The climate crisis has never been more apparent.

This year alone, the world witnessed both its hottest day and hottest month in history, record-low Antarctic ice and extreme ocean temperatures. Communities across the globe are feeling the effects in the form of sweltering heat waves, withering drought and scarce water supplies. Developing nations — those least responsible for fueling climate change — are experiencing the impacts most acutely.

The UN’s climate summit in Dubai (COP28) offers an unprecedented opportunity to change course and create a better world for people, nature and the climate.

Why Is COP28 a Critical Moment?

At COP28, national governments and others will conclude the first “Global Stocktake,” assessing the results of their collective action to curb climate change. The UN's Global Stocktake synthesis report, released in September 2023, shows that despite some progress since the Paris Agreement was forged in 2015, the world is still far off track from reducing emissions enough to keep temperature rise to safe levels.

How policymakers, business leaders and others respond to the Global Stocktake findings at COP28 will help determine whether the world confronts the climate crisis, or continues to fall victim to it.

Leaders and climate negotiators must come to COP28 prepared to make bold commitments and big decisions on issues like phasing out fossil fuels, financing climate resilience in vulnerable nations, and transforming the ways countries produce food and energy. They’ll also need to prove they’re following through on past climate action promises.

WRI’s experts will be tracking key developments leading up to, during and following COP28. We aim to raise awareness of the COP28 proceedings, showcase solutions and secure significant progress by the end of the summit. Check this hub regularly for new articles, research, events and other resources to stay informed.

 

Cover Image by: AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi