The world needs a COP of action and a COP for all,” a statement from the official COP28 website read.
By hosting COP28, the UAE is “focusing on practical and positive solutions that drive progress for the climate and the economy, as well as provide relief and support to vulnerable communities.” The COP28 UAE Presidency believes that governments and the private sector must work closely together in order to address climate change.
5) Why is COP28 important for the Philippines?
According to the Climate Reality Project Philippines, one of the critical policy points in this year’s COP is the “operationalization of a loss and damage fund to finance the needs of communities disproportionately affected by the climate crisis.”
“The most contentious issues that would have to be settled are determining who pays for the funds, how much, and what will be the basis for access, reporting, and financing mechanisms.”
Another focal point in COP28 is the progress of the Climate Finance Delivery Plan, outlining how the developed world will fulfill its promise to mobilize $100 billion annually from 2020 onwards to address the adaptation and mitigation needs of developing nations.
Superficially, it might seem that vulnerable countries like the Philippines are driven by financial motives. However, this is far more deeper — an appeal for climate justice that has long been denied.
6) What has our country done regarding COP28?
The Climate Change Commission (CCC), the government agency in charge of climate-related affairs, issued a statement that it had met with the incoming COP28 presidency in Bonn, Germany last July to further discuss areas of cooperation toward advancing and accelerating global climate action for the global south.
Discussion between the CCC Secretary Robert E.A. Borje and COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber focused on critical pillars of mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, and means of implementation and support.
7) What is the role of the youth in COP28?
On the COP28 website, the youth will be represented by a “Youth Climate Champion” or YCC. This person is “uniquely positioned to serve as the missing bridge between the COP presidency and youth stakeholders, as well as streamlining youth coordination between governments and UNFCCC.”
“The YCC will be responsible for mainstreaming youth participation and voice in the COP28 process and mobilizing substantive youth policy input and outcomes. Its role is to amplify all voices under the age of 35, with a special emphasis on youth from most vulnerable communities such as indigenous peoples, those with disabilities, and communities at highest risk.”
8) Who will represent PH in COP28?
In the past, it is usually the head of the CCC or the DENR who speaks on behalf of the nation. This year, however, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his intent to attend.
“The (UAE) ambassador came to see me… and we were talking about COP28. I hope to be able to attend because climate change is a primordial issue when it comes to the Philippines,” Marcos said.
We shall await the official confirmation and if this happens, this is the first time in our history that our President will be at the COP.