Delegates from all over the world are flocking to Dubai for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), from Thursday, Nov. 30, through Tuesday, Dec. 12.
But the annual climate talks, where much is at stake in a rapidly warming world, are taking a backseat to two wars raging in the region.
Several world leaders will be absent from the event, including President Biden. Pope Francis, meanwhile, canceled his trip due to a bout with the flu.
Vice President Harris will be attending, as first reported by Bloomberg. So too will Special Envoy John Kerry and other high-level U.S. climate officials, as well as British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and King Charles III.
Emphasizing the need for swift climate action, Star Trek actor William Shatner told Good Morning Britain that the king must stress that urgency, noting “He’s got to say ‘We’re all going to die.’”
Among the life-or-death issues under scrutiny as the summit approaches are questions around the future of fossil fuels.
Leaked documents obtained by the Centre for Climate Reporting showed that fossil fuel advocacy efforts were among “potential discussion areas” for the United Arab Emirates at the summit.
The documents, many of which pertain to state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., show interest in a potential deal to buy a Brazilian petrochemical firm, liquefied natural gas trades with Mexico and expansion of existing trade with Kenya.
On the other hand, just days before COP28’s kickoff, the European Parliament approved a resolution calling for an end to all direct and indirect fossil fuel subsidies.
Such action, which would apply to national, EU and global incentives, must occur “as soon as possible and by 2025 the latest,” according to the resolution.
Alongside the fossil fuel debate is another divisive issue also likely to take center stage at the summit: the need, or lack thereof, to minimize global meat intake.
Livestock today are responsible for 14.5 percent of all human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, according to the U.N.’s Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Cattle — those raised for both beef and milk — are the biggest offenders, representing about 65 percent of the sector’s emissions, per the FAO.
During the upcoming summit, the FAO is excepted to issue guidance advising nations that over-consume meat to reduce their intake, according to Bloomberg.
The organization’s non-binding plan could contribute to policy and investment decisions, while hastening a climate shift in the food industry, Bloomberg reported.
But the “big meat” sector does not plan to let this happen without a counteroffensive.
Industry representatives and lobbyists said that they intend to attend COP28 — where they will deliver a pro-meat message to policymakers, The Guardian reported, citing documents seen by the outlet.
Although that guidance has yet to be published, an FAO statement said the group would highlight “the unique potential of agrifood systems as the linchpin for sustainable solutions.”
A “Food, Agriculture and Water Day” will take place on Dec. 10 at COP28, which the FAO described as a critical venue for dialogue on “the distinctive role of agrifood systems in the battle against climate change.”
