Resources for extending the learning
The 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN’s Framework Convention on Climate Change
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was drafted in 1992 in an effort to combat global warming. Since 1995 representatives of the world’s governments and other interested groups have been meeting annually in November to assess progress in dealing with climate change. This group, known as the Conference of Parties is responsible for adopting resolutions that establish the international rules needed to meet the challenges posed by our changing climate.
In 2015, unprecedented agreement was reached in Paris among close to 200 countries vowing climate action that collectively would limit global warming to less than 2 degrees during this century. However, it is now clear that these commitments have not been enough and the window for achieving the target is closing. This year’s meeting which is set to begin November 30 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates will include a discussion of the first-ever Global Stocktake, a comprehensive assessment of progress that has taken place since the 2015 Paris Agreement. It is a two-year process scheduled to happen every five years. This first global stocktake got under way in 2022 and will conclude at COP28. The objective is to coordinate efforts on climate action, including measures to bridge the gaps in progress towards meeting the targets.
COP 28 will once again capture world-wide media attention and in doing so provide teachers with an excellent context and time frame for exploring climate change in the classroom.
Why Care About International Cooperation on Climate Change?
Climate change is altering our planet. Significant environmental, economic and social consequences are becoming more and more severe as global temperatures increase.
Climate change will increasingly affect human health, species distribution and the ability of the earth’s ecosystems to sustain our economic, social and environmental needs. How we deal with climate change is a crucial discussion that teachers and students should be actively engaged in.
Resources 4 Rethinking encourages students and teachers to explore climate change issues. Top R4R Picks will connect you to some excellent resources to support these efforts.
For a more extensive catalogue of climate change resources and ideas, click here and for more information on the conference itself, visit the COP28 website.