U.S. President Joe Biden's Likely Absence from Dubai's COP28
In a significant development, it appears that U.S. President Joe Biden is unlikely to attend the 28th United Nations "Conference of the Parties" on climate change, known as COP28, scheduled from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, a significant oil-producing nation.
However, it's important to note that President Biden's schedule, as of now, is not set in stone. It could still change, and no official decision has been announced, as per information from two U.S. officials and another individual familiar with the event's planning.
The White House has refrained from providing updates on Biden's travel plans, but they did emphasize the administration's commitment to a robust and productive COP28. A spokesperson stated, "President Biden has led and delivered on the most ambitious climate agenda in history, both at home and abroad."
President Biden's advisors are currently managing numerous demands on his time, including a situation in the Middle East and a confrontation with a Republican-controlled House of Representatives over federal spending. Additionally, the presidential campaign season, expected to intensify in January, requires careful consideration.
The Dubai meeting is anticipated to witness the efforts of dozens of countries striving for a historic deal to phase out CO2-emitting coal, oil, and gas. Achieving such an agreement would be a significant accomplishment and align with President Biden's climate priorities, especially in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, where climate change holds high importance for liberal and younger voters.
Participating in COP28 would also provide President Biden with the opportunity to engage with leaders from Arab and other nations to discuss pressing global issues, including the situation in Gaza. Last year, key figures such as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Jordan's King Abdullah II, and France's President Emmanuel Macron attended the event.
It's worth noting that President Biden attended both of the previous COP summits since his inauguration in 2021, highlighting his commitment to addressing climate change. In contrast, former President Donald Trump, who is seeking a second term in 2024, chose not to participate in climate-focused events after announcing the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, a global initiative to combat climate change.
Notably, Biden's attendance at last year's COP27 event in Egypt was confirmed just two weeks before the event took place. During that event, he highlighted climate provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, demonstrating the administration's commitment to climate action.
While President Biden skipped a summit of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in September, his Vice President, Kamala Harris, represented the U.S. The question of her attendance at COP28 remains unanswered, with a spokesperson stating, "we don't have any travel to announce."
The uncertainty surrounding President Biden's attendance at COP28 underscores the challenges of balancing a complex schedule while addressing critical global issues, particularly in the realm of environmental protection and climate change.
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