As 2023 scorches toward being the hottest year ever recorded 🌡️, all eyes are on COP28, the UN’s upcoming climate summit in Dubai. But with geopolitical tensions, war, and economic challenges casting long shadows, can world leaders bridge divides to tackle the planet’s biggest crisis? Here’s what’s at stake 👇.
The $100 Billion Question 💸
Developed nations pledged $100B/year by 2020 to help developing countries go green – a promise still unfulfilled. COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber has urged wealthy economies to step up, calling climate finance “available, accessible, and affordable” for those hit hardest by floods, droughts, and storms 🌪️. But with inflation squeezing budgets and Middle East conflicts diverting funds to aid, the cash gap remains a ticking time bomb 💣.
Emissions vs. Empty Promises 📉
The 2015 Paris Agreement aimed to cap global warming at 1.5°C – but current policies could see temps rise over 3°C 🔥. Dubai’s “global stocktake” will review progress (spoiler: it’s not great) and push nations to slash emissions faster. Will this year’s record heatwaves force action, or just more pledges?
Global South vs. Global North 🌏
Developing nations, drowning in debt and climate disasters 🌀, demand justice: “We didn’t cause this crisis, but we’re paying for it.” Meanwhile, richer countries face pressure to fund green transitions abroad while managing inflation at home. Can COP28 rebuild trust – or will the summit deepen divides?
