NOAA leaders, experts and climate science take the world stage at COP28 UN Climate Summit

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the main decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It brings together the 198 Parties –197 nations plus the European Union – that have signed on to the Framework Convention. COPs are hosted annually in different countries, under the auspices of the UNFCCC, with the UAE hosting COP28.

NOAA leadership and climate experts are honored to be part of the U.S. delegation to the 28th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP28) being held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from November 30 through December 12.

Annual U.N. COP climate summits bring nations together to discuss the intersection of climate science and international policymaking — principally, what actions should be taken to reduce harmful human-driven emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases that are accelerating Earth’s warming and causing severe consequences for human lives and livelihoods.

In a year of extreme weather events driven by climate change, the ocean will take center stage at COP28. This year’s conference will build on the momentum of previous gatherings to focus on implementing climate commitments from around the world. This work will require not only implementing the commitments and goals countries have already made but also enhancing those that may be insufficient to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

NOAA experts are on the ground in Dubai as part of the U.S. delegation to highlight how the agency’s actionable climate data, information and services empower people to make informed decisions in the face of a growing climate crisis.

Top 3 takeaways from COP28

The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) has come to a dramatic end, with representatives from nearly 200 countries achieving a groundbreaking climate agreement: a commitment to transition away from the use of fossil fuels in the energy sector. This article by NOAA.gov offers a list of three additional takeaways from the meeting. Read the story.

One day at COP28

What is it like to spend a day with NOAA at COP28? Watch as some members of the NOAA delegation describe a day in Dubai, and what they hope to achieve during the meeting.

NOAA's Tom DiLiberto, one of the masters of ceremony at the U.S. Center, explores what NOAA delegates have been up to at COP28.

NOAA's Chief Scientist on Working to Achieve the World's Climate Goals

In this new video, take a virtual peek inside of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), and join NOAA Chief Scientist Sarah Kapnick, Ph.D., as she explains the role NOAA's science and research is playing in achieving the world's climate goals.

NOAA Administrator Spinrad on COP28: Despite the climate crisis, ‘there is hope’

Photo of Rick Spinrad overlaid on the COP28 banner

“As the world gathers in Dubai this week for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) offsite link, we do so against the backdrop of an unprecedented year of worldwide extreme weather events and record-breaking heat. The challenges we confront are daunting, and they demand our collective resolve, but they also require us to continue to foster a sense of hope that propels us forward in the fight against one of the greatest existential threats of our time.

“Let me share a few reasons for hope as we confront the climate crisis:

“Science and Innovation: Science has never been more advanced. At NOAA, we have a deeper understanding of the Earth's systems than ever before, including how they act and interact. Innovations in renewable energy, carbon capture and sustainability are within our grasp. Thanks to historic investments in renewables and green technology, we have the resources and tools to make a real impact as we advance these solutions.

“Youth and Activism: The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. The enthusiasm, determination, knowledge, and activism of the younger generation have ignited a global movement demanding action on climate change. They remind us that the future is not lost and that we must strive for a world that is sustainable, just and equitable for all.

“Global Collaboration: COP28 is a testament to the power of global collaboration. Countries, organizations and thousands of individuals from around the world are convening to collectively address climate change. When we are committed together, our determination is uncompromising.

“Hope is not a passive sentiment — it is a call to action. It reminds us that we are not helpless in the face of climate change. NOAA is in every community in the U.S., committed to working hand-in-hand with partners locally to build a ‘climate-ready nation’ and to sharing these best practices globally. No matter the need, people know they can turn to us for reliable, easy-to-use climate and extreme weather information to help make informed decisions that help save lives and livelihoods.

“As the Administrator of NOAA, as a scientist and as a concerned citizen, I know that our agency is committed to continuing vital work in climate research and prediction, supporting sustainable practices and sharing knowledge with the world. And I know that it is equally essential for all of us to play our part.

“In the spirit of international collaboration that powers COP28, let us remember that there is hope, and it’s a powerful force that drives change. Let it motivate us to make bold and ambitious commitments, to hold ourselves accountable and to work tirelessly to combat climate change every day.”

— Richard Spinrad, Ph.D. NOAA Administrator and Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere

A ‘who’s who’ of NOAA at COP28

NOAA's broader delegation includes experts who will participate in negotiations, policy discussions and speak at events.

Maria Brown, Superintendent, Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary
Brittany Croll, Policy Advisor
Dr. Geoffrey Dipre, International Affairs Specialist
Dr. Kalina Grabb, Sea Grant Knauss Fellow in Marine Policy
Dr. Lauren Gibson, Youth Engagement Advisor
Rakhi Kasat, Senior International Affairs Specialist
Dr. Gabby Kitch, NOAA Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal Lead
LT Michelle Levano, Flag Aide

About the Ocean Pavilion

Our global ocean is taking center stage inside the COP28 Blue Zone.

The Ocean Pavilion, co-sponsored by NOAA, returns for a second year to underscore the integral role of our ocean in climate and serve as the central hub for conference delegates to exchange ideas on addressing the climate crisis by leveraging ocean science and solutions.

NOAA is a co-sponsor of the Ocean Pavilion at COP28.

The pavilion will feature more than 80 events, meetings and in-depth discussions that elaborate on conference themes, including Rising Seas, Climate & the Living Ocean, and Blue Economy & Finance. Visitors to the pavilion will also be able to learn more about the work of Ocean Pavilion partners and to speak with scientists, thought leaders and students engaged in the search for solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

NOAA events and presentations

NOAA is participating in many events during COP28 at the U.S. Center, the Ocean Pavilion, and other COP28 venues. The U.S. State Department will be archiving video recordings at their COP28 Youtube channel.

All times are Gulf standard time.

December 2

12:30-1:30 PM—Assessing ocean alkalinity enhancement as a climate solution and resilience tool (Ocean Pavilion). NOAA Participant: Dr. Gabby Kitch. Watch.
2:15-3:15 PM—2023 State of climate services for health: main findings and way forward (IPCC-WMO-MERI-NCM Pavilion). NOAA Participant: Dr. Sarah Kapnick.

December 3

4:00-5:15 PM—Catalyzing investments in responsible ocean climate Solutions (Nature Pavilion). NOAA Participant: Dr. Sarah Kapnick and Dr. Gabby Kitch. Watch (starting at 7:22).

December 4

8:30-10:00 AM—Investing in resilient coastal communities (Resilience Hub). NOAA Participant: Dr. Sarah Kapnick.
3:00-3:50 PM—Leading on ocean acidification monitoring, policy mainstreaming, and finance in the Pacific to implement SDG 14.3 (Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion). NOAA Participant: Dr. Kalina Grabb.
3-4:30 PM—Ocean Solutions Dialogue on Blue Carbon (Ocean X Pavillion). NOAA Participant: Ko Barrett.
3:45-4:45 PM—The U.S. greenhouse gas center: providing transparent integrated GHG data to support climate mitigation efforts (U.S. Center). NOAA Participant: Dr. Sarah Kapnick. Watch.

December 5

9:30-10:30 PM—Rising seas, coastal strategies and solutions (Ocean Pavilion). NOAA Participant: Dr. Sarah Kapnick. Watch.

December 6

12:30-1:15 PM—Can shipping save the ocean? A dialogue on science, education, and informed policy-making (Ocean Pavilion). NOAA Participant: Ko Barrett. Watch.
4:00-5:30 PM—In support of OA Action: Leveraging UN Mechanisms for Local OA Adaptation and Resilience (Commonwealth Pavilion). Panelist: Dr. Kalina Grabb.

December 8

10:15-11:15 AM—Dear world leaders: a message from youth (U.S. Center). NOAA Participant: Dr. Rick Spinrad. Watch.
12:00-1:00 PM—Liberia, the UNFCCC and ocean-climate Action: opportunities, tools & challenges (Liberia Pavilion) NOAA Participant: Dr. Kalina Grabb
12:30-1:30 PM—Ocean innovation to support climate adaptation and resilience (Ocean Pavilion). NOAA Participant: Dr. Rick Spinrad. Watch.
5:00-6:30 PM—Marine protected areas role in meeting climate change goals: investigating and protecting blue carbon in MPAs (Virtual Ocean Pavilion). NOAA Participants: Dr. Doug George and Sara Hutto.
6:30-7:30 PM—Blue carbon coastal wetlands in climate action: taking stock of nature-based solutions in practice (Blue Zone SE Room 6). NOAA Participant: Maria Brown.

December 9

12-1:30 PM—Building resilience with nature-based solutions and predisaster mitigation (Ernst & Young Pavilion). NOAA Participant: Dr. Rick Spinrad.
2-3 PM—Observing the changing ocean (Ocean Pavilion). NOAA Participant: Dr. Michael Morgan. Watch.
2:30-3:30 PM—MPAs as ocean nature-based solutions to mitigate and address climate change (U.S. Center). NOAA Participant: Dr. Rick Spinrad. Watch.
5:00-6:00 PM—Progress toward 30 - the United States’ America the Beautiful Initiative and efforts to conserve 30% of lands and waters by 2030 (U.S. Center). NOAA Participant: Dr. Rick Spinrad. Watch.
5:00-6:00 PM—Transforming climate action in the North Atlantic (Canada Pavilion). NOAA Participant: Dr. Michael Morgan.

December 10

12:00-1:30 PM—Water reuse as a solution for water scarcity: winners of the first Global Industrial Water Reuse Champions Awards (IBM Pavilion). NOAA Participant: Dr. Rick Spinrad.
12:30-1:30—Highlighting global leadership to catalyze ocean-based climate solutions (Ocean Pavilion). NOAA Participant: Dr. Gabby Kitch.
2:30-3:30 PM—Advancing early warning system and climate services for all (U.S Center). NOAA Participant: Dr. Rick Spinrad. Watch.
3:45-4:45 PM—USG Water Event (U.S. Center). NOAA Participant: Dr. Michael Morgan. Watch.
3:30-4:30 PM—U.S. release of National Ocean Acidification Action Plan: national governments commitment to policy and investments to implement SDG 14.3 “to minimize and address OA” (Ocean Pavilion). NOAA Participant: Dr. Rick Spinrad. Watch.
5:00-6:00 PM—Climate resilient infrastructure (Pathways to 1.5 Pavilion). NOAA Participant: Dr. Spinrad.
6:30-8:00 PM—Investing in ocean nature-based solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change (Blue Zone, SE Room 1 - B6, Bldg. 79). NOAA Participant: Dr. Rick Spinrad.

Press inquiries

NOAA leaders and climate experts will be available for onsite interviews at COP28. Read more at NOAA.gov.

Direct any questions or interview requests to:
Scott Smullen, scott.smullen@noaa.gov, (202) 494-6515
Lori Arguelles, lori.arguelles@noaa.gov, (571) 439-4084
Rachel Brittin, rachel.brittin@noaa.gov, (202) 809-0197

Follow along during COP28

The U.S. Department of State is hosting the U.S. Center at COP28 throughout the conference. Every day, the U.S. Center will feature in-person and virtual events showcasing the diversity of U.S. climate leadership. You can follow the activities on X (formerly Twitter) and check out live-streamed events on YouTube.

Learn more about how NOAA is creating a “climate-ready nation” and follow along with NOAA at COP28 on X/Twitter at @noaaclimate and @noaa, on Instagram at @noaa, and Facebook using hashtag #NOAAatCOP28