COP28 Dubai: their approach to climate change

As nations worldwide grapple with the challenges of climate change, the UAE's innovative approach to COP28 offers valuable insights. To delve deeper into this topic and shed light on the intricacies of the four pillars, we had the privilege of speaking with Matthew Hunt, climate change and environmental consultant and Leading Professional at Royal HaskoningDHV. With his vast expertise and keen understanding of the field, Matthew provides a unique perspective on the UAE's vision and its implications for global climate action. 

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is a pivotal event in the global climate change agenda. This year, the 28th edition, COP28, will be hosted in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, 2023. This conference signifies the halfway point since the Paris Agreement 2015, leaving us seven years to reach the 2030 targets. With a focus on action and inclusivity, COP28 aims to reduce emissions by 43%, marking it as a transformational event in our global fight against climate change.

The UAE's role

As the host of COP28, the UAE is uniquely positioned to foster consensus and accelerate inclusive climate progress. The country, a long-standing regional leader in the energy and sustainability sectors, views climate change as a challenge that must be overcome. This commitment to the global climate agenda is evident in the UAE's ambitious plans for the summit, which include targets to triple renewable energy, double energy savings, and increase hydrogen production by 2030.

The impact of previous COPs and the need for COP28

Historically, only a few individual COPs have been influential in establishing agreements that drive national change. The need to decarbonise remains constant, regardless of the number of meetings. The real challenge lies in bridging the gap between developed and developing nations regarding future emission rights. The global community needs to catch up in achieving the Paris goals, emphasising the need for a more detailed strategy to meet these targets.

The four pillars of cop28

The UAE's strategy for COP28 revolves around four central pillars, known as the four Fs: fast-tracking the transition to a low-CO2 world, fixing climate finance, focusing on people's lives and livelihoods, and ensuring full inclusivity. The first pillar emphasises the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to halve them by 2030. The second highlights the critical role of financial resources in addressing climate change, especially for developing nations. The third pillar accentuates the human side of climate change, emphasising the socio-economic impacts on individuals. Lastly, the fourth pillar aims for comprehensive stakeholder involvement in climate action, encompassing governments, businesses, civil society, indigenous communities, and the youth.

Expectations from COP28: Achieving net zero by 2030

The global community's primary expectation from COP28 is a renewed commitment to carbon reduction. The current evidence suggests that we need to be aligned with the Paris goals. The primary objective should be to strategise to achieve these goals rather than redefine them.

The four pillars of COP28 and Royal HaskoningDHV's alignment

Royal HaskoningDHV's work aligns strongly with the four pillars of COP28. The company focuses on decarbonising industry, sustainable transport, and resilience in sectors such as water, infrastructure, energy, and more. Our mission, "enhance society together," resonates with COP28's emphasis on improving people's lives and livelihoods. The company's approach to projects ensures alignment with its values, helping clients deliver meaningful change.

Enhancing society together

If you're passionate about delving deeper into sustainable transformations and gaining a comprehensive understanding of how organisations like ours are actively contributing to positive change, we invite you to reach out and connect with us. By joining hands, we can collectively drive the momentum towards a more sustainable and resilient future for all.