COP28 Countdown: Key Media Strategies

With COP28 kicking off tomorrow, we want to share some key insights to keep in mind as the event unfolds

This year's event brings unique challenges and opportunities, especially in the wake of the Inflation Reduction Act and amidst a backdrop of significant global events. Understanding the nuances of media engagement and the evolving energy media landscape will be critical for those looking to make an impact.

Below, find strategic considerations and guidance to help shape more effective media outreach during COP28 and inform your approach moving into 2024.

Maximizing Media Impact as COP28 Unfolds

Leverage the Momentum of COP28's Kickoff: Capitalize on the heightened media interest as COP28 begins. This is a prime time for your company to look for opportunities to share its story and insights, as media coverage of the energy space will be peaking.

Timely Engagement with Media: Considering how significantly coverage of COP has dropped immediately following the event in previous years, it's essential to engage with the media now if you want to tap into this news cycle.

Highlight Urgent and Relevant Stories: Focus on stories that are immediately relevant and align with the opening themes of COP28, including:

• Real-Time Developments in Renewables: Emphasize any immediate results or significant progress your company has made in scaling renewable energy.
• Current Perspectives on Energy Security: Given the global energy landscape, highlight your company’s views or solutions addressing current energy security concerns.
• The 'Phase-Out' vs. 'Phase-Down' Debate: As the debate is likely to be a hot topic at COP28, quickly clarify your company's stance and how it aligns with the event's focus.

Our Energy Experts' Latest COP28 Observations

?? Allison Ralston, M.A. :

We're seeing three central storylines heading into this year's event:

1. President Biden, notably, is not planning to attend COP28 this year, despite having attended the two previous summits. However, CNN has just reported that Vice President Harris is now expected to attend, likely in response to the criticism over President Biden's absence.
2. Fossil fuels will be a central topic at the summit, especially given its location.
3. This morning, Axios reported that environmental groups are criticizing the Biden administration for its recent auction of oil and gas drilling rights in Wyoming, valued at $3.4 million, which took place on Tuesday.

?? Liz Benavides :

Pay close attention to the language used at this year's event as indicators of what messaging and conversations will be most effective for driving progress in the energy transition in 2024. 彭博资讯 did a great job of breaking down two key phrases and their true meanings:

• Unabated = carbon capture technologies
• Orderly phase down = a SLOW phase down

Bloomberg noted that adjusting the language this way will help bring agreement to initiatives outside of the Triple Renewable by 2030 goals.

?? Reagan Costa :

As the climate crisis worsens and many organizations rapidly approach deadlines to reach net-zero targets, the narrative surrounding COP this year will be focused on turning climate conversations into climate action. 2023 brought its fair share of setbacks, especially for the global economy, and changes to the financial landscape over the past year have prompted many companies to walk back or abandon net-zero strategies entirely. This creates a unique opportunity for those who have managed to make progress toward sustainability commitments and drive climate action to stand out and have their voices heard in an often crowded and competitive space.

Reporters We're Watching

Below are some of the key reporters who will be reporting from the ground at COP28:

• Ryan Heath , Axios (if you're at the event, don't miss Axios House Dec 4-6)

• David Gelles , New York Times
• Akshat Rathi , Bloomberg (we recommend tuning into his podcast, Zero , which explores the policies, tactics and clean technologies taking us to a future of zero emissions as the world fights climate change)
• Aime Williams , Financial Times

Additional Energy Comms Resources