Hardly time for a COP out

THE CONTROVERSY OF COP 

COP 28 (Nov. 30-Dec. 12) begins today, the world’s 28th leadership gathering to address the climate crisis since the first “Conference of the Parties” in 1995. But this year, it’s cloaked in controversy.  

Firstly, critics state the convention, aimed to be a positive and pragmatic gathering of 70,000 delegates from 196 countries, is undermined by the decision to hold the conference in Dubai, UAE, presided by Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.  

In a TED Talk in July 2023, Al Gore described how the fossil fuel industry has “brazenly seized control” of the COP process.” The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has emissions larger than those of ExxonMobil, with no credible plan to reduce them. Climate visionary, Naomi Klein, called for a civil society boycott, asking why we should lend our legitimacy to a political façade. 

And now, the BBC has reported it’s received leaked documents that the UAE planned to use its role as host to strike oil and gas deals with 15 nations. 12 nations have denied that any discussion of commercial activities took place, but there remains evidence of a serious breach in standards and protocol. 

VIRTUES OF COP

Whilst COP presents obvious challenges, it is still a momentous global event with significant convening power to attract the right delegates to the table. Nothing like it exists, nor allows for global discussion of the climate crisis to take place at this scale. Rishi Sunak is attending this year, plus, for the first time, 1000 mayor and sub national leaders. Additionally, representatives from every major industrial sector, will be there, alongside NGO’s, civil society, key industry leaders from tech and finance. This promotes a more inclusive discussion, with priority placed on practical initiatives, smoothing the flow of finance, inspiring and empowering community action. 

The GST, the first Global Stocktake, will happen this year, the main mechanism through which progress under the Paris Agreement will be assessed. Whilst it’s clear the world is hugely behind on its goals; the GST offers a roadmap to accelerating climate action. This will help inform brands and business strategies moving forward.  

Other critical areas of focus are the loss and damage fund (established at COP27), i.e. how this will work practically, plus agreements concerning the GGA, the Paris Agreement’s Global Goal on Adaptation. Energy transition and food system transformation plus financial investment. 

And whilst COP28 might not solve all our problems, it can provide a clear, actionable direction of travel, leaving room for brands and businesses to interpret and implement strategies as needed in their journey of transformation. Regardless of the outcome of COP28, brands and businesses still have a responsibility to reach Net Zero or Net Positive. Likewise, Mayors and sub national leaders have authority and empowerment to implement local change which could revolutionise our cities, super-charging community and civilian action. And when that is not enough, and stronger accountability is needed, people can turn to courtrooms to challenge fossil fuel companies’ activities, lack of transparency and “climate-washing”.  

Reassuringly, in the last five years, the number of climate-related court cases filed globally has more than doubled, from 884 filed by 2017 to nearly 2,500 to present day.  

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE 

So, whilst there is controversy surrounding COP 28 and its hosts, we can’t ignore the good that might come. If nothing else, it will expose, on a global scale, those existing only to save themselves, whilst shining a light on those few courageous ones, willing and able to save the world.