COP28 News Roundup | November 17–23, 2023
With days left until COP28, activists and world leaders alike prepare for climate action.
Each week, articles are selected from news sources worldwide highlighting key dialogues, trends and issues among COP28 leaders, the gas and oil industry, carbon capture and storage technology, and climate policies.
‘Repressive State’: Climate Activists Fear COP28 Clampdown In UAE
DUBAI, UAE— As the United Arab Emirates prepares to host COP28, human rights groups are fearing surveillance and detention under the UAE’s strict criminal justice system.
The UAE has assured that designated areas for demonstrations will be permitted within the COP28 site, but these assurances have done little to assuage concerns among campaigners, who plan to address human rights issues during the conference.
“We are deeply concerned about people being detained and arrested,” said lead spokesperson for the Climate Justice Coalition Asad Rehman. “Then there is the wider concern about the scale of surveillance, particularly digital surveillance. We know the UAE has the technology to monitor digital communications.”
The UAE, an autocratic federation of seven sheikhdoms, prohibits unauthorized protests, homosexuality, and restricts criticism of rulers. Defamation, insults, and similar statements are prosecutable by law. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have accused the UAE of detaining individuals for political reasons.
During COP28, activists plan to raise issues related to the UAE’s treatment of migrant workers, detention of civil society actors, and fossil fuel production during COP28. The COP28 team from the UAE dismissed outdated guidelines and emphasized their commitment to providing a platform for peaceful assembly.
On the Cusp of Climate Talks, UN Chief Guterres Visits Crucial Antarctica
KING GEORGE ISLAND, ANTARCTICA — U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited Antarctica prior to COP28, taking action to reduce planet-warming gas emissions.
“We are witnessing an acceleration that is absolutely devastating,” said Guterres. “The Antarctic is waking up, and the world must wake up.”
During his three-day official visit to Antarctica, Guterres was accompanied by Chile’s President Gabriel Boric, visiting Chile’s Eduardo Frei Air Force Base at King George Island on the continent. The U.N. Secretary-General also planned to visit the Collins and Nelson glaciers by boat.
COP28 isa crucial opportunity for fossil fuel phase-out, to prevent the global temperature from rising beyond 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit above pre-industrial levels. The warming air and ocean temperatures have been causing significant ice melt in Antarctica, a region with a pivotal role in regulating Earth’s climate by reflecting sunlight and influencing major ocean currents.
COP28 Will Be the ‘Moment of Truth’ for Oil and Gas Sectors, IEA Says
DUBAI, UAE — A new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) report emphasizes the need for fossil fuel companies to outline a clear pathway to achieving net-zero emissions amidst the escalating climate crisis.
The IEA’s report states that global oil and gas demand is expected to peak this decade and be approximately 45% lower than current levels by 2050. The IEA argues that this figure is not swift enough to align with the goals of the Paris Agreement. To limit global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius, oil and gas demand must decrease by 75% by mid-century.
Oil and gas companies can contribute to the energy transition. Setting ambitious targets to reduce emissions at the source is crucial, focusing on emissions generated from their own operations. Currently, more than half of all oil and gas output comes from companies without clear emissions reduction targets.
Despite being a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the oil and gas industry accounts for just 1% of total global clean energy investments. Companies should invest at least half of their annual investment in clean energy projects in the current decade. They should also not overly rely on carbon capture projects, as they should not be a substitute for cutting emissions.
Brazil to Propose Mega Fund to Conserve Forests at COP28 Climate Summit
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL— Brazil is set to propose a significant fund for the conservation of tropical forests at COP28.
The fund is intended to contribute to global efforts in preserving tropical forests, with Brazil being the world’s largest rainforest nation, housing around 60% of the Amazon jungle. This comes as multiple multilateral environmental funds have been established to support developing nations in their environmental initiatives ahead of COP28.
While the proposed fund’s size remains undisclosed, Brazil’s chief climate diplomat, Andre Correa do Lago, described it as “huge.” Unlike existing schemes that often value forest conservation in terms of carbon, Brazil’s proposal is expected to link the fund’s value to the area of the forest measured in hectares.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who declared “Brazil is back” as an international environmental leader, is expected to present Brazil’s advancements on various environmental fronts at COP28. Initiatives include a reduction in Amazon deforestation and discussions among the eight Amazon countries about a joint commitment to end deforestation by 2030.
The King, the Cam and the PM: Britain’s COP28 Identity Crisis
LONDON, UK— As COP28 approaches, the United Kingdom faces an identity crisis, symbolized by the presence of three notable figures: King Charles III, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Foreign Secretary David Cameron, each taking a different stance on climate action.
King Charles III, a longtime advocate for climate action, will deliver an opening speech at the World Climate Action Summit. However, he is bound by constitutional conventions and must adhere to the government’s stance, which includes recent decisions supporting fossil fuel production.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, accused of scaling back the U.K.’s net-zero ambitions and promoting fossil fuel production, will also attend COP28. His recent retreat on key net-zero targets and embrace of North Sea oil and gas have raised concerns among allies pushing for stronger climate action.
Former Prime Minister David Cameron, now the U.K.’s Foreign Secretary, once pledged to lead the “greenest government ever” but later expressed frustration with environmental policies, referring to them as “the green crap.” His return to a key government role adds a dynamic element to the U.K.’s representation at COP28.
The trio’s presence reflects the U.K.’s evolving role on the global climate stage. While the country hosted COP26 just two years ago, it now faces confusion over its climate commitments. The recent statements by Sunak, including the embrace of North Sea oil and gas, have raised questions about the U.K.’s direction in climate policy.
King Charles III’s climate-conscious stance is tempered by his constitutional obligations, and any potential tensions with Sunak are unlikely to surface in the text of his speech, which is reviewed by Downing Street. Despite differing positions, the king’s unique position and authority on climate change make his speech a significant test of maintaining political impartiality.
The U.K.’s delegation will also include Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho and junior minister Graham Stuart. However, confusion arose when Stuart suggested a lack of concern about the distinction between a “phase-out” and a “phase-down” of fossil fuels, sparking debate on the U.K.’s strategic position.
As the U.K.’s team heads to COP28, the three with their unique stance, symbolizes the country’s struggle to maintain a clear and consistent position on climate action.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 28th Conference of the Parties (UNFCCCC COP28) Conference will be held from November 30th — December 12th, 2023, in Expo City, Dubai.
This news trend summary is prepared and edited by Carolyn Neugarten, Intern and Editorial Assistant, FINN Partners. To suggest future articles and topics, please contact Carolyn at carolyn.neugarten@finnpartners.com. You can share and utilize these weekly summaries to engage and prepare for COP28.
