COP28: Indonesia's Pivotal Role in Global Climate Action and Air Quality Advocacy
COP28 (Conference of the Parties) is an annual conference held by the United Nations where world leaders gather to discuss issues related to climate change and its mitigation. Participating countries are those that have signed the UN Climate Agreement of 1992, including Indonesia. This year, COP28 is scheduled to take place in Dubai from November 30th—December 12th, 2023.
The conference will focus on five key priorities for reducing PM2.5 in the air, based on recommendations from The Global Alliance on Health and Pollution. These priorities include:
1. Transitioning from coal to renewable energy
2. Shifting from gasoline to electric power in the transportation sector
3. Curbing uncontrolled industrial emissions
4. Preventing land and forest fires
5. Addressing air pollution.
Indonesia's delegation to COP28 will emphasize three global crises, known as the triple planetary crisis: (1) climate change, (2) air pollution, and (3) biodiversity loss. These challenges require global collaboration and bilateral and multilateral cooperation to ensure the sustainable future of our planet.
COP 28 plays a crucial role as it will witness the first global stocktake of the implementation of the 2015 Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement is a global pact aimed at addressing climate change through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) supported by 195 countries, with Indonesia being one of the first 55 nations to ratify it.
Indonesia will showcase the Indonesian Pavilion at COP28 under the theme of climate action as a form of soft diplomacy, conveying concrete steps and real actions taken by Indonesia to the world in reducing emissions and addressing climate change.
The four major themes presented by Indonesia through the pavilion are:
1. a stronger commitment to renewable energy
2. robust climate action in land-based sectors
3. innovative finance and technology
4. collaborative climate action for the prosperity of the people
In addition to the pavilion, COP28 will feature various sessions addressing air quality, including Pollution Pods, an immersive experience allowing visitors to simulate air pollution in three domes representing Beijing, London, and New Delhi.
Panel discussions such as "Accelerated Action on Air Quality in Urban Areas: A Solution for Climate Mitigation and Improved Health" will explore practical policy examples implemented by cities in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East to promote cleaner air and discuss the impacts on public health and the environment.
Another panel, "The Case for Action on Black Carbon," will discuss ways to address black carbon to avoid climate change tipping points, build resilience, and provide clean air to protect public health. The discussions at COP28 underscore the global commitment to addressing climate-related challenges for a sustainable and resilient future.
Nafas will also be featured in COP28 on December 5th, 2023, in the Leaders of Sustainable Futures: Lessons from Industry Eco-Champions as a part of the International Conference on Advancing Sustainable Futures (ICSAF 2023). Nafas’ CEO and co-founder, Nathan Roestandy will be present to describe our startup’s journey towards combatting air pollution in Indonesia.
