COP 28, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 13, 2023, came up to the end. The acronym 'COP' stands for 'Conference of the Parties,' an annual UN gathering of countries under its Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The numerical designation '28' denotes the twentyeighth iteration of this year's conference. Over the years, COP has consistently demonstrated its commitment and responsibility to address climate change by identifying, evaluating, and forming climate-related policies. At COP 28, approximately 90,000 participants, including representatives from international organizations, industries, civic groups and various countries that are directly involved in the UNFCCC have convened to contribute to the ongoing discourse.

​

Focal Points of COP 28

COP 28 encompassed several pivotal issues. Firstly, for the first time in its history, the conference reached its first-ever agreement in terms of the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which is widely acknowledged as the main reason for the ongoing climate crisis.Secondly, a decision was made regarding the operational plan for the loss and damage fund, established by developed countries to assist those in the developing countries grappling with the consequences of the climate crisis. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) pledged to donate $100 million as the initial financial contribution to the fund. Other nations, including Germany and the United States, also affirmed to provide additional financial resources to the fund. In addition to the decision on the loss and damage fund, COP 28 saw a number of other significant agreements.

​

Main Agreements on COP 28

Commitments were made to double energy efficiency and triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. Additionally, there was a pledge to increase climate-related financial support to developing nations up to $100 billion annually by 2025. The conference also emphasized the need for a stronger international cooperation in developing and deploying carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. Furthermore, a greenhouse gas reduction plan was outlined, targeting the rapid dismantling of coal-fired power plants deemed to be ineffective in reducing emissions, coupled with limits on new permits.

​

Assignments Left Behind

For the first time since its inaugural gathering in Berlin, Germany, back in 1995, COP 28 achieved a milestone by incorporating the term 'transitioning away' from fossil fuels into its agreement, marking a historic shift and underlining the progress made during the conference. Despite this notable progress, the absence of a specific phase-out plan for fossil fuels in the final agreement caused a major concern. Additionally, the presentation of a clear goal for expanding renewable energy production and the commitment to end coal-fired power generation seemed to be short of strength. More groundbreaking, specific promises seem to be needed to tackle the current climate crisis effectively.

​

Reporters,

Hyeonseon Namgung namgung0121@seoultech.ac.kr

Jieun Park pk325382@g.seoultech.ac.kr

Reporter 남궁현선

• 직책 :
• e-mail : namgung0121@seoultech.ac.kr

박지은 기자

• 직책 :
• e-mail : pk325382@g.seoultech.ac.kr