COP is the largest climate focused event in which the world’s powers come together to sign multilateral environmental treaties. This convention which lasted a little less than 2 weeks is especially relevant considering the visible impacts that climate change has had on our environment. Extreme weather like heat waves and flooding have exacerbated polar caps and glaciers and melting at an increasing rate resulting in sea levels rising, and crop production has declined due to environmental irregularities. These along with countless other reasons make it imperative that countries agree to a multilateral treaty that tackles the roots of climate change. However, the convention has fallen well short of that objective.

Fossil fuels are widely recognized as the main culprit behind climate change. COP 28 set out to address fossil fuel production and emissions. Ultimately, the countries attending the convention were able to hash out a treaty that attempted to address this issue. Although over 120 nations agreed to the treaty, it left many disappointed. In order to reach a compromise with oil-producing countries, many of the clauses had to be altered to contain vague language and loopholes which could be exploited. Moreover, finances have been neglected in this final version of the treaty. New pledges were made to the Green Climate Fund, but with UNFCCC predicting that it would take up to 7 trillion dollars for developing nations to be environmentally sustainable, it is far from its goal. To conclude, my gripe with this treaty is that it lacks enforceability (like many international treaties do). Countries have the ability to take action on their own terms with factors like SDGs in mind. 

COP 28 was monumental because it started conversations about completely phasing out fossil fuels. With more stringent language, COP 28 would’ve been a key turning point in the battle against climate change. The reason for why such a sweeping treaty was unable to be passed is because of special interests. Oil conglomerates had a significant sway on this convention considering that the convention took place in the UAE, a nation whose economy is centered around oil production. The UAE is not doing their part to tackle climate change. Oil companies aren’t doing their part. Developed nations aren’t doing their part. The only way that we can overcome these challenges is if we all do our part and we buy into the idea that climate change is a NOW problem, not a future problem. And that starts with you. Yes you. Every person has to do their part and act in an environmentally friendly manner because global problems require global solutions which require global participation. Do your part. But hey, it’s just a thought!