The most important annual climate event has begun in a year that has been the warmest on record so far. Over 70,000 people will descend on Dubai in the United Arab Emirates in the next two weeks to decide whether humanity can give Earth a second chance. Here, Sultan Al Jaber officially assumes the role of COP28 President after being passed the gavel by his predecessor, COP27 President Sameh Shoukry. Photo: @COP28_UAE / X The choice of location for hosting the 28th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was considered controversial, especially by sections of the Western press as the UAE is an oil-rich country. Sultan Al Jabr, the COP28 President, however parried this off, stating the UAE “did not need a COP to sell its oil”. Here a session held by non-profit Friends of the Earth on November 30. Photo: Joel Michael / CSEThe first day saw the Loss and Damage text put forth by the COP Presidency on November 29 night adopted by COP28 in its opening plenary. Here, another shot of the Friends of the Earth session. Photo: Joel Michael / CSEThe World Meteorological Organization also confirmed that 2023 is going to be the warmest year on record on the first day of COP28. By the end of October, the Earth was already 1.4 degrees Celsius (°C) warmer than pre-industrial levels (1850-1900) for the same period. Here, a session organised by Climate Action Network International. Photo: Joel Michael / CSEThe event will officially end on December 12. But, as is usual with COPs, negotiations could spillover to the next day. Here, another shot of the CAN International session. Photo: Joel Michael / CSE