4 things to know about COP28

COP28, the world's largest climate summit, will bring together close to 200 countries in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023. Andréanne Brazeau, Équiterre’s Climate Policy Analyst, and our Mobilization Project Manager, Marie-Eve Leclerc, will be on hand.

Once again this year, discussions will focus on the joint adoption of ambitious and effective measures to keep global warming below 1.5°C, in a just and equitable manner.

What is the COP?

The term "COP" stands for "Conference of the Parties" to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a framework for action to combat global warming that brings together virtually every country in the world every year. This year's COP will be the 28th edition.

The COP also brings together a broad range of stakeholders, including civil society, Indigenous groups, scientists, businesses and, of course, numerous environmental NGOs, etc., who all bring their expertise to the table.

Why are some organizations boycotting COP28, but not Équiterre?

Some civil society organizations decided to boycott COP28 when the United Arab Emirates was announced as the host country, and Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of the UAE's national oil company, as President. For Équiterre, boycotting is not an option, because it would only leave more room for the oil and gas lobby and the other major polluters, who have no qualms about participating.

Notwithstanding the current context, numerous voices from the environmental community have been raised in recent years to denounce the COPs for a lack of ambition and the involvement of major oil companies.

However, the COP is a unique opportunity, with close to 200 states present, to undertake collective commitments to transition away from fossil fuels. Our presence is crucial to pressure governments at critical moments where climate action could be threatened, both internationally and at home, to make more ambitious commitments.

Qu’attendons-nous de la part du Canada et du Québec?

Équiterre will be engaged in a number of activities at the conference, including monitoring negotiations surrounding the Global Stocktake, the renewable energy development target and the just transition work program, as well as reporting back on major decisions and the impacts they will have on the planet.

This year, Équiterre will also be presenting a panel on climate disinformation and polarization, in partnership with the UNESCO Chair in the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Extremism, as part of the activities at the Canada and Francophonie Pavilions on December 2 and 5. These two dangerous trends benefit the fossil fuel industry, which has infiltrated and influenced major international conferences like COPs.

What are our expectations for Canada and Quebec?

Canada and Quebec were not ambitious enough at COP27 last year in Egypt. Our governments still have a lot of work to do towards the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement.

Équiterre will continue to pressure our leaders, with regards to our expectations and priorities for this COP. As you can see, the list is long!

Équiterre will keep you updated on the major decisions made over the next two weeks.