Key Climate Concerns in 2023: Advancing Towards COP28 with Accelerated and Urgent Climate Action

COP28 is fast approaching. The 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is set to take place between 30 November and 12 December 2023 in Expo City Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As the climate crisis continues to grow steadily more urgent, this year's COP summit will be a pivotal moment in our global climate action response by bringing together world leaders, environmental experts, innovators, and organizations. The conference will unite representatives across sectors, industries, and institutions from across the globe with the shared goal of halting and ending climate change.

There are several key climate concerns to be addressed at COP28. This year’s conference marks a milestone moment for global climate action. It has been seven years since world leaders first signed the Paris Agreement, and at this year’s summit, the first Global Stocktake (GST) will take place to assess the progress the world has made in achieving the aims outlined in 2016. Furthermore, the events’ Presidency has called on all governments and climate stakeholders worldwide to take action in four key areas: fast-tracking energy transition, transforming climate finance, emphasizing human-centric focus, and creating the most inclusive COP summit.

In this article, we will unpack the key concerns of this highly anticipated event, exploring the aims and agendas for this significant world event.

COP28’s key climate concerns at a glance

• Achieving the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement
• Accelerating the transition to clean energy globally
• Mobilizing climate finance
• Addressing and assessing loss and damage

The Global Stocktake; assessing our Paris targets

One of the most significant aspects of the conference is the inclusion of the first Global Stocktake (GST). With this, world leaders and climate stakeholders will convene to take stock of progress on the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C. This is a critical goal, as reaching this target can reduce further extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other climate impacts. As such, this esteemed event will be a crucial moment of reckoning for countries to show how they are working to achieve this goal. The GST will help realign efforts on climate action and help countries put measures in place to bridge gaps in progress.

Achieving the transition to clean energy around the world

This year’s gathering will focus intently on how clean energy transition can be achieved quickly and effectively. It is understood that the world must phase out fossil fuel sources and transition to clean, renewable energy. In order to achieve this, countries must continue to invest in clean sources such as solar and wind power, as well as take energy-efficient measures for existing infrastructure. As such, the conference will allow countries to set new commitments to clean energy and work together to accelerate the transition.

Financial accessibility for climate action

COP28 will also present a crucial platform for countries to strategize on climate finance and increase financial flows to developing countries. For developing countries to transition to low-carbon economies and infrastructures, financial assistance must be provided. At this year’s gathering, climate finance discussions will focus on:

• The level of climate finance required to support developing countries
• The sources of climate finance, including public, private, and blended financial aid
• The vehicles for delivering climate finance, such as the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund
• The governance of climate finance, the role of the UNFCCC and other international organizations

Assessing the state of our environment

Finally, the current state of natural environments worldwide, and the impact of industrial, commercial, and agricultural activities, among others, must be reviewed. As climate change has caused widespread damage and loss to numerous operations and spaces, including crops, infrastructures, and livelihoods, the summit will present an opportunity for countries to address this issue and how to proceed, including establishing a new Loss and Damage Fund.

The conferences’ significance for the AEC industry

As professionals in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, we must contribute to the shared goals of COP28. Through the innovative, sustainable design and construction of our built environment, we can ensure that future development around the globe is carried out with greater care. By attending this event, AEC professionals have the opportunity to showcase their green solutions on a global stage and work together to develop collaborative solutions to achieve the targets of this gathering.

To learn more about this highly significant climate event and actively participate, visit the website today and register your interest.