COP28: Last Chance for Climate Course Correction

In a pivotal address at the Dubai Future Forum 2023, Dr. Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General and CEO of the World Energy Council, declared that COP28 represents humanity’s final opportunity to rectify its course on climate change. Speaking before the world’s largest gathering of futurists, she stressed the critical need for the global community to leverage foresight and future thinking capabilities to navigate transformative shifts in social structures, particularly in the realm of energy usage.

Dr. Wilkinson highlighted the dawn of a new era in energy transition for both people and the planet, advocating for a more pragmatic approach to address the complex challenges. She emphasized the necessity to navigate through an “ocean of future thinking and foresight” to secure a sustainable future.

During her keynote speech, Dr. Wilkinson underscored the importance of recognizing that every living system undergoes a fundamental transformation in its underlying energy system. Calling for a broader perspective, she asserted that future and foresight are indispensable in navigating the complexities of energy transition.

Drawing attention to the current state of the world’s energy system, she pointed out that only 7% comprises wind and solar energy, and a mere 2% of personal vehicles are electric. Dr. Wilkinson lamented the slow pace of decarbonization, emphasizing that over 3 billion people worldwide lack sufficient access to affordable energy.

Acknowledging the disruptions in the energy landscape over recent years, Dr. Wilkinson urged a collective effort to strive for the best while remaining open to unforeseen developments. She asserted that COP28 represents the final opportunity for course correction and urged a focus on redesigning the entire energy system, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Addressing the fear surrounding climate change, Dr. Wilkinson called for bridging the gap between climate catastrophism and technological hyperbolism. She advocated for a new middle movement that considers both desirable and realistic solutions to the energy challenge.

The Dubai Future Forum, a gathering of over 2,500 global experts from diverse future-focused fields, includes participation from ministers, government officials, industry policymakers, CEOs, and more than 100 top global organizations from over 100 countries. With more than 150 speakers across over 70 sessions, the forum aims to foster discussions on shaping a sustainable and inclusive future.