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SFU at COP 28

For nearly three decades, the United Nations (UN) has brought together almost every country around the world for global climate summits known as the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP). These annual meetings congregate the 197 Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). 

28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP)

COP 28 took place from 30 November to 12 December 2023 at Expo City, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Canada as a nation participated in COP 28 to support successful and ambitious outcomes that align with the Paris Agreement, build adaptive capacity and deliver on climate finance commitments.

Delegation to COP 28

SFU's COP 28 delegation marks the second time the university sent a delegation with representation from across to the university to the conference. The purpose of this delegation is to share our work, connect with other global organizations, document the conference and how climate negotiations take place, share with the SFU community what we see and learn, connect SFU student climate leaders with the youth delegation, speak at sessions and showcase SFU's climate action and research leadership.

Beyond COP28: Student Visions for a Sustainable Future

Wednesday, March 27
6pm - 8pm
SFU Harbour Centre, Rooms 1400-1410 (Segal Centre)
515 West Hastings St, Vancouver

COP 28 resulted in historic developments in global environmental politics and climate finance, including the UAE Consensus, calling for a transition away from fossil fuels. While this is a significant step towards climate justice, we still have a long way to go.

Join COP 28 UBC and SFU student delegates Abul Bashar Rahman, Evan Accettola, Hailin Wang, and Mina Nepali and student moderators Rhea Dinesh and Zahila Rahman for a panel centered in youth perspectives on climate action in British Columbia and across the globe, including expectations for COP 29.

Light refreshments will be served and there will be an opportunity to network and learn more about getting involved in climate action with guests at a Climate Action Booth.

Hosted by the Climate Action Secretariat, Embark Sustainability Society, SFU Sustainability, UBC Sustainability Hub and UBC Climate Hub.

Register now

Engagements at COP

An Intergenerational Dialogue - The Meaning of Net Zero and Its Implications for Carbon Dioxide Deployment & UNFCCC Negotiations

December 3, 2023
GAUC – China Pavilion, Blue Zone

Co-hosted by the University of Oxford – Oxford Net Zero and Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, YOUNGO - Energy Working Group, Carbon Balance Initiative and other partners. 

BC Delegation Meeting with BC Minister of Environment and Climate Change (George Heyman) and Deputy Minister (Jeremy Hewitt)

December 5, 2023
Time: 5:00PM
Location: TBA

SFU and UBC delegates meet with BC Minister of Environment and Climate Change (George Heyman) and Deputy Minister (Jeremy Hewitt) to discuss the voice of youth and future generations in climate action, among other topics.

What does ‘Net Zero emissions’ need to mean to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement?

December 6, 2023
6:30pm - 8:00pm
SE Room

To limit warming to 1.5°C, we need to reach net zero CO2 emissions before 2050. But what does net zero actually mean? Can we ‘abate’ fossil fuels to deliver on Paris goals? This event highlights research on the science of a durable net zero, with business, developing country and NGO perspectives. 

Co-sponsored by SFU, the University of Oxford (UK), Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand), World Business Council for Sustainable Development (Global / Business Alliance), Worldwide University Network (WUN).

Watch session

Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) to reach net-zero and return from overshoot: knowledge gaps and research priorities

December 6, 2023
2:45pm - 4:15pm
IPCC Pavillion

Procurement for the Planet: How food procurement shifts can help meet sustainability goals

December 6, 2023
10:00am - 11:00am
Food4Climate Pavilion

Institutional food procurement is a powerful lever that can be used to mitigate climate impacts from the food system while also supporting and helping address issues of equity, sustainability, food security, human health, and animal welfare.

This event covered challenges and opportunities in shifting procurement, illustrated the collaborative and participatory approach to food procurement policy, provided a road map for engaging in procurement change, and shared what is needed to accelerate and scale up sustainable food procurement.

Watch Session 

Messages from the Frontlines: An Integrative Approach to Climate, Economy, and Land-Use

December 6, 2023
10:30am - 11:30am
Canada Pavilion

Hosted by the SFU Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue.

SFU Alumni Event

December 7, 2023 
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Mythos Urban Greek Eatery - The Square, City Walk, Dubai

A unique opportunity to interact with other delegates and alumni from SFU and UBC attending COP 28 — as well as local SFU and UBC alumni communities in the UAE. Come gather with us in Dubai for dinner, drinks, and an evening of mingling with fellow university graduates! A group reservation had been made at Mythos Urban Greek Eatery. Registration is required.

Presented in partnership by alumni UBC, the UBC Sustainability Hub, and SFU Alumni.

Tackling Climate Change Through Food on College Campuses

December 9, 2023
11:15am - 12:00pm
Food4Climate Pavilion

Watch session

Multilevel Governance for Climate, Food, and Biodiversity Action

December 10, 2023
SDG Pavillion
12:30pm - 1:30pm

Watch session

How Might University Campuses Become Test Beds for Scalable Climate Action?

December 11, 2023
Food Systems Pavillion
10:00am - 11:00am

The goal of this session was to exhibit the scalability of food system transformation initiatives led by B.C. universities, underpinned by strong research and academic support. It discussed how these strategies serve as scalable models for effecting change at local, regional, and global levels, and proposed a framework for global universities to actively engage and lead in climate action, emphasizing the multi-stakeholder approach as a cornerstone for widespread societal and environmental impact. 

Resources

SFU resources

External resources

COP 28 Outcomes

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