The UN Climate Change Conference COP 28 is due to take place in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 30th November until 12th December. This year the conference is being structured into a new thematic format, with daily sessions covering a range of topics from land use to health and from education to indigenous peoples.
The COP 28 Conference will also link these daily sessions in a logical way, with its website content stating that: “Each day’s programming incorporates four cross-cutting themes that underpin effective, interconnected delivery. These are: Technology & Innovation, Inclusion, Frontline Communities and Finance. Programming will explicitly include these themes through both content and speakers.”
Because international transport and logistics covers such wide areas of human activity, there will probably be not a single day’s discussions that would not bear some relevance to our sector. However, the session scheduled for 6th December is titled “Multilevel Action, Urbanisation and Built Environment/Transport” definitely would seem to require our particular attention.
The Conference Programme introduces the plan for the December 6th session as follows: “COP28 will feature a historic presence of local leaders, including mayors, governors, parliamentarians, business, and civil society leaders, united to accelerate climate action across all levels of government and society.
“The day will also highlight solutions to transition to low-carbon and resilient built environments and infrastructure, sustainable and circular waste systems, and sustainable mobility and freight. The day will particularly look at action in urban areas, where population growth, economic activity and greenhouse gas emissions converge”
Every year expectations for the UN Climate Change Conference have been high and the rate of progress at reaching carbon reduction targets has been disappointing to many. It is hoped that COP 28 will see the start of new initiatives and the proactive development of programmes already in place that will meet global aspirations for a greener future.