Unlocking the Potential of International Cooperation Mechanisms for Climate Action: What lies ahead for Article 6 of the Paris Agreement after COP28?

Article 6 of the Paris Agreement stands out as a pivotal piece in the intricate web of international climate negotiations. COP28 brought forth both triumphs and challenges in the pursuit of climate action. I will first provide an overview of what Article 6 entails— particularly 6.2 and 6.4—and why it stands as a linchpin in …

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What’s for dinner? Food and agriculture rising to center stage at cop28

Tapping into the Hidden Potential of Food Waste Panel at COP28 For the first time in COP's history, an entire day was dedicated to discussion on emission reduction in food and agriculture which account for one third of all CO2 emissions (Food & Resiliency Food Production and Partnerships, COP28). We've all heard time and again, …

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Historic milestones for nuclear energy at COP28

The world’s biggest climate meeting, the United Nation’s 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), concluded in Dubai with new agreements set on handling the climate change crisis. Negotiators agreed on topics like funding aid for those most vulnerable to climate change, transitions away from fossil fuel, investment in alternative energy sources, etc. During the first …

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Climate Justice and Community Engagement Themes From COP28

Throughout COP28, leaders worldwide talked about equity and justice, but what work are they doing to center frontline communities in these discussions? The conversation must start with community engagement in policy decision-making to ensure frontline voices are heard and integrated into policies. Ensuring an equitable transition to clean energy can have positive impacts on all …

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Progress, Public Engagement, and Greenwashing at COP 28

In December, our group of 16 University of Michigan graduate students had the honor of attending the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP) in Dubai, UAE, the meeting of the supreme decision-making body of United Nations Climate Change (the UNFCCC). As students, attending COP 28 presented an opportunity to be involved in the process as …

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Lessons Learned in Nuclear Communication at COP28

COP28 was a significant COP for nuclear energy, being referred to as the ‘nuclear COP’ by many people. This is primarily because of two key accomplishments: Declaration to triple nuclear energy capacity by more than 20 countries. ‘Nuclear’ being included in the final COP decision text for the first time. These things didn’t happen overnight; …

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Investing in our Future: Uplifting Youth Voices at COP 28

The conclusion of COP 28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates marks the end of the first Global Stocktake set forth by the Paris Agreement. This process, which largely assesses the progress of countries at achieving their nationally determined contributions and collective progress towards keeping global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius, lays the groundwork for …

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Gender and Climate Change: Taking Stock at COP28

Climate change is exacerbating the gender divide Approximately half of the world’s GDP is dependent on the sustainable management of ecosystems. With 1.2 billion jobs in farming, fishing, forestry, and tourism at risk due to climate change, up to 158 million more women and girls may be pushed into poverty globally by mid-century––16 million more …

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Reflections on COP 28 – A Step Forward in Climate Action ?

COP 28 is the most significant annual climate change conference of 2023, hosted in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Organized with the support of oil companies and executives, it promises a smoother transition to green energy and the end of the fossil fuel era. Representatives and heads of state from 154 countries worldwide convened to discuss …

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Fuel for Thought: COP28 Confronts Oil & Gas

As a former employee and scholarship beneficiary of an oil and gas company in a developing country, COP28 presented an intriguing paradox. This industry, notorious for historically denying climate science, was about to discuss its role in combating climate change. The setting was fittingly ironic - the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, chaired by an oil …

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