Reflections on Key Outcomes from COP28

COP 28, A SUCCESSFUL SHOWING AND ENGAGEMENT ON SOUTH AFRICA’S JUST TRANSITION JOURNEY

The 28^th United Nations Conference of Parties (COP28) took place from 30 November to 12 December in Dubai – where 198 nations engaged in talks dealing with the impacts of climate change. COP28 aimed to reach consensus on cutting global emissions of greenhouse gases, increasing funding for developing countries to reach their mitigation, adaptation and just transition goals, and operationalising aspects of the Paris Agreement (2015) that were outstanding, such as the Loss and Damage Fund.

South Africa was represented in the UNFCCC negotiations by the Minister and Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE). The Presidential Climate Commission played a supportive role at COP as part of the SA Pavilion, hosting side-events on various topics, including the just transition, employment strategies and diversification and adaptation.

The PCC’s Just Transition Framework, the Climate Finance Landscape report, the Komati Recommendations, and the country’s Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan provided important context for climate action, particularly for developing countries.