Welcome to the first edition of the COP28@Home bulletin. This is your chance to explore the themes and news of this important conference from the comfort of your home. This week take a walk through the history of this conference, to see where it has succeeded and failed in the past, and what this means for COP28. Read it here.

This week we explore Pope Francis’s latest apostolic exhortation, Laudate Deum, and share with you two statements of global solidarity towards COP28 from faith leaders. Read it here.

What is loss and damage and why is it important? The causes and impacts of climate change are widely accepted. We know that more carbon pollution in the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels releasing carbon dioxide, leads to an overall increase in global temperatures. Read the rest here. 

Food is deeply embedded in our cultures. Not just historical tradition, but geography defines what we eat, how we eat, and what strategies are available to us if we want to transition to sustainable food production. Interestingly, “relocalisation” of our agriculture is the very definition of sustainable food for many people in Europe and beyond. It seems to be a question then: why is this topic so important at a global conference? Read here. 

The time has come and the first day of COP28 has begun! After a month of looking at the general themes of the conference, now we turn to report daily on the negotiations and dealings of the world leaders at this incredibly important summit. Today is the opening day, and in many ways is a formality. An opportunity for high level speeches and a welcoming address from Sultan Al Jaber, the Conference President who is also the CEO of the UAE’s major oil company. Read here. 

The rhetoric of the Opening Day did not disappoint with the opening speech from the president of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahya, calling for a “quantum leap” in climate action. This was followed up by UN Secretary-General António Guterres urging countries to “make Glasgow promises reality” and deliver on their commitments to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. Read more here. 

The first weekend of COP28 was predictably busy and kicked off with the Food Declaration which was issued on Friday. The declaration, which represents the first time that world leaders have made a declaration on food, emphasises the need for sustainable agricultural practices and investment in climate-resilient food production. Read more here.