From November 30 to December 12, 2023 the United Arab Emirates
will host the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework
Convention on Climate Change in Dubai. COP28 is convening at a time
of increased geopolitical tension, trade disputes and division
amongst parties on issues such as cross border taxes between
developed and developing countries. On 1 October 2023 the EU's
Cross Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) regulations came into
force. These regulations, which are meant to prevent 'carbon
leakage' and 'encourage cleaner industrial production in
non EU countries', will have a significant impact on South
Africa. While the regulations aim to ensure the EU's ambitious
climate objectives are not undermined by the relocation of carbon
intensive production outside the EU, they are fundamentally in
contradiction with the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, undermining
the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
According to a policy brief, in the short
