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).
About COP 28
COP 28 will take place from 30 November to 12 December 2023 at Expo City, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Canada as a nation is participating in COP 28 to support successful and ambitious outcomes that align with the Paris Agreement, build adaptive capacity and deliver on climate finance commitments.
SFU's Delegation
SFU's COP 28 delegation marks the second time the university will send a delegation with representation from acorss 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.
CONTRIBUTE TO SFU'S COP 28 DELEGATION
What should SFU's delegation to COP 28 focus on while at the conference? Have your say with this three-question survey.
Engagements at COP
SFU is sponsoring several official UN side events at COP 28. Please check back in the weeks leading up to COP 28 for more information.
An Intergenerational Dialogue - The Meaning of Net Zero and Its Implications for Carbon Dioxide Deployment & UNFCCC Negotiations
December 3, 2023
Time: TBA
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.
SFU speakers: Kirsten Zickfeld
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).
SFU speakers: Kirsten Zickfeld
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
SFU speakers: Kirsten Zickfeld
Procurement for the Planet: How food procurement shifts can help meet sustainability goals
December 6, 2023
10:00am - 11:00am
Food4Climate Pavilion
Panelists include speakers from the public and private sectors implementing procurement shifts to meet sustainability goals and ensure the food purchased for and served in institutions is healthy, sustainable, and equitably sourced.
Hosted by the Humane Society International.
SFU speakers: Sid Mehta
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 speakers: Jude Crasta
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
SFU speakers: Sid Mehta
Blue Oceans with Environment Defense Fund
December 10, 2023
Time: TBA
Food Systems Pavillion
SFU speakers: Sid Mehta
Multilevel Governance for Climate, Food, and Biodiversity Action.
December 10, 2023
SDG Pavillion
12:30pm - 1:30pm
SFU speakers: Sid Mehta
How Might University Campuses Become Test Beds for Scalable Climate Action?
December 11, 2023
Food Systems Pavillion
10:00am - 11:00am
SFU speakers: Sid Mehta
Resources
SFU resources
- SFU's Sustainability and Climate Action Plan
- SFU's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): www.sfu.ca/sdgs
- SFU joining the UN-led Race To Zero global campaign: SFU News story
- SFU exceeds greenhouse gas reduction targets: SFU News story
- SFU commits to full divestment from fossil fuels: SFU President statement
- SFU's ACT - Action on Climate Team: www.sfu.ca/act
- SFU350 is a student-led club at SFU that works to engage the SFU community in tackling climate change: www.sfu350.com
External resources
- Official host country (Dubai) COP 28 website: www.cop28.com/en/
- UN Climate Change website: www.unfccc.int
- The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change website: www.ipcc.ch
- Government of Canada's UN conference on climate action: www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/canada-international-action/un-climate-change-conference
Contact
- For general inquiries about SFU at COP, please contact: Marina Van Driel at marina_van_driel@sfu.ca
- For media inquiries, please contact: MediaRelations@sfu.ca.