Biden will not attend COP28 to deal with the challenges of managing the ongoing Gaza war and the anticipated intensification of his presidential campaign in January.
US President Joe Biden is expected to miss the opening of COP 28 this week, but will instead send top US officials to the UN climate summit in Dubai this week, the White House confirmed.
Biden attended the previous two COP summits and has put tackling climate change at the center of his policymaking. Environmental policy forms a key part of his administration’s national security strategy. As per the New York Times, Senior White House aides suggested that Biden was busy dealing with matters heavier on his plate, such as the war in Gaza.
Over 70,000 delegates are expected to attend COP 28, which begins on Thursday and the world leaders’ summit will be held on Friday and Saturday.
The official White House schedule indicates that President Biden is slated to participate solely in the National Tree Lighting event and conduct a bilateral meeting with President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco of Angola. The discussion during the meeting will center around climate and energy matters.
Biden’s agenda for the week includes just one additional engagement: a Sunday reception honoring Kennedy Center Honorees. The distinguished awardees encompass actor and comedian Billy Crystal, Bee Gees member Barry Gibb, renowned singer Dionne Warwick, and multifaceted artist Queen Latifah.
The White House has not categorically stated that Biden will not attend COP 28, keeping the possibility he could make an appearance later on.
Cop 28 coincides with the 4-day truce in Gaza and the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Strip.
Source: AlMayadeen
