It’s been two years since the UK hosted the 2021 climate conference COP26. Whilst the conference has moved on from our shores, the journey continues as we gear up for COP28 in Dubai this November, striving for a healthier planet and a brighter future.
What is COP28?
COP28 is short for the 28th annual Conference of the Parties (COP) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Quite a mouthful, eh?
The conference brings together a diverse group of influential individuals from across the globe, including climate scientists, environmental advocates, business leaders, and heads of state. Together they discuss plans, commitments, and actions to protect the one thing that unites us all: our planet.
What's on the agenda this year?
COP28 is poised to build on the momentum generated by COP27 (held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, 2022), aiming to translate promises into tangible action and progress. This year's agenda places a spotlight on three pivotal pillars: Finance, Inclusion, and Technology and Innovation.
Finance. Mobilising financial resources is crucial for combating climate change.
Inclusion. Addressing the lack of systematic inclusion, supporting smaller organisations through decarbonisation, and empowering young voices are vital to carry the low carbon transition forward and into the next generation.
Technology and innovation. Cutting edge ideas are needed in order to get back on track to the <1.5°C commitments and bring about a global transformation comparable to the industrial revolution.
What were the outcomes of COP27?
COP27 was focused on delivering real results and practical projects through international cooperation to realise the aims set out in COP26. Here are the five key takeaways from the COP27 conference:
Loss and damage fund. Commitment to establish an international fund that will provide financial support for vulnerable countries that experience loss and damage through severe climate events (such as floods and droughts)
Commitment to <1.5°C. The world is not on track to keep global warming below 1.5°C and that needs to change. Renewed commitments have been made to make critical changes over the next decade to meet the demanding but necessary emissions targets.
Accountability. Commitments are meaningless unless they are turned into action, which is why focus has now been turned to holding businesses, industries, and institutions accountable for upholding their climate commitments.
Financial support. Taking action requires financial investment, putting financial support for developing countries at the heart of global climate plans.
Implementation. The heart of COP 27 has been turning plans into actions, which is why the focus has turned to the implementation of existing plans and commitments - so that climate goals can become reality.
When is COP28?
The conference will be held from 30 November to 12 December 2023.
Where will COP28 be held?
This year the conference will take place at Expo City Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). There will be two sites: The Blue Zone which will be open to accredited party and observer delegates. The Green Zone which is open to businesses, NGOs, and the general public, as well as Blue Zone attendees.
Save your air miles, as there's no need to book a flight to Dubai to support the climate goals discussed in COP28. If you're on our Next Gust1 or Next Drive2 tariff, you're already using 100% renewable electricity and helping pave the road to a net-zero future. Explore E.ON Next's renewable electricity guarantee to learn how you're helping to transform UK energy.