What you should know ahead of COP 28 by Kemisola Ibitoye

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change- UNFCCC, will host its annual climate change summit in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023.

What exactly is COP, who takes part in it, and how can we hold world leaders accountable?

COP, short for ‘Conference of the Parties, is the United Nations’ annual climate change conference. It serves as a forum where world leaders, ministers, and negotiators gather to address the pressing issue of climate change. These negotiators represent governments that have signed key international climate agreements, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement.

Since COP 21 in 2015, the focus of these conferences has been on implementing the Paris Agreement. The primary objectives of this agreement are to maintain the 1.5-degree temperature goal, mitigate further losses and damages, and speed up a fair transition to an economy that benefits both people and the environment.
Each year, a different country hosts the COP. The host country appoints a president to lead the talks, and their role is important. They engage with governments and other stakeholders, provide leadership and vision, and ultimately have a major impact on how the agreements made at the conference are negotiated.

How Can We Hold World Leaders Accountable?

Accountability is essential in climate action. Citizens can keep a close watch on their governments, ensuring they follow through on their climate commitments. If governments fail to meet their obligations, concerned individuals and organizations can collaborate to voice their concerns and demand change.

COP28 in Dubai is set to be a critical climate moment in 2023. It’s time to move beyond reevaluating past commitments and work towards more ambitious actions.
FAME Foundation, through the Green Ball Project, has been working passionately with schools, grassroots communities, and the general public. Our activities aim to transition change from the local level to a national level and even the global stage, highlighting the necessity of addressing climate change for the benefit of all.

Kemisola Ibitoye is the Project Officer on Climate Action at FAME Foundation. She writes from Abuja.