With less than a month until COP28, this is Cognito's weekly newsletter with communications insights, media analysis and advice.
Cognito is an independent global communications agency with a key focus on sustainability, climate finance and the climate transition, among other sectors. In our Sustainability Practice we help our clients communicate about solutions and approaches they are bringing to the climate transition, and deliver high impact campaigns about themes and issues that sit centrally to global efforts to address climate change.?
Contact [email protected] to find out how we can help you achieve your business and communications goals, and communicate about sustainability more effectively and authentically.
Recent news about COP28:?
- Reuters: Impasse broken on climate fund before COP28 but tough road ahead Discussions this weekend have sparked further questions surrounding the provision of a loss and damage fund. Whilst the World Bank will be in charge in the interim, they will only encourage countries to contribute at their discretion.?
- The Guardian: King Charles to give opening address at COP28 climate summit Whilst King Charles was advised by the Truss government to not attend COP27, he will be in attendance at COP28 to deliver the World Action Summit’s opening address, meet with regional leaders and attend a reception for the launch of the inaugural COP28 business and philanthropy climate forum. Invited by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, King Charles will be there between the 30th November and 1st December.?
- Reuters: COP28 chief, groups, urge tripling renewable capacity by 2030 On Monday 30th, the COP28 presidency urged governments to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. Whilst a group of 20 nations have already agreed to pursue these terms, with nearly 200 countries in attendance at COP28, there may be difficulty in securing additional support.???
- Financial Times: Future of fossil fuels leaves nations at odds ahead of UN climate summit During preliminary talks last week, the High Ambition Coalition advocated for phasing out fossil fuel production and stated that carbon capture and storage technologies should not be used to delay climate action.
- The Guardian: In 2023 we’ve seen climate destruction in real time, yet rich countries are poised to do little at COP28 The final editorial piece co-authored by Professor Saleemul Huq, this article delves into concerns surrounding COP28, including the importance of providing real funding towards loss and damage.?
- Reuters: Exclusive: Biden unlikely to attend Dubai COP climate meeting Whilst plans have not been finalised, two U.S. officials have announced that Biden will likely be absent from this year’s summit. Given that several countries are pushing for negotiations? to phase out the use of fossil fuels, Reuters pay tribute to the timely political advantage this would have for the Democratic party - with the 2024 presidential election looming.?
COP main programming updates
Interested in learning more about the programme for COP28? Find the thematic programme for COP 28 here. Here are some recent highlights and updates:
- This week the presidency hosted their Pre-COP conference in Abu Dhabi. The two-day event involved vital discussions around the Global Youth Statement and saw the launch of a joint report between IRENA and the Global Renewables Alliance to triple global renewable power by 2030. At the Pre-COP28 summit Sultan al Jaber acknowledged the current concerns about inclusion of language on fossil fuels and renewables in the negotiated text and urged parties to establish a clear and aligned outlook.?
Don’t miss out …?
Given that this year marks the 75 anniversary of the development of Human Rights, we want to highlight a selection of side events focused on conversations around how human rights and access to healthcare are inextricably linked with climate progress.?
- No climate justice without human rights: civic space for a fossil free future, Friday 1st December 2023, SE Room 6 (16.45-18.15) A discussion of the influence that corporates have over public support for fossil fuel phaseout.?
- Safeguarding Women and Children in REDD+ Processes: Financing what works, Friday 1st December 2023, SE Room 5 (18.30 - 20.00) Using the Ghana Shea Landscape emissions reduction project as a case study, this event will explore the community’s vital contribution to the climate transition.
- Impact of climate change on health in underserved communities, Saturday 2nd December 2023, SE Room 6 (18.30-20.00) This event will explore the importance of addressing health concerns in vulnerable communities by implementing effective health infrastructures and? water access, with a particular focus on providing solutions in Tanzania.?
- What Human Rights at 75 means for climate justice now, Sunday 3rd December 2023, SE Room 2 (13.15 - 14.45) With an array of speakers from across the United Nations and World Health Organisation, this session with address how human rights and climate justice should reshape how we collectively deal with climate change, and facilitate climate action.
Pavilions, Side Events and Experiences:?
The UNFCCC is yet to release an official list of pavilions at COP28. Interested in keeping up to date? The official list of pavilions will be updated here. Also want to see if any side events are of interest? Check out UNFCCC’s comprehensive list here.?
Below is a list of recent announcements about pavilion plans and side events, as well as some of the usual suspects who are showcasing what they are up to on their websites. Each week we will include new updates to keep you informed of developments.?
- Singapore pavilion - Last week, wider social promotion of the Singapore pavilion began. Keep your eye out for their programme on LinkedIn or check out their official website.?
- Trade House pavilion - The World Trade Organisation will co-host the first Trade House pavilion to discuss scalable trade-led solutions which will enable the transition to a low-carbon economy. WTO will host this alongside the International Chamber of Commerce, International Trade Centre and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Find more information here.?
- Waste and Resources pavilion - With the aim of demonstrating the link between climate change and waste management, the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) will host a pavilion this year. For more details, click here.?
Contact Cognito's?Sustainability Practice?to discuss how we can help you achieve your business and communications goals, and communicate about sustainability more effectively and authentically.?
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