"The yearly get-togethers are a critical centerpiece for international climate action. But critics say they have outlived their usefulness and are due for an overhaul."
"Diplomats, academics, and activists from around the globe will gather yet again this week to try to find common ground on a plan for combating climate change. This year’s COP, as the event is known, marks the 28th annual meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. More than 70,000 people are expected to descend on Dubai for the occasion.
In addition to marathon negotiations and heated discussions, the fortnight-long assembly will see all manner of marches, rallies, speakers, advocacy, and lobbying. But, aside from fanfare, it remains unclear how much COP28 will, or can, achieve. While there have been signs that the United States and China could deepen their decarbonization commitments, countries have struggled to decide how to compensate developing countries for climate-related losses. Meanwhile, global emissions and temperatures continue climbing at an alarming rate.
That has left some to wonder: Have these annual gatherings outlived their usefulness?"
Tik Root reports for Grist November 28, 2023.
SEE ALSO:
"COP28 Crowds: A Dangerous Distraction Or Sign Of Success?" (Reuters)
"Controversial Carbon Credits Flood COP28, Yet Still No Rules" (AFP)
"Companies Made Big Climate Pledges. Now They Are Balking On Delivering." (Washington Post)
"COP28 Will Generate Headlines But Not Much Else" (Forbes)
"Open Secret At Climate Talks: The Top Temperature Goal Is Mostly Gone" (Politico)
"‘Phaseout’ Or ‘Phasedown’? Why UN Climate Negotiators Obsess Over Language" (Grist)
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