Nearly 200 nations gather for the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UN Climate Change Conference, the biggest climate summit of the year. Two years on from the seminal COP26, where ambitious and transformative targets were set, this year's COP in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, marks a significant milestone to assess progress and course-correct on global climate action.
Key focus areas of the conference include: fast-tracking our global transition to clean energy; mobilising green and sustainable technologies; harnessing the power of climate finance; addressing biodiversity and ecosystem loss; adapting and building resilience to climate impacts; developing carbon markets; and ensuring a just and equitable transition.
With nations seeking to deliver on their commitments to decarbonise their economies, businesses and consumers can expect ongoing shifts in policy, regulation and market practice in the years to come. COP28 - taking place from 30 November to 12 December 2023 - is expected to be a significant driving force for these shifts at a time of intense debate on climate change policies and the huge costs involved.
Our dedicated COP28 hub seeks to give you access to resources and updates that chart the progress of climate negotiations and insights into how outcomes might impact you.
COP28 videos
Climate Action at COP28
In Joza Al Rasheed's interview with Climate Action at COP28, she discusses the legal industry's contribution in accelerating transformative innovations to drive climate action and more.
Carbon markets – Solution or hot air?
Herbert Smith Freehills ESG head Silke Goldberg explains the complex role of carbon markets in the push to decarbonise and assesses their prospects in the energy transition.
Financing and innovating in industry decarbonisation
Herbert Smith Freehills co-head of energy Lewis McDonald speaks on how businesses can fund and innovate decarbonisation initiatives.
'Amazing advances' – Exploring green technologies
Corporate partner Rebecca Major discusses the evolution of renewable energy technology, the development of green finance and the need to foster and protect investments in the rapidly shifting clean power field.
The energy transition – A total solution
Herbert Smith Freehills guides our clients on every step of the transformative journey to carbon-free energy. Find out what we can offer.
'A credible roadmap for climate action?'
Herbert Smith Freehills ESG head Silke Goldberg outlines the agenda at this year's COP28 climate summit in Dubai - including the key goals of fast tracking the energy transition, transforming green finance and ensuring climate action is socially just - and asks if the UN conference can hope to address the huge challenges of climate change.
'A massive global undertaking'
Herbert Smith Freehills co-head of energy Lewis McDonald discusses the multi-decade investment required to make the transition to carbon-free power a reality and why COP28 hopes to help develop the innovative financing required to meet the vast price tag.
Latest podcasts
Related insights
Financing the Energy Transition – The Gigafactory Build-out
ESG disclosure investigations – Are you ready?
Toolkit: why think about biodiversity in the corporate context?
Climate disputes – A 360-degree perspective
Financing the Energy Transition - Critical Minerals Processing
Same, same but different – the AASB’s draft climate reporting standards and how they compare to the ISSB equivalents
Key contacts
Stuart Paterson
Managing Partner, Middle East and Head of Middle East Dispute Resolution, Dubai