Reflections on COP28 and the Path Ahead

By Faridat Salifu
The denouement of the 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai prompted a myriad of reflections from Nigerian civil society organizations (CSOs) on the outcomes of this pivotal global summit.
Spanning two weeks, COP28 concluded with the adoption of “The UAE Consensus” and a collective commitment to transition away from fossil fuels, aiming to achieve a net-zero status. This development set the stage for a spectrum of perspectives from diverse stakeholders.
Prof Chukwumerije Okereke, Director of the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), adopted a measured stance, highlighting that the significance of transitioning from fossil fuels transcends symbolic representation in COP texts; it hinges on tangible actions by states and companies. The SPP, in collaboration with the Centre for 21st Century Issues (C21st Issues) and EnviroNews Development Network (Endenet), has been actively involved in a project supported by the British High Commission, aimed at strengthening the engagement of Nigerian CSOs with global climate change policy.
While acknowledging the importance of the decisions made at COP28, Titilope Akosa, Executive Director of C21st Issues, underscored the imperative of advocating for grants-based and gender-responsive climate finance. This approach aims to facilitate the phase-out of fossil fuels and enable the widespread adoption of renewable energy, particularly crucial for the well-being of citizens in developing countries.
Dr. Joseph Onoja of the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) reflected on the outcomes of COP28, emphasizing the need for more ambitious commitments and a rigorous approach to finance for nature. The focus should be on reaching indigenous communities disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. These sentiments were echoed by Sam Onuigbo of the Climate Axis and Strategic Initiative, who commented on the historic global consensus at COP28 to commence necessary actions to limit the rise in temperature.
Gloria Bulus, Climate Realty Leader and Executive Director of Bridge-That-Gap Initiative, emphasized the significance of collective will and global action. In contrast, Umar Saleh Anka, Executive Director of the Centre for Environment and Rural Development (CERD), expressed a more critical outlook, pointing to familiar promises often unfulfilled and the absence of enforceable agreements and standard timelines. Anka particularly raised concerns about financial commitments to support developing countries.