Can an oil executive broker a climate deal?

At COP28, delegates to discuss curbing emissions, adaptation, and a fund to compensate those affected by climate change. Negotiations have been fraught with disagreements, but hope is pinned on the conference to deliver relief to millions suffering from climate change. #COP28 #ClimateChange #Emissions #Adaptation #LossAndDamageFund

The year 2023 is on track to be the world’s hottest year on record, even as government negotiators and climate policy professionals from around the world head to the annual UN climate conference (CoP). These conferences are a yearly occasion for countries that have signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to report the progress they have made on the aims of this landmark global agreement that took effect almost three decades ago. Very broadly, the agreement directs countries to curb emissions of greenhouse gases and to support efforts to help people adapt to ongoing changes in climate.

Last year’s conference, held in Egypt, resulted in a clear understanding of how emission curbs put in place by countries were nowhere near enough to limit global temperature rise to scientifically acceptable limits. It also included an acknowledgement of how rich countries were not on track to deliver $100 billion annually to poorer countries to deal with climate change, a commitment made at an earlier edition of the same conference. This is why the world’s gaze is focussed on the upcoming 28th edition of this annual event.

Controversy has preceded the conference even before it has opened. It is being held in the UAE, a country that is part of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).