The countdown to COP28

It’s 2023 and we are at the halfway point of the Paris Agreement: seven years since the agreement, seven years to go until the 2030 target. 

So far, the annual Conferences of the Parties of the UNFCCC have brought about the first targets on greenhouse gas reduction that scaled up to become the

Kyoto protocol

and the

Paris agreement

.

But what does this mean in 2023? 

If we let the data guide us, we still need to reduce global emissions by 43%, and simultaneously drive progress on adaptation, green finance and loss & damage.

With its ‘halfway position’, COP28 will be a unique climate opportunity for the world to take stock and assess our progress on the Paris Agreement. 

Global leaders will be forced to reflect on the progress we have made since 2016 (and the progress still required). Consequently, the first Global Stocktake (GST) will provide a comprehensive assessment of what has been achieved since adopting the Paris Agreement.

In the run-up to the most critical climate event of the year, companies are already preparing announcements, tightening their emission-reduction targets and planning new investments. It’s being recognised that preparing your business to stay ahead of climate commitments at this time is vital to long-term survival.

In early October, the Economist Events team are hosting “

Sustainability Week: Countdown to COP28

”. The event will be an independent guide to preparing your business for the 28th Conference of the Parties. You can expect experts from fields including business, civil society and youth climate action to examine the themes of this year’s COP and deliver practical ideas about how businesses can move faster for the planet.

The event - in its third year running - will take place in a hybrid format between October 2nd and 5th. The in-person day will be Tuesday 3rd October at Etc. Venues Houndsditch, London, UK. On Thursday 5th October there will be a virtual Middle East Focus day. 

All of these areas have the capacity to see progress. The program at this year’s COP includes new action areas like health, trade, relief, recovery and peace. The thematic days’ programming also incorporates four cross-cutting themes that underpin effective, interconnected delivery: Technology & Innovation, Inclusion, Frontline Communities and Finance.