COP28 and the Climate Challenge: How You Can Make a Difference

28 Nov, 2023

What is COP28? 

This year marks the 28th annual meeting of the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP), also known as COP28. It is here that almost 200 countries will meet to agree on steps to tackle climate change. Attendees include world leaders, leading scientists, campaigners, business chiefs and lobby groups.  

COP28 will take place in Dubai from 30th November until 12th December 2023. This has been controversial because the UAE is one of the world’s top 10 oil-producing countries. Fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal, are considered one of the main causes of climate change because of the greenhouse gases they release.  

Why is COP28 Important? 

In 2015, the first legally binding international treaty on climate change was introduced, also known as The Paris Agreement. Its goal is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees, preferably 1.5, compared to pre-industrial levels. This target is crucial to avoid the most damaging impact of climate change, and to achieve this, scientists recommended reaching net zero by 2050. However, we’re not on track for this, and the planet is currently on course for about 2.5 degrees by 2100, even with current pledges.  

What is on the agenda?  

As well as the progress towards the existing Paris Agreement, COP28 will also focus on:

• Fast-tracking the energy transition and slashing emissions before 2030
• Delivering old promises and set the framework for a new deal on finance
• Putting nature, people, lives and livelihoods at the heart of climate action
• Making COP28 the most inclusive COP ever

How will this impact you? 

The outcome of this meeting will lead to future changes which could impact how your business operates. It’s just a case of what these changes will be and when they will come into force. Some examples include:

• Stricter environmental regulations and emissions standards such as adopting cleaner technologies, reducing carbon emissions, and implementing more sustainable practices. 
• Assessing and mitigating the environmental impact of your supply chain by reducing transportation emissions or ensuring sustainable sourcing of materials.  
• Implementing carbon taxes to encourage emissions reductions. Those emitting greenhouse gases may face increased costs or penalties.  
• Moving to a more circular economy whereby legislation will encourage organisations to redesign products to make them more easily reusable or recyclable.   

In addition, as awareness around climate change grows, consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious. Therefore, those actively demonstrating a commitment to sustainability will attract more customers and build stronger brand loyalty.  

How can ISO 14001 help you tackle climate change? 

ISO 14001 Environmental Management is an internationally recognised standard that helps you reduce your environmental impact. Here are just some ways it will help you tackle climate change:

1. Your are encouraged to identify, monitor and manage your environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions. Setting targets to reduce these will contribute towards improving climate change.  
2. You will implement measures to conserve energy, reduce waste and optimise resource consumption. Not only will this reduce your carbon footprint, but it will also save you money.  
3. By considering the entire lifecycle of your products and how these impact the environment, you can make informed decisions to minimise your impact.
4. ISO 14001 takes a risk-based thinking approach that will help you identify and address climate-related risks, allowing you to adapt to changing conditions and regulations.  
5. A key focus of any ISO standard is continual improvement. This will ensure you are evolving your business to support your climate change efforts.  

To join the fight against climate change and start your journey towards a more sustainable future, request a free, no-obligation quote today or contact our friendly advisors on 0330 058 5551.