President Joe Biden has chosen not to attend the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, marking a departure from his previous participation in the annual United Nations climate gatherings. A White House official, requesting anonymity, cited Biden’s focus on pressing global issues, such as securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Israel-Hamas conflict and seeking congressional approval for aid to Ukraine in its struggle against Russia.
The decision comes at a crucial time, with 2023 expected to be the hottest year on record. While Biden has signed significant climate legislation and overseen record federal investments in clean energy, domestic political pressures are challenging his climate agenda. Centrists within his party are urging him to address record crude oil production in the U.S., while climate activists advocate for a halt to all drilling activities.
Internationally, developing nations are pressing Biden to fulfill previous promises of financial assistance to combat climate change. However, Republicans in Congress, controlling spending decisions, have been resistant to such commitments, leading to a deadlock on issues like aid to Israel and Ukraine.
Biden’s absence from COP28 has drawn criticism from climate activists, with calls for him to utilize every available tool to demonstrate U.S. commitment to addressing climate change. The president’s decisions on oil leases, such as the controversial Willow oil project in Alaska, have sparked discontent among environmental groups.
While some aides are making a last-minute effort to persuade Biden to reconsider attending the summit, his absence aligns with that of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both leaders are crucial players in the global climate effort, having recently agreed to work towards increased renewable energy adoption.
With more than 100 world leaders scheduled to attend, including prominent figures like King Charles III, Pope Francis, and President Emmanuel Macron, Biden’s non-participation raises questions about the U.S.’s commitment to global climate action. The summit will address progress and challenges in limiting global warming, with a focus on the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels.
As the world grapples with the impact of climate change, Biden’s decision not to attend the summit adds complexity to the ongoing international dialogue on climate action.
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