Lisa Made It
The Wildlife Trusts and COP28
What is COP?
COP stands for 'Conference of the Parties', which are regular United Nations (UN) conferences on its different conventions (written legal agreements between countries and the UN).
This year the 28th climate COP (hence COP28 for short) is taking place from 30th November to the 12th December, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This is the 28th meeting on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Here, world leaders will come together to take stock of global action on climate change and seek to agree how to go further and faster.
Want to know what's going on at COP28?
We'll be putting together bitesize video updates from the negotiations in Dubai - helping to explain these complex discussions in an easily digestible way!
A potted history
COPs are the ultimate decision-making meetings and this one will review progress made by the 197 nations and territories that have signed the UN's Convention on Climate Change.
Our slides below share some of the key historical moments up to this point:
What do The Wildlife Trusts want to see from COP28?
Action now. In 2023, the dire consequences of climate change are already evident, following another year of unprecedented climate events. COP28 must prioritise this crisis, urging substantial action on national emissions targets and a decisive move away from fossil fuels. The world is falling short of measures to safeguard people and nature. Our plea is for nature to take centre stage, intertwined with considerations of food, climate adaptation, and the crucial connection between international commitments and Sustainable Development Goals (read about them here).
To move from theory and spoken commitments into action, parties must prioritise and fund high integrity and trustworthy nature-based solutions that help us mitigate and adapt to climate change, and also provide benefits for nature and communities. COP28 must reject greenwashing and lobbying by major corporations. Humanity and nature face a crisis, demanding leaders to confront the harsh reality of slow progress.
Despite challenges, hope and positive action are essential. It's not too late for us, collectively, to make a transformative impact. They; we; all of us; have the power to make a positive difference.
What The Wildlife Trusts will be doing
Throughout COP28, The Wildlife Trusts will be shining a spotlight on the positive and inspirational actions that can be taken, by governments, by businesses and by individuals too, in an inclusive way, to help limit and cope with the impacts of climate change and restore nature.
Join us as we bring you regular updates from the negotiations, and a special COP28 WildLIVE event.
COP28 Wild LIVE
We have filmed a special COP28 Wild LIVE, highlighting 'reasons to be hopeful'. Due to a technical fault, the recording will be released December 13th instead of 12th.
Actions you can take
If you’re feeling inspired or looking for ideas for how you can take action yourself, at home, in your community or workplace, have a look at our action pages. We also have resources specifically designed for children and young people too!
Our food system: will global discussions drive much needed change?
It was highly publicised that food, farming and land use would get more attention in December 2023's climate conference in Dubai…
“Fossil Fuels versus Life” – the COP28 outcomes on climate action
COP28 comes to a close with some big steps forward, but there is much more work to be done. Countries must cut emissions and support…
Will governments agree strong measures on food and farming at COP28 this December?
Nature, land, food and farming will take centre stage at this year’s climate summit – COP28 in Dubai in December. Vicki Hird, our…
