President Joe Biden as the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, commences in Dubai this week.
The decision not to attend the major climate summit, expected to be attended by leaders from nearly 200 countries, including King Charles III and Pope Francis, has raised questions about the administration's commitment to addressing the pressing issue of climate change, as per New York Times.
President Biden's Absence at COP28
A White House official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed President Biden's absence but did not provide a specific reason for his non-participation in the two-week summit.
However, senior White House aides have pointed to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the war between Israel and Hamas, as a primary reason for the president's diverted focus in recent weeks.
John Kerry, Biden's special envoy for climate change, acknowledged the challenges, stating, "They've got the war in the Middle East and a war in Ukraine, a bunch of things going on."
Despite the president's absence, Kerry and his team will be present in Dubai, representing the US in the discussions on climate change.
Reuters had reported in October that President Biden was unlikely to attend COP28 as he juggled the demands of the Middle East conflict and prepared for a presidential campaign expected to intensify in January.
The president's schedule for the day of the summit reveals conflicting engagements, including hosting a bilateral meeting with President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco of the Republic of Angola and attending the National Tree Lighting ceremony, according to The Straits Times.
US President's Absence Raises Concerns
The absence of the US president at COP28, especially when dozens of countries are pushing for a historic deal to phase out CO2-emitting coal, oil, and gas, has sparked concerns about the role of the United States in global climate initiatives. President Biden had attended both COP summits since his inauguration in 2021, emphasizing his commitment to tackling climate change.
The fortnight-long talks, beginning in Dubai, will host scores of world leaders, senior ministers, and officials from 198 countries. The significance of this COP summit is underscored by its status as the biggest annual gathering held under the 1992 UN framework convention on climate change, with an estimated 70,000 delegates in attendance.
Notable leaders, including the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, are expected to participate, with King Charles III delivering the opening speech alongside UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan.
The pope, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and an invitation extended to Bashar al-Assad, the president of Syria, further highlight the global importance of this climate conference.
However, the absence of President Biden leaves a void in the representation of one of the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters. In contrast, Xi Jinping of China is also not expected to attend, though envoys for both Biden and Xi have signaled their close cooperation ahead of the talks.
As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis, President Biden's decision not to attend COP28 raises questions about the United States' commitment to leading global efforts in mitigating climate change. The international community will closely watch the outcomes of the summit, hoping for meaningful progress despite the absence of key leaders, The Guardian reported.
Related Article : NY: Sexual Assault Lawsuits Increase Due to Adult Survivors Act Deadline
