The upcoming COP28 climate summit, which is the most important climate meeting in the world, will be hosted in Dubai by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), one of the top ten oil producers. This decision has sparked controversy, especially after evidence emerged that the UAE team planned to use the climate talks to secure oil and gas deals. Many wonder if a summit in an oil-rich state can truly bring about meaningful action on climate change. Greta Thunberg, a prominent climate activist, has criticized these UN climate summits as being all talk and no action. However, the COP process is essential because it brings together world leaders to address the global climate crisis.

The first time that the world collectively agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions was only eight years ago at COP21 in Paris. Nearly 200 countries pledged to keep global temperature rises “well below” 2 degrees Celsius and make efforts to limit them to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This agreement was a significant step forward and has triggered widespread climate action. However, the world is still not acting at the necessary pace to achieve the goals set in Paris. This will be a major issue at the COP28 conference.

One of the main goals of COP28 is to make the promises of action by governments, known as “Nationally Determined Contributions” or NDCs, more comprehensive. The hope is to broaden these commitments to cover emissions from all economic activities, including food and farming. Additionally, there will be efforts to make countries more accountable for the promises they make. Currently, the Paris agreement cannot force countries to take action, as all measures are voluntary.

Another crucial issue at the conference will be financing. Renewable technologies like wind and solar have become cheaper and more cost-effective than fossil fuels in many cases. The UAE aims to get the world to triple its renewable energy capacity by 2030 and double energy efficiency improvements. However, these measures require significant upfront investment. Furthermore, addressing the impacts of climate change and helping developing nations transition to green technologies will require trillions of dollars.

At the heart of these discussions is the inequality that divides the world. Most developed countries became wealthy by burning fossil fuels, while poorer nations now demand financial assistance to go green and cope with the climate impacts caused by the rich world. The promise by developed countries to provide $100 billion per year to support developing nations with climate action looks like it has finally been met. However, there are still debates about which countries will contribute to funds like the “Loss and Damage” fund, which helps the poorest countries deal with climate disasters.

Finally, there will be discussions about the long-term ambitions for fossil fuels. Should the world gradually reduce their production and use (“phase down”) or set a complete end date for them (“phase out”)? This question is particularly relevant this year, as the conference is being held in a petrostate that plans to increase its oil production capacity. The COP28 president supports a “phase down,” but many countries, including those

Original news source: COP28: Can a climate summit in an oil state change anything? (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– Discussion Circle
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Give each group a specific topic related to the article (e.g. the role of oil-rich states in climate change, the effectiveness of the COP process, the financing of renewable energy projects). In their groups, students should discuss their assigned topic and share their opinions, ideas, and arguments. After a designated time, bring the class back together and have each group present a summary of their discussion.

– News Headline Creation
Instructions: Give each student a blank piece of paper. Tell them they will have 5 minutes to create a catchy news headline related to the article. The headline should capture the main point or controversy discussed in the article. After the time is up, have each student share their headline with the class. Then, as a class, discuss the different headlines and their effectiveness in capturing the essence of the article.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Create a list of vocabulary words from the article that students may find challenging or unfamiliar. Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a vocabulary word and ask them to draw a picture that represents the meaning of that word. The other groups must guess the word based on the drawing. Encourage students to use their English language skills to describe the word and its meaning. Rotate the groups and continue until all the vocabulary words have been covered.

– Pros and Cons Debate
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups: one group representing the pro side and one group representing the con side. Assign each group a specific aspect or issue discussed in the article (e.g. hosting COP28 in an oil-rich state, financing of renewable energy projects). Give each group time to prepare their arguments and gather evidence to support their position. Then, have a debate where each group presents their arguments and counterarguments. Encourage students to use persuasive language and critical thinking skills.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, have students discuss and make predictions about the future of climate action and the COP process. They should consider the challenges, controversies, and goals discussed in the article. Each group should write down their predictions and the reasons behind them. After the discussion, have each group share their predictions with the class and engage in a discussion about the likelihood and potential impact of these predictions.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the significance of hosting the COP28 climate summit in Dubai?
2. Why has the decision to host the summit in Dubai sparked controversy?
3. How does Greta Thunberg view the UN climate summits?
4. When was the first agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions made?
5. What are the main goals of COP28?
6. Why is financing a crucial issue at the conference?
7. What is the inequality that divides the world in terms of climate action?
8. What will be discussed regarding the long-term ambitions for fossil fuels at the conference?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

The upcoming COP28 (1)______ (2)______, which is the most important climate meeting in the (3)______, will be hosted in Dubai by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), one of the top ten oil producers. This decision has sparked controversy, especially after evidence emerged that the UAE team planned to use the climate talks to secure oil and gas deals. Many wonder if a summit in an oil-rich state can truly bring about meaningful action on climate change. Greta Thunberg, a prominent climate activist, has criticized these UN climate (4)______ as being all talk and no action. However, the COP process is essential because it brings together world leaders to address the global climate crisis.

The first time that the world collectively agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions was only eight years ago at COP21 in Paris. Nearly 200 countries pledged to keep global temperature (5)______ “well below” 2 degrees Celsius and make (6)______ to limit them to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This agreement was a significant step forward and has triggered widespread climate action. However, the world is still not acting at the necessary pace to (7)______ the (8)______ set in Paris. This will be a major issue at the COP28 conference.

One of the main goals of COP28 is to make the promises of action by governments, known as “Nationally Determined Contributions” or NDCs, more comprehensive. The hope is to broaden these commitments to cover emissions from all economic activities, including food and farming. Additionally, there will be efforts to make countries more accountable for the promises they make. Currently, the Paris agreement cannot force countries to take action, as all measures are voluntary.

Another crucial issue at the conference will be financing. Renewable technologies like wind and solar have become cheaper and more cost-effective than fossil fuels in many cases. The UAE aims to get the world to triple its renewable energy capacity by 2030 and double energy efficiency (9)______. However, these measures (10)______ significant upfront investment. Furthermore, addressing the impacts of climate change and (11)______ developing nations transition to green technologies will require trillions of dollars.

At the heart of these discussions is the (12)______ that divides the world. Most developed countries became wealthy by burning fossil fuels, while poorer nations now demand financial assistance to go green and cope with the climate impacts caused by the rich world. The promise by developed countries to provide $100 billion per year to support developing (13)______ with climate action looks like it has finally been met. However, there are still debates about which countries will contribute to funds like the “Loss and Damage” fund, which helps the poorest countries deal with climate disasters.

Finally, there will be discussions about the long-term ambitions for fossil fuels. Should the world gradually reduce their (14)______ and use (“phase down”) or set a complete end date for them (“phase out”)? This (15)______ is particularly relevant this year, as the conference is being held in a petrostate that plans to increase its oil production capacity. The (16)______ president supports a “phase down,” but many countries, including those
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Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is the significance of hosting the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, a major oil producer?
2. How would you feel if you were a climate activist and the UAE team planned to use the climate talks to secure oil and gas deals?
3. Do you think a summit in an oil-rich state can truly bring about meaningful action on climate change? Why or why not?
4. Why do you think Greta Thunberg has criticized UN climate summits as being all talk and no action?
5. How do you think the COP process is essential in addressing the global climate crisis?
6. What do you think has prevented the world from acting at the necessary pace to achieve the goals set in Paris?
7. How would you make the promises of action by governments, known as “Nationally Determined Contributions” or NDCs, more comprehensive?
8. Do you agree that the Paris agreement should have the power to force countries to take action, rather than relying on voluntary measures? Why or why not?
9. How do you think financing renewable technologies and addressing the impacts of climate change can be achieved?
10. Why do you think there is inequality between developed and developing countries when it comes to climate action and financial assistance?
11. Do you think developed countries should contribute to funds like the “Loss and Damage” fund to help the poorest countries deal with climate disasters? Why or why not?
12. How do you think the world should approach the long-term ambitions for fossil fuels – gradually reduce their production and use or set a complete end date for them?
13. How do you think a “phase down” of fossil fuels would impact countries like the UAE that rely heavily on oil production?
14. Do you think it is realistic to expect the world to triple its renewable energy capacity by 2030 and double energy efficiency improvements? Why or why not?
15. How do you think the COP28 conference can address the debates and challenges surrounding climate action and financial assistance?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. COP28
2. Dubai
3. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
4. oil
5. climate change
6. Greta Thunberg
7. greenhouse gas emissions
8. financing

Meanings:
(a) A prominent critic of the UN climate summits
(b) The city hosting the summit
(c) A major concern at the summit
(d) The country hosting the summit
(e) The global issue being addressed at the summit
(f) The upcoming climate summit
(g) A key topic of discussion at the summit
(h) The target for reduction agreed upon at COP21
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Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Where will the upcoming COP28 climate summit be hosted?
(a) Paris
(b) Dubai
(c) Berlin
(d) London

2. Who has criticized UN climate summits as being all talk and no action?
(a) The COP28 president
(b) The UAE team
(c) Greta Thunberg
(d) World leaders

3. When did the world collectively agree to cut greenhouse gas emissions?
(a) Last year at COP27 in Dubai
(b) Eight years ago at COP21 in Paris
(c) Twenty years ago at COP8 in Berlin
(d) Fifty years ago at COP1 in Tokyo

4. What are the promises of action by governments called?
(a) Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
(b) Renewable technologies
(c) Loss and Damage fund
(d) Greenhouse gas emissions

5. What is one of the main goals of COP28?
(a) To make NDCs more comprehensive
(b) To increase oil production capacity
(c) To decrease renewable energy capacity
(d) To phase out fossil fuels completely

6. What is a major issue at the COP28 conference?
(a) The lack of financial assistance for developing nations
(b) The debate about whether to phase down or phase out fossil fuels
(c) The world not acting at the necessary pace to achieve the goals set in Paris
(d) All of the above

7. What is the promise by developed countries to provide $100 billion per year to support developing nations with climate action called?
(a) Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
(b) Petrostate plan
(c) None of the above
(d) Loss and Damage fund

8. What is the question being discussed about the long-term ambitions for fossil fuels?
(a) Should the world increase their production and use or set a complete end date for them?
(b) Should the world phase down their production and use or phase out completely?
(c) Should the world continue to rely on fossil fuels or transition to renewable energy sources?
(d) Should the world gradually reduce their production and use or set a complete end date for them?

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. The UAE is not one of the top ten oil producers in the world.
2. One of the main goals of COP28 is to make the promises of action by governments less comprehensive.
3. The decision to host the summit in a desert-ridden state has sparked controversy.
4. The upcoming COP28 climate summit will be hosted in Dubai by the United Arab Emirates.
5. The world collectively agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions for the first time at COP21 in Paris.
6. The COP process is essential because it brings together world leaders to address the global climate crisis.
7. Greta Thunberg has criticized UN climate summits for being all talk and no action.
8. The world is still not acting at the necessary pace to achieve the goals set in the Paris agreement.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What controversy has arisen regarding the upcoming COP28 climate summit in Dubai?
2. How has the COP21 agreement from eight years ago influenced climate action?
3. What is the main goal of COP28 in terms of government commitments?
4. What is the role of financing in addressing climate change at the conference?
5. What is the debate surrounding the long-term ambitions for fossil fuels at COP28?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What is the significance of hosting the COP28 climate summit in Dubai?
The significance of hosting the COP28 climate summit in Dubai is that it brings together world leaders to address the global climate crisis.

2. Why has the decision to host the summit in Dubai sparked controversy?
The decision to host the summit in Dubai has sparked controversy because the UAE, as one of the top ten oil producers, has been accused of planning to use the climate talks to secure oil and gas deals.

3. How does Greta Thunberg view the UN climate summits?
Greta Thunberg views the UN climate summits as being all talk and no action. She criticizes them for not bringing about meaningful action on climate change.

4. When was the first agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions made?
The first agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions was made eight years ago at COP21 in Paris.

5. What are the main goals of COP28?
The main goals of COP28 are to make the promises of action by governments, known as “Nationally Determined Contributions” or NDCs, more comprehensive and to broaden these commitments to cover emissions from all economic activities. Additionally, there will be efforts to make countries more accountable for the promises they make.

6. Why is financing a crucial issue at the conference?
Financing is a crucial issue at the conference because renewable technologies and climate action require significant upfront investment. Additionally, addressing the impacts of climate change and helping developing nations transition to green technologies will require trillions of dollars.

7. What is the inequality that divides the world in terms of climate action?
The inequality that divides the world in terms of climate action is that most developed countries became wealthy by burning fossil fuels, while poorer nations now demand financial assistance to go green and cope with the climate impacts caused by the rich world.

8. What will be discussed regarding the long-term ambitions for fossil fuels at the conference?
At the conference, there will be discussions about the long-term ambitions for fossil fuels, specifically whether the world should gradually reduce their production and use (“phase down”) or set a complete end date for them (“phase out”).
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) climate
(2) summit
(3) world
(4) summits
(5) rises
(6) efforts
(7) achieve
(8) goals
(9) improvements
(10) require
(11) helping
(12) inequality
(13) nations
(14) production
(15) question
(16) COP28
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. COP28
Answer: (f) The upcoming climate summit

2. Dubai
Answer: (b) The city hosting the summit

3. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Answer: (d) The country hosting the summit

4. oil
Answer: (c) A major concern at the summit

5. climate change
Answer: (e) The global issue being addressed at the summit

6. Greta Thunberg
Answer: (a) A prominent critic of the UN climate summits

7. greenhouse gas emissions
Answer: (h) The target for reduction agreed upon at COP21

8. financing
Answer: (g) A key topic of discussion at the summit
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. Where will the upcoming COP28 climate summit be hosted?
Answer: (b) Dubai

2. Who has criticized UN climate summits as being all talk and no action?
Answer: (c) Greta Thunberg

3. When did the world collectively agree to cut greenhouse gas emissions?
Answer: (b) Eight years ago at COP21 in Paris

4. What are the promises of action by governments called?
Answer: (a) Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

5. What is one of the main goals of COP28?
Answer: (a) To make NDCs more comprehensive

6. What is a major issue at the COP28 conference?
Answer: (c) The world not acting at the necessary pace to achieve the goals set in Paris

7. What is the promise by developed countries to provide $100 billion per year to support developing nations with climate action called?
Answer: (d) Loss and Damage fund

8. What is the question being discussed about the long-term ambitions for fossil fuels?
Answer: (d) Should the world gradually reduce their production and use or set a complete end date for them?
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. The UAE is not one of the top ten oil producers in the world. (Answer: False)
2. One of the main goals of COP28 is to make the promises of action by governments less comprehensive. (Answer: False)
3. The decision to host the summit in a desert-ridden state has sparked controversy. (Answer: False)
4. The upcoming COP28 climate summit will be hosted in Dubai by the United Arab Emirates. (Answer: False)
5. The world collectively agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions for the first time at COP21 in Paris. (Answer: True)
6. The COP process is essential because it brings together world leaders to address the global climate crisis. (Answer: True)
7. Greta Thunberg has criticized UN climate summits for being all talk and no action. (Answer: True)
8. The world is still not acting at the necessary pace to achieve the goals set in the Paris agreement. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧