The UAE public is being invited to join the global fight against climate change at the crunch Cop28 conference in Dubai.
Organisers on Saturday announced details of an array of eco activities that will be open to all at the summit, which runs from November 30 to December 12 at Expo City Dubai.
Tens of thousands of world leaders, ministers, negotiators, eco advocates and business leaders are expected to attend the key gathering in an effort to help safeguard the planet for future generations.
The venue is divided into two zones: blue and green.
The blue zone is where the negotiations are held, and is the site of country pavilions, presidency events, and hundreds of side events. It is off limits to the public.
But citizens and residents alike will be able to take part in events held in the green zone of the vast site, which will be open to the general public.
Further details of the green zone programme and how to attend and apply for tickets are due to be released in the coming days.
The Cop28 team said the zone will feature a number of hubs dedicated to different areas of the climate action agenda.
Here, The National takes a closer look at what will be on offer.
Energy Transition Hub
This is a platform for leaders and innovators to showcase sustainability plans and forge partnerships to accelerate progress towards net zero goals.
Knowledge Hub
Ministries, government departments an non-government organisations will come together to address pressing issues.
“It will offer thematic experiences focused on the most important climate challenges and solutions,” said Cop28 organisers.
The area will also feature a relaxed networking area for climate champions to exchange ideas.
Climate Finance Hub
The hub will be the focal point of discussions from financial sector players on major topics such as carbon markets, green capital, global finance and efforts to support developing economies on the path to a greener future.
Technology and Innovation Hub
The role of advanced technology and ingenuity in tackling climate change and keeping temperature rises in check will be addressed at the hub.
“It will act as a catalyst and help enable governments, businesses, and civil society to collaborate and leverage climate technologies to address the most pressing issues,” the Cop28 statement said.
Startup Village
The Startup Village – based within the technology and innovation hub – will welcome more than 100 climate tech start-ups.
This village will be open to the public, allowing them to engage with these start-ups and learn about the latest climate technologies.
Humanitarian Hub
Visitors will be told of the stark humanitarian consequences of the climate crisis.
The hub will be operated by the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs on behalf of the Inter Agency Standing Committee.
It will have a keen focus on smaller and local organisations, civil society groups, and representatives of affected communities.
Youth Hub
The hub will enable young people to host events, share and debate ideas and explore climate change solutions.
It will be curated and managed by Youth Climate Champions in partnership with the Federal Youth Authority.
Greening Education Hub
The pavilion – also known as Erth, Legacy for the Land of Zayed – is being set up with the support of the Ministry of Education.
It will bring together government officials, policymakers, experts, students, teachers, schools, universities, and public and private entities.
Participants will have the chance to learn about climate education and the role it will play in developing eco-conscious mindsets.
Impact of climate change – in pictures
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A child stands in his family's yard as a wildfire burns nearby, in the village of Agios Charalampos near Athens, in July 2023. Europe saw record temperatures amid a relentless heatwave and wildfires that scorched vast regions of the Northern Hemisphere, forcing the evacuation of 1,200 children close to a Greek seaside resort. Health authorities sounded alarms from North America to Europe and Asia, urging people to stay hydrated and shelter from the burning sun, in a stark reminder of the effects of global warming. AFP -
A resident uses a buoy to move through a flooded house after heavy rains in Bago township, in Myanmar's Bago region, in October. Floods sparked by record rain hit parts of southern Myanmar, inundating roads and fields and sending residents fleeing for higher ground. AFP -
Ali Hakim, an Iraqi Marsh Arab man, Iooks at the remains of a buffalo that died due to drought and the salinity of the water at the Basra marshes, Iraq. Reuters -
Iris Hsueh, left, and her fiance Ian Ciou pose for a pre-wedding photo in front of a rubbish heap in Puli Township, Taiwan. The couple chose the site for their photoshoot because the environment-conscious bride said she wanted to discourage guests and the public from generating waste. AFP -
Residents of a riverside community in Amazonas state, Brazil, carry food and containers of drinking water distributed by the state's humanitarian aid action, amid a continuing drought and high temperatures that affect the region of the Solimoes River. AP -
The edge of Larsen C Ice Shelf, left, and the western edge of iceberg A68 in the distance over the Antarctic in November 2017. The iceberg detached from the ice shelf in July 2017, becoming one of the largest in recorded history to split off from Antarctica. AFP -
A man walks past construction vehicles submerged in debris caused by flash floods after a lake burst in Rangpo, India, in October. Reuters -
A mobile home swept by floodwaters in Steinhatchee, Florida, in August 2023, after Hurricane Idalia made landfall. Idalia slammed into north-west Florida as an 'extremely dangerous' Category 3 storm, buffeting coastal communities as officials warned of 'catastrophic' flooding in parts of the southern US state. AFP -
A floating solar farm, built on the site of a former coal mine since filled with water, in Huainan, China. The installation by Sungrow Power Supply Co covers the size of more than 400 football pitches and generates power for more than 100,000 homes. Getty Images -
A handprint of glue left behind by an activist from the group Last Generation (Letzte Generation), after they were removed by police, is visible on the asphalt following a blockade at an intersection in Berlin, Germany, in September. Last Generation is continuing its disruptive protests in an effort to put pressure on politicians to stop the burning of fossil fuels. Getty Images
