Witnessing History

Today when I woke up I checked my phone and saw there was going to be a plenary session at COP28 at 9:30. I knew Ben would want to go because last night another draft of the climate agreement came out and today was the day we expected the countries to voice their opinions on it. Sure enough, Ben was eager to head out, so we hurried to eat breakfast, packed, and rushed off to the metro.

We got to the plenary auditorium just in time, found a good seat and waited to find out what would happen.

It took an hour to start the meeting and we wondered if last-minute negotiations were taking place. Finally John Kerry, the climate envoy of the USA, came in and spoke to the negotiator from China. They were both surrounded by cameras and microphones.

Sultan al Jaber, the COP president, spoke from his seat at the center of a long table on the stage. He said, “Through the night we have worked for consensus. I promised I would roll up my sleeves and I would be with you every step of the way. My colleagues, you did step up and you showed flexibility. We have the basis to make transformational change happen.”

Then he said the first item for consideration would the Global Stocktake. This part of the agreement, which focuses on reduction of emissions, was the sticking point that had held everything up. He proposed that it be accepted. He paused for a moment, then said, “Hearing no objections, it is so decided.” He slapped down the gavel.

The crowd burst into applause and nearly everyone got to their feet. A woman behind me exclaimed her relief. The room seemed full of surprised elation. I realized this meant the whole COP process had now resulted in an agreement. Yesterday people were wondering if we would leave with no deal at all.

Of course almost immediately afterward, as one country after another had the chance to make a brief statement about the agreement, media were putting out reports analyzing what had just taken place. A Bloomberg article noted that because this agreement named oil and gas for the first time and because it included methane and a fund to help countries suffering the effects of climate damage, “Dubai may well be the most significant COP since the Paris Agreement in 2015.”

During the statements from the countries, Samoa voiced strong objections that the text did not include firmer commitments. To my surprise, many people in the crowd again got to their feet and cheered. It showed how many people were frustrated over the fact that the agreement did not go farther.

As I head to the airport now, I feel tremendously privileged to have been in the room while all this happened.

Now that COP is over, the hard work of change will hopefully take place. Said the chief negotiator for Bangladesh, “As we go back with better spirits, we must keep in mind that the real issue is to deliver on this.” It’s something I can pray for as I go home.