Unlocking the potential of COP28

The debate over what we must do versus what we are willing to do to tackle the climate crisis has become more heated as the COP28 UN climate summit draws near.

Climate has never been higher up on the global agenda. A recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report concluded that even with the most ambitious emission reductions, global warming is expected to overshoot the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit set by the Paris Agreement as early as 2030.  

There is, nevertheless, an opportunity to prevent the worst effects of climate change. And doing so will necessitate a quantum leap in global climate action by all governments and sectors. 

COP28 presents another chance to grasp the nettle of climate change. More than 80,000 people, including 140 heads of state, will descend on Dubai in November to discuss critical issues pertaining to climate change, including climate finance, mitigation of emission, and loss and damage.  

This year’s COP is particularly significant because it concludes the first Global Stocktake. This will give countries and stakeholders crucial information about the status of the goals of the Paris Agreement, and serve as a catalyst for increased climate action.  

While most discussions at COP conferences tend to focus on multilateral governmental dynamics and national commitments, this year’s summit aims to encourage private sector engagement and investment in sustainable solutions to tackle the climate crisis.  

[…] global warming is expected to overshoot the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit set by the Paris Agreement as early as 2030. 

The UN estimates that $4 to $6 trillion in low-carbon infrastructure investment is needed annually to keep the Paris Agreement warming targets on track.  

The energy transition relies heavily on private investment, with banks, investors and private firms providing the majority of capital. By mobilising resources, expertise and innovation, the private sector is both creating capacity for energy-transition financing, and it is now expected to have clear transition plans of its own. This offers opportunities for clean energy companies looking to garner investments for implementing their  technologies.  

Since the pandemic, companies have grown a sense of solidarity and purpose, realising they are not independent of social, political, economic or climatic systems. Attending COP28 should be driven by this new sense of purpose.  

It presents a unique opportunity for these forward-thinking businesses to understand and process new information. It’s will also be a forum to contribute to the discussions surrounding corporate sustainability and responsible business, as well as to foster international collaborations on decarbonising difficult-to-abate sectors, and to address challenges related to adaptation and resilience.

A key consideration is how to stand out among those 80,000 people. It is very clear that organisations involved in climate action, including renewable energy companies, need to craft public relations strategies highlighting their climate solutions, as well as their commitment towards sustainable energy practices.  

A central consideration when crafting these strategies is that companies are facing increased scrutiny regarding their sustainability commitments and declarations. Therefore, transparency and honesty have to be central tenets of any communications strategy. 

The UN estimates that $4 to $6 trillion in low-carbon infrastructure investment is needed annually to keep the Paris Agreement warming targets on track.

With our extensive experience in supporting clients at COP, the UN General Assembly and the SDG tent at the World Economic Forum, Leidar is well positioned to help companies get the most from their participation by navigating the complicated environment of these conferences.  

We have advised and supported clients on communications around the recent COP meetings in Glasgow and Sharm El-Sheikh, where we have helped on stakeholder outreach programmes, bilateral meetings, media interviews and speaking opportunities.  

And our office in Dubai is well-positioned to make the most of the opportunities of having COP28 on our doorstep. 

As with any major event, communications teams will need to start planning early to ensure that they have their narrative in place, understand the local culture and its nuances, and can deliver relevant content for UAE, regional and international media.  

The closer we get to the event, the harder it will get for companies to be on the front foot. 

Please do not leave your planning until the last minute. And get in touch if you would like to discuss how best we can support your communications activities in and around COP28. 

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