What to Expect from COP28 Today, Tuesday?

After a day marked by numerous financial commitments, the United Nations climate change conference (COP28) today shifts its focus to energy and fossil fuels, the main point of contention at this year's summit held in Dubai. As negotiators from different countries continue discussions on whether the final document of the conference should include a commitment from countries to phase out fossil fuel use—a key demand from the most climate-vulnerable nations—the UAE will host a meeting of energy ministers to discuss the development of hydrogen fuel. A scientific report on emissions trends for 2023 is expected to be released, clarifying whether the world has made any progress this year in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. COP28 encountered some controversy on Monday, as conference president Sultan Al Jaber rejected accusations that he does not respect climate science. The registered number of participants at COP28 has reached a record of 86,000, prompting some to praise the increasing global participation in climate talks, while others expressed concerns that the crowds and noise surrounding the event distract from the goal of mitigating or ending climate change.