We've witnessed political tension and social unrest worldwide, including the U.S. shooting down a Chinese balloon, massive protests in Israel against judicial reform, coup d'états in Niger and Gabon, and the Israel-Hamas war. These events collectively point to a world grappling with complex challenges. They each have profound implications for international relations, domestic policy, and the global quest for stability and peace.
The two week schedule of COP28 ended on Dec 12.
COP28 took place in Dubai, presided over by the CEO of an oil company, during the hottest year on record, grappling with the complexities of two concurrent wars and an uncertain economic landscape.
A staggering 97,000 delegates attended the event, setting a record that doubled the attendance of COP27. The sheer magnitude of this number prompts numerous questions and considerations. For comparison, Korea’ largest football stadium, Seoul Olympic Stadium, has the capacity for 69,950 people.
Presumably the first Global Stocktake should have played an important role in COP acting as a moment of reckoning and a launchpad for future climate action. The stocktake recognised it would require a 43% emissions cut by 2030 and 60% by 2035 relative to 2019 levels. To achieve this, countries will require more ambitious commitments.