COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev’s Bold Opening Remarks

Setting the tone, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev launched the ceremony with a sobering message. “Colleagues, we are on a road to ruin,” he stated bluntly, calling attention to the harsh reality of the climate crisis. “But these are not future problems. Climate change is already here. Whether you see them or not, people are suffering in the shadows. They are dying in the dark, and they need more than compassion, more than prayers and paperwork. They are crying out for leadership and action.”

Babayev’s words underscored the profound human impact of climate change that often goes unseen. In his view, COP29 represents an “unmissable moment” to carve a meaningful path forward that transcends political pledges and delivers concrete action for vulnerable communities worldwide. His rallying call emphasised the urgency for nations to honour the Paris Agreement and support its objectives to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

A Moment of Truth for Global Cooperation

President Babayev urged delegates to view COP29 as a pivotal test of the global commitment to the Paris Agreement. His words were stark: “We need much more from all of you. COP29 is a moment of truth for the Paris Agreement. It will test our commitment to the multilateral climate system. We must now demonstrate that we are prepared to meet the goals we have set ourselves.”

As nations prepare to navigate difficult negotiations over climate finance and emission targets, Babayev’s challenge places the burden of action on the world’s most powerful economies and governments, pressing them to put politics aside and prioritise climate over profit.

Outgoing COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber’s Closing Advice

Following Babayev’s remarks, Sultan Al Jaber, outgoing president of COP28, encouraged attendees to take a hopeful, action-driven negotiation approach. “I urge you all to prove once again that we can unite, act, and deliver,” Al Jaber said, stressing the importance of collective action in a world where political will often falters. He reminded leaders that results must “outlast the rhetoric,” urging them to channel positivity as they seek pragmatic solutions.

In a memorable line, he declared, “We are what we do, not what we say,” an appeal for delegates to let their actions speak louder than words. For Al Jaber, the focus should remain on tangible results that benefit all nations, especially those already bearing the brunt of climate impacts.

UNFCCC Climate Chief Simon Stiell on Finance and Resilience

A central issue at COP29 is the need for increased climate finance to support developing countries in mitigating and adapting to climate impacts. UNFCCC Climate Chief Simon Stiell took the stage with a frank reminder that climate finance is not an act of charity but a matter of global self-interest. “Here in Baku, we must agree on a new global climate finance goal. If at least two-thirds of the world’s nations cannot afford to cut emissions quickly, then every nation pays a brutal price.”

Stiell highlighted the potential consequences if nations fail to act, warning that the fragility of global supply chains and economic systems could spell disaster if they are not built to withstand climate shocks. “If nations can’t build resilience into supply chains, the entire global economy will be brought to its knees. No country is immune,” he cautioned.

Calling for ambitious targets, Stiell noted that finance reform is essential to give countries the necessary fiscal space. “We must work harder to reform the global financial system,” he said, insisting that fiscal reforms are key to equipping vulnerable nations with the resources to invest in climate resilience. He ended his address with a strong message: “We cannot leave Baku without a substantial outcome.”

The Path Forward: New Goals, Financial Commitments, and Accountability

COP29’s opening ceremony made it clear that this summit will be judged on its ability to secure solid financial commitments and actionable climate goals. Substantial financial support is critical for developing nations to implement emissions reductions and adapt to climate impacts. Babayev’s call for “leadership and action,” Al Jaber’s emphasis on “actions over words,” and Stiell’s insistence on a reformed financial framework all point towards the weighty expectations facing this year’s summit.

Leaders are expected to negotiate a new climate finance target, building on the $100 billion annual commitment made in 2009 that developed nations have yet to realise fully. Additionally, discussions will address the structural reform of financial institutions to support climate action in the most vulnerable regions. These issues will likely spark contentious debates, but the consensus is that failure is not an option.

A Defining Moment for Climate Diplomacy

As COP29 unfolds, the challenge for leaders will be to bridge the gap between ambition and action, especially given the year’s climate-fuelled disasters. The calls for reform, responsibility, and results at the opening ceremony reflect a shift in tone, with leaders of developing nations no longer content to wait for incremental progress.

COP29’s start signals a new phase in climate diplomacy that demands accountability from the global community. As Babayev noted, “COP29 is a moment of truth.” The question is whether leaders will heed this call and deliver tangible outcomes that protect our shared future. COP29 can potentially be a historic turning point — provided nations commit to real change.

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From Azerbaijan’s troubling human rights record to its contested actions in Nagorno-Karabakh, the country’s motivations deserve scrutiny. Is this pivot towards sustainability a genuine effort or a strategic play to bolster its international image?

A Host Under Scrutiny

Criticism of Azerbaijan as a COP29 host is widespread, with many questioning the country’s suitability for such a prestigious platform. Environmental activists and human rights organisations point to the Azerbaijani government’s repressive tactics, including the suppression of free speech and the restriction of civil society’s ability to function openly. These conditions are at odds with the collaborative spirit of climate conferences, where diverse voices are crucial for meaningful progress.

Despite its climate-friendly rhetoric, Azerbaijan continues to quash environmental activism. Civil society groups, critical to holding governments accountable, face intimidation and harassment, making it difficult to trust that COP29 will be an inclusive, open forum for debate. The contradictions are glaring: on the one hand, Azerbaijan promises to facilitate climate finance negotiations; on the other, it’s stifling the discourse needed for transparency and accountability.

However, international pressure could be a force for good. Hosting COP29 puts Azerbaijan under the spotlight, offering the country a rare chance to open its civic space. By relaxing its repressive stance and encouraging diverse participation, Azerbaijan could seize the moment to enhance its credibility and signal a shift towards more progressive governance. Such steps would be more than cosmetic — they could herald a genuine shift in how the country approaches climate diplomacy and internal politics.

Nagorno-Karabakh and the “Greenwashing” Problem

Perhaps the most cynical aspect of Azerbaijan’s climate narrative is its attempt to frame its recent actions in Nagorno-Karabakh as part of a broader environmental initiative. Following a military campaign that displaced over 100,000 ethnic Armenians, Baku is now promoting a vision of a “green” Nagorno-Karabakh, which smacks of opportunism rather than genuine environmental concern.

The displacement of people like Marut Vanyan, an ethnic Armenian who fled the region, stands in stark contrast to Azerbaijan’s green rhetoric. For those forced from their homes, talk of sustainability is cold comfort when the reality is ethnic cleansing and unresolved trauma. While the idea of using COP29 to showcase Nagorno-Karabakh as a model of sustainable development might sound progressive, it risks becoming a disingenuous PR move to cover up geopolitical violence.

Yet, with the right international oversight, the rebuilding of Nagorno-Karabakh could become a template for post-conflict environmental rehabilitation. True sustainability means ensuring that regional initiatives respect human rights, restore ecosystems, and promote long-term peace. To achieve this, the international community must push for transparency in how reconstruction efforts unfold, ensuring that no community is excluded from development benefits.

Energy Dependence: A Missed Opportunity?

Azerbaijan’s pivot to green energy is another critical issue that COP29 will highlight. For a country so heavily dependent on oil and gas, the transition to renewable energy has been slow and hesitant. While Baku is eager to tout its environmental credentials, fossil fuels still dominate its economy, and its long-term commitment to renewables remains unclear.

This reliance on hydrocarbons is not just an economic issue but a political one. Azerbaijan’s wealth and influence on the world stage are tied to its oil exports, making any shift towards a greener future politically fraught. Yet, COP29 offers an unprecedented platform for the country to demonstrate real ambition. Suppose Azerbaijan can set bold domestic climate targets and lay a clear roadmap for reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. In that case, it may convince the world that its environmental pivot is genuine.

Additionally, Azerbaijan could turn COP29 into a platform for fostering regional cooperation on pressing environmental issues. The South Caucasus faces ecological challenges — deforestation, water scarcity, and pollution — that transcend national borders. Baku could use the conference to advance cross-border environmental initiatives, which could, in turn, lay the groundwork for broader regional reconciliation.

The Climate Finance Commitment: Leading by Example?

Climate finance is one of the few areas Azerbaijan could make a meaningful impact. As an oil producer grappling with sustainability, Baku has insights that could be valuable to other nations transitioning away from fossil fuels. Azerbaijan’s pledge to prioritise climate finance during its presidency could bridge the gap between developed and developing nations, helping to channel resources to where they are most needed.

But words must be matched by action. The success of this commitment will depend on whether Azerbaijan follows through with concrete measures, such as setting clear targets for carbon reduction and creating transparent mechanisms to track how climate finance is deployed. The international community should hold Baku accountable, demanding both pledges and results.

The Role of Civil Society: A Litmus Test for Progress

A successful COP29 cannot be achieved without the active participation of civil society. Environmental groups, activists, and community leaders have a vital role in holding governments accountable and ensuring that climate action is both inclusive and just. Azerbaijan must rise to this challenge by providing an enabling environment for these voices during the conference and in the following months and years.

This means removing restrictions on NGOs, allowing for peaceful protest, and ensuring that activists can work without fear of reprisal. Can COP29 be a credible platform for today’s urgent climate discussions by fostering open dialogue?

A Fork in the Road

The world is watching Azerbaijan. As the country approaches the global climate spotlight, it faces a choice: use COP29 as a platform for greenwashing or seize the moment for real change. The conference’s success will depend on whether Azerbaijan embraces transparency, inclusivity, and genuine climate leadership.

At the same time, we must be open to the possibility of transformation. History has shown that unexpected alliances and unforeseen progress can emerge from even the most challenging contexts. Perhaps Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 will be one such moment, where a country on the periphery of the climate movement takes its place as a leader in global sustainability.

For Azerbaijan, COP29 is more than a stage to perform on; it’s an opportunity to carve out a new future. The international community, civil society, and environmental activists must keep the pressure on — ensuring that the outcome of COP29 is not just more promises but real progress towards a sustainable and just world.

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The UN Conference of the Parties (COP) has gathered annually for nearly three decades, bringing together leaders from almost every nation to tackle the most pressing issue of our time: climate change. However, the media’s focus on immediate outcomes and controversies often invites us to overlook these Summits’ long-term progress and significance. It’s important to remember that these events are not just about the headlines but about the promise of change and hope they bring for a sustainable future.

While skeptics may point out the shortcomings of these Summits, they may be missing the bigger picture. No nation is perfect, and even those with sustainability policies must recognize that turning their backs on emerging nations’ struggles delays global action. The participation of developing countries in the COP process is not just theoretical; it is crucial to the worldwide mobilization necessary to tackle the issue.

These nations, often the most at risk from climate change, are not just participants but key contributors to arriving at inclusive solutions. Their unique perspectives and challenges shape the discussions and decisions made at these Summits, making them an integral part of the global climate action.

In nearly three decades, COP Summits have made remarkable progress. The Paris Agreement, adopted at COP21, was a significant milestone in global climate action. This agreement, signed by 195 countries, aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with an aspiration to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees. Recognizing such achievements is crucial; it reminds us that these gatherings and collaborations are not in vain but a beacon of hope for a sustainable future.

The Early Days: Building a Framework for Global Action

The first COP meeting in 1995, held in Berlin, marked the beginning of a sustained global effort to address climate change, and it set the tone for what would become an evolving negotiation process. COP1 established the “Berlin Mandate,” a landmark agreement that recognized the historical responsibility of developed countries, the most significant historical emitters of greenhouse gases, in causing climate change. This mandate laid the groundwork for future discussions and paved the way for the Kyoto Protocol, adopted two years later in 1997 at COP3 in Kyoto, Japan.

The Kyoto Protocol was a watershed moment in global climate policy. For the first time, countries agreed to legally binding emission reduction targets. Although it applied to developed nations, the protocol set a precedent for collective and individual national accountability.

The agreement faced its share of challenges—most notably, the United States’ refusal to ratify it—but it still represented a significant step forward. The protocol underscored the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” a concept that remains central to climate negotiations today.

Mid-Course Correction: The Road to Paris

As the COP Summits progressed, it became increasingly evident a more inclusive and flexible approach was needed, as it was recognized that the Kyoto Protocol, focusing on binding targets for a subset of countries, would not be achievable. The realization led to the Bali Action Plan at COP13 in 2007, which initiated a process to negotiate a new global agreement to include all nations, developed and emerging.

This was the Paris Agreement, adopted at COP21 in 2015. The Paris Agreement marked a significant shift in how nations engage to stem climate change. Unlike the Kyoto Protocol, which imposed top-down targets, the Paris Agreement encourages countries to set their determined contributions (NDCs) based on specific circumstances. This flexibility was vital to securing the participation of nearly every country worldwide. The agreement also established a framework for transparency and accountability, requiring countries to report on their progress regularly.

Yet the Paris Agreement’s most significant achievement was its commitment to limit global warming to “well below 2 degrees Celsius” above pre-industrial levels, intending to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees. Though ambitious, this target reflects the scientific consensus necessary to avoid climate change’s most catastrophic impacts. The Paris Agreement was a triumph of collaborative diplomacy, demonstrating that global cooperation is possible despite incredible policy and economic standing differences.

The United States was a late signer of the Paris Agreement. It joined the community in 2016 but withdrew soon after, in 2017; on January 20, 2021, President Biden reaffirmed the US commitment to the Paris Agreement on his first day in office.

New Era of Ambition and Accountability

In the years following the Paris Agreement, the COP Summits have focused on putting the structure needed to implement its goals. COP24 in Katowice, Poland, 2018 formalized the “Paris Rulebook,” providing detailed guidelines on implementing the agreement’s provisions. This includes rules for how countries should report their emissions and progress and how to ensure transparency and accountability.

Another significant achievement came at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2021 under the theme “Together for Our Planet.” The Summit saw a wave of new commitments from countries to enhance their NDCs, reflecting a growing recognition that the original Paris pledges were insufficient to meet the 1.5-degree target.

The Glasgow Climate Pact agreed upon at COP26 urged countries to “revisit and strengthen” their targets by 2022 and included the first-ever explicit mention of phasing down unabated coal power. The pact also emphasized the need for developed countries to fulfill their promise to provide $100 billion per year in climate finance to emerging nations, a commitment that has been a sticking point in negotiations since.

COP26 also saw the launch of several major initiatives aimed at accelerating climate action. The Global Methane Pledge, for instance, committed signatories to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030, an action that could significantly slow the rate of global warming. Additionally, more than 130 countries pledged to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030, recognizing forests’ critical role in absorbing carbon dioxide.

Addressing the Critics: Why COP Matters

Indeed, the COP process is not without its flaws. Critics often point to the slow pace of negotiations, the gap between promises and action, and the influence of powerful fossil fuel interests in the nations hosting the Summit. All these concerns are valid. However, they should not overshadow the progress made or the world’s ticking clock in addressing climate change. The COP Summits are instrumental in creating a framework for addressing a common concern—people and planet are at risk.

The shift from the Kyoto Protocol to the Paris Agreement reflects a broader understanding that tackling climate change requires grasstop to grassroots global collaboration and local action. COP provides a community setting for bringing together governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and thought leaders to share ideas, forge partnerships, and hold each other accountable.

Notably, the COP Summits have played a crucial role in elevating the climate crisis on the global agenda. These meetings’ visibility and media coverage have helped build public awareness and pressure governments to act. Climate change is now a central issue in international relations due in no small part to the sustained efforts of the COP process.

Looking Ahead: The Road to COP29 and Beyond

The upcoming COP29 Summit in Baku will be another critical moment as we prepare for the future. The focus will be on assessing the collective progress toward the Paris Agreement goals and scaling up ambition to meet the 1.5-degree target. This will require substantial government commitments and more significant engagement from the private sector and civil society.

The challenges are immense, and the achievements of the past 28 COP Summits provide a good cause for optimism. Each Summit has built on the potential of the previous gathering, gradually moving the world closer to a shared, sustainable future. The road ahead will not be easy, but the COP process has shown that, despite imperfections, it remains our best hope for achieving climate justice. The COP gatherings matter because they are the only global forum where every country has a voice in the essential effort to course-correct climate change. They matter because they have led to concrete actions that will make a difference.  They matter because they embody the principle that collaborative action can change the course of history, no matter how daunting the challenge. As we approach COP29, remember that these meetings are about give and take and building

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The host country, Azerbaijan, has committed to ambitious climate goals, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2050 and increasing renewable power capacity to 30% by 2030. The COP29 Presidency’s plan is built on two pillars: enhancing ambition through national plans and transparency and enabling action through finance to reduce emissions, adapt to climate change, and address loss and damage.

The Path to COP29: Key Preceding Meetings

Several important meetings and conferences will shape the agenda and build momentum for COP29 throughout 2024:

UNFCCC Intersessional Meetings

Typically held in Bonn, Germany, these technical sessions allow negotiators to progress on critical issues away from the spotlight of the main conference. As climate policy expert Alden Meyer notes, “The intersessionals are where the real work gets done, away from the spotlight of the COP.”

Bonn Climate Change Conference

Held on June 3–13, 2024, this conference was a crucial stepping stone towards COP29. Around 6,000 delegates will gather to negotiate mechanisms for implementing previous agreements and draft formal recommendations for COP29. Key topics include climate finance, national climate action plans, just transition from fossil fuels, and adaptation strategies.

G7 and G20 Summits

These high-level meetings of major economies often result in climate-related commitments and financial pledges that significantly influence broader negotiations. The outcomes of these summits will likely set the tone for COP29, particularly regarding climate finance and emission reduction targets.

Regional Gatherings

Events like the African Climate Summit allow countries to align their positions and highlight region-specific challenges and solutions. These conferences often result in declarations that inform the global climate agenda.

UN General Assembly and Climate Week NYC

Held annually in September, these events provide a high-profile platform for world leaders to reaffirm their commitment to climate action. Speeches and announcements during this period can significantly influence the momentum leading into COP29.

Pre-COP Ministerial Meeting

This ministerial gathering is crucial for identifying potential roadblocks and finding common ground on contentious topics before COP29. Christina Figueres, former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, describes the Pre-COP as “a vital opportunity to take the political temperature and prepare the ground for successful negotiations.”

Specialised Conferences

Throughout the year, conferences focusing on renewable energy, biodiversity, and climate finance will contribute valuable insights to the COP29 process. For instance, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly provides a platform for discussing the latest clean energy technologies and policy developments.

Scientific Gatherings

Meetings involving the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) will provide the latest climate data and projections, informing the urgency and ambition of actions discussed at COP29.

Civil Society and Private Sector Events

These gatherings mobilise non-state actors and generate momentum for ambitious climate action, often producing innovative ideas and commitments that complement formal negotiations.

Key Issues and Expectations for COP29

As these preparatory meetings unfold, several critical themes are expected to emerge for COP29:

Negotiating a new climate finance goal to replace the $100 billion annual commitment

Increasing ambition in nationally determined contributions (NDCs)
Accelerating the transition to renewable energy
Addressing loss and damage mechanisms
Scaling up climate finance for developing countries
Implementing the outcomes of the Global Stocktake from COP28
Ensuring a just transition away from fossil fuels

The Road Ahead

The journey to COP29 is paved with crucial meetings and negotiations that will shape the summit’s outcomes. As the world grapples with escalating climate impacts, the pressure is mounting for COP29 to deliver concrete results. The conference in Baku represents a critical opportunity to set more ambitious climate targets and ensure these targets translate into tangible actions.

Azerbaijan’s commitment to renewable energy and emissions reduction sets an encouraging tone for the host country. However, the success of COP29 will depend on the collective will of all nations to address the urgent needs of climate-vulnerable countries and accelerate global climate action.

As Patricia Espinosa, former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, emphasised, “Governments cannot address climate change alone. We need all of society engaged and contributing to solutions.” The road to COP29 is a collaborative effort requiring the engagement of governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals worldwide to drive meaningful progress in the fight against climate change.

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According to a recent report, global warming has surpassed the limits of human survival, posing a significant threat to our well-being and existence. Rising temperatures are causing immediate health impacts and increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the long term. Despite the situation’s urgency, we must adequately address these issues in the upcoming 28th United Nations climate conference (COP28) agenda.

The tangible impacts of this changing climate — heatwaves, raging wildfires, and soaring temperatures — are now daily headlines. Yet, the mounting toll on human health and, by extension, the global economy is alarmingly underreported. From acute afflictions like heatstroke to chronic conditions such as kidney disease, the health bill of our warming planet is escalating. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s recent remarks that we’ve transitioned from “global warming” to “global boiling” should jolt the financial community into recognising the profound economic implications ahead.

Yet, amidst this surge in health threats, a crucial aspect remains largely sidelined: non-communicable diseases (NCDs) exacerbated by extreme heat. Predictive models warn of surging mortality rates from heat-related NCDs by 2030, predominantly in economically significant regions like Asia, Europe, and North America. It’s not just a health crisis; it’s an impending economic one, with substantial disruptions to workforces and healthcare systems.

The ‘wet bulb temperature’ is critical to understanding this risk, an indicator of temperature combined with humidity. Human survival becomes compromised when this metric breaches specific thresholds, jeopardising productivity and economic stability. If current trends hold, we risk pushing vast swathes of the global populace out of habitable zones. According to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, the world could see over nine million climate-related deaths annually by the end of the century.

Alarmingly, even as the Paris Agreement set forth ambitious targets, we find ourselves already breaching set thresholds. Warnings from the likes of the World Meteorological Organization underscore our precarious path, with threats not just to human health but to food security, water resources, and ecosystems — the very foundations of many global economies.

Furthermore, let’s consider the workforce, particularly outdoor workers in sectors like agriculture and construction. They are now emerging as the frontline victims of our changing climate. Inadequate protective measures in many countries, and some cases, regressive policy changes, threaten not just individual health but sectoral productivity and economic contributions. The ramifications for global supply chains, commodity prices, and overall financial stability cannot be overstated.

Beyond the direct heat impacts, the broader effects of climate change on food supplies present a pressing concern for global markets. As crops fail, livestock suffer, and fisheries decline, we’re confronted with potential volatility in food prices and security, with cascading implications for economies worldwide.

Global warming has surpassed the limits of human survival, resulting in severe health consequences and an increased risk of NCDs. Failing to prioritise prevention strategies and support effective climate action during the upcoming COP28 negotiations puts the global population at further risk. We must take urgent measures to address the health impacts of climate change, mitigate global warming, and support the adaptation of vulnerable communities. We hope to secure a sustainable future for humankind through collective efforts.

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*****

Representatives from countries and companies will gather to address the global climate crisis for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28). A platform for collaboration, COP28 will weigh strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change and achieve sustainability goals.

Sometimes, policy forums are just conversations without commitment, but COP28 is a critically important opportunity for action; policymakers, scientists, environmentalists, and global citizens must use the mega gathering to set net zero-related targets and implement policies to safeguard the planet’s future.

However, controversy over COP28’s meeting location may appear to steal focus from the meeting’s critical importance. Some applaud the decision to make Dubai the host city; others express deep reservations about the location.

That’s not the only objection. Dubai’s mixed human rights record has drawn additional criticism, raising deeper questions about the country’s commitment to the core elements of ESG – environment, social impact and governance.  Activists and environmental organizations argue that COP events should be held in locations that are positive role models, both socially and on behalf of climate action. Dubai is…problematic.

Dubai proponents say its choice provides an opportunity for dialogue and engagement with a region that must shift quickly toward change from fossil fuels to alternative economic foundations and clean energy. That community believes hosting COP28 in Dubai fosters discussion that could catalyze action and encourage cooperation in addressing climate issues.

This controversy highlights the complex intersection of climate politics, environmental concerns, and geopolitical considerations.  This angst *should* spark a global conversation about the role and responsibility of ALL cities and countries in shaping the future of our planet.

There is also serious concern from many environmental activists on the appointment of Sultan al-Jaber, the UAE minister for industry and technology, as COP28 president-designate, with significant ties to the country’s oil-producing sector.  At the same time, the UAE was the first Mideastern nation to ratify the Paris Climate Accords and committed to reaching net-zero emissions by the middle of the century. Their participation and potential to be a regional role model may be critical to our collective survival.

But that’s not all.  Dubai’s mixed human rights record has drawn criticism, raising questions about the country’s commitment to the core elements of ESG – environment, social and governance.  Activists and environmental organizations argue that COP events should be held in locations noted for positive climate change and net zero progress.  

Developed and Emerging Nations – Pointing Fingers

That discussion practically begs the question of every critic, “is it fair to point a finger at the United Arab Emirates without first looking in the mirror?” Those of us here in the US can’t forget that we don’t stand on any particular moral high ground.

We are one of the world’s largest producers of fossil fuels, extracting significant amounts of oil, natural gas and coal. While the United Arab Emirates is also a notable producer, it has a much smaller fossil fuel output. In the area of social justice, can we in the US tout an unparalleled record of social justice or racial and health equity? We are moving backwards on several human rights issues, including equitable access to health care and a woman’s right to choose. Both the UAE and US must address social injustice within their borders and make no excuses as they right their glaring wrongs.

Climate warming and the rapid pace of disasters don’t fall solely at the doorstep of Dubai.  We all own it and must engage.

There is more to the choice of Dubai than one-dimensional news stories and facile commentary focused on controversy to drive ratings and clicks would indicate. So why hold such a critical meeting in a location that opens the door to countless questions and concerns? Why not block out hotels in a country and city that exemplify virtue? 

Perhaps this is where United Nations organizers chose to reorient their focus – to look at commitment to change in achieving global net zero goals from this very region.

ESG materiality metrics – when companies or countries commit to the analysis – rarely point to stellar performance. They show strengths and weaknesses – they are rooted in a readiness to be part of the solution and own problems.  Dubai has what to improve.  So do other countries.

Climate Change Urgency is Global

Organizers may also want to remind us that climate change is not just local; it’s global and requires all of us to act. To succeed in mitigating harm to the planet, we need a collaborative effort that achieves critical mass.  We need the Middle East to engage and commit, the same as other regions. There is no alternative.

In hosting COP28 in a city like Dubai, the UN is raising awareness about what needs to be done in the Middle East to help fight climate change. This location and the conversation it engenders provide an opportunity to engage with powerful regional economic forces – businesses, governments and NGOs – that must join the dialogue and collaborate on climate-related issues. It must create a safe space for these countries whose single-focused oil economies must make dramatic changes faster.

This global challenge requires global solutions, and COP28 represents a crucial opportunity for nations to come together, strengthen commitments, and take decisive action toward a sustainable and resilient future for all. The choice of meeting location may have created controversy, but it’s a controversy that we need. People will debate and question the wisdom of UN leaders to agree to have Dubai host, but if that discussion results in the realization that a collaborative, global climate solution cannot be reached without the participation of all countries, than the choice of Dubai will have been worth it.

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The IPCC Report was characterized as the final warning before 1.5C of warming is locked in, from which point effects on the climate become irreversible.   We are currently at a 1.1 C increase, and the IPCC concluded that GHG increases must stop by 2025 to have any chance to stay below the 1.5 C target and that dramatic action is needed.   To keep within the 2.7 F  (1.5 C) increase, emissions need to be reduced by 43% by 2030 compared to 2019 and at least 60% by 2035.  

Everyone Should be Part of the Solution

The Secretary-General called on CEOs of all oil and gas companies to be part of the solution and present plans detailing actual emission cuts for 2025 and 2030 and efforts to change business models to phase out fossil fuels and scale up renewable energy.  Key measures to achieve the reductions include:

The report also found that losses and damage disproportionately affect the poorest and most vulnerable populations, creating a tipping point toward more poverty.

Adaptation options that are feasible and effective today will become constrained and less effective with increased global warming.   The report also notes that while measures are being taken to address adaptation, the financial resources committed to the effort fall far short of what is needed. Investments in innovations will be vital to reaching ambitious goals. Companies with innovative climate solutions can differentiate themselves in the market.

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