Building the Movement ahead of COP28

UKGBC’s Chief Executive Smith Mordak reflects on the importance of COP as we look ahead to Dubai.

As COP28 approaches, I’ve been moved by many people sharing how frustrated and upset they feel that COPs keep coming around, but meaningful action doesn’t follow. Frustrated that the COP structure and format itself doesn’t seem to be delivering results, and that despite some bright spots in the outcomes many of those with the power to make change have deep vested interests and entrenched positions that inhibit wider action.

I get it. This is a completely reasonable emotional reaction to what’s happening. And it is going to be a tough COP. The Global Stocktake is going to be a hard read. We already know we’re far off-target at this halfway point between the Paris Agreement and 2030, with governments planning to produce more than double the fossil fuels in 2030 than the 1.5°C warming limit allows. The Loss and Damage fund may have been set up but it’s being fought tooth and nail and is a long way from providing just resources to those hit hardest by climate breakdown. I don’t think we should deny our anger and horror.

But we need this global forum that transcends national borders and builds momentum for this critical issue. And we urgently need it to succeed.  

But we need this global forum that transcends national borders and builds momentum for this critical issue. And we urgently need it to succeed.  

Decisions on climate action that will impact the UK and our members will be made during COP and if we want the capacity to influence those decisions and represent our members, we need to be there. Decisions that will impact the capacity of our members and the wider built environment to deliver ecosystem restoring solutions will be made during COP and if we want to ensure the built environment is no longer sidelined in discussions (as in previous years), we need to be there. Decisions that will impact us all will be made during COP, and if we want voices that believe in ambitious collaborative international action, we need to be there.

We talk about the built environment being a missing and critical piece of the jigsaw and I truly believe it is. Not only because we’re the second highest emitters (after surface transport) and therefore must decarbonise if the world is to decarbonise, but also because we have the solutions, we do care, and we’re ready for change. The built environment impacts everyone, and everywhere. Its potential to benefit citizens, wherever they are in the world, can’t be overestimated.

We are tremendously lucky that most of the barriers to decarbonising buildings aren’t technical – we’re not coming up against intractable chemistry or physical impossibilities.

We are tremendously lucky that most of the barriers to decarbonising buildings aren’t technical – we’re not coming up against intractable chemistry or physical impossibilities

I’m proud to be part of a sector that demonstrably cares deeply about the environment with deep and broad commitment to climate action. And we’re skilled! We’re already set up to manage complicated logistics, accommodate dynamic change, deliver bespoke projects, and to collaborate in ever-changing and improving configurations.

The ”Put me in, coach!” message I hear day in day out from built environment colleagues is so moving, and I’m honoured to represent that voice to the broader climate action movement. I’ll also be making sure that there are opportunities for our members to get involved at COP, to make their voices heard and to put their shoulder into real progress.

Whatever happens in the formal negotiations at COP, we will make the most of this unique opportunity to cultivate and nurture alliances across the global built environment sector, across connected sectors in the UK, and beyond. We will be moved by the reports and the facts and the stories and the connections we make. The debates we have on panels as much as the conversations we have in the queue for coffee are all important to fostering the understanding and collaboration essential to tackle the challenges we collectively face. These little moments of being moved are integral to building the movement.

Stay up to date with UKGBC’s COP plans and opportunities for members to engage on our COP28 webpage. And if you too are making the journey to Dubai, let’s connect and explore opportunities to celebrate COP together.

COP28

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