The Conference of the Parties (COP) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change has been raising the hot air quotient in every city that has hosted it since the 1980s. There have been more than 30 of these high falutin’ gatherings of the tribe in 40 years, and can someone please point out even ONE single accomplishment?

As we’ve pointed out, Greenhouse gas emissions are at record high levels (except in the U.S.) and fossil fuel use is higher today than ever before.

Meanwhile, it appears that the distinguishing feature of this year’s COP28 meeting that begins this week in Dubai will be to create the biggest carbon footprint in the history of the summit.

Over 400,000 people are scheduled to travel to Dubai for the two-week-long event with over 97,000 delegates in attendance. That’s a medium-sized city. This is getting bigger than the Olympics.

Even environmental groups are speaking out. Chris Stark, CEO of the Climate Change Committee, says the meeting is basically now a trade fair. The BBC has quoted leaked briefing papers that show the United Arab Emirates plans to use its role as host to make oil and gas deals for its fossil fuel industry. UAE officials have issued no denial and simply note that “everyone is welcome at Cop28 because everyone is needed to deliver climate action.”

Yes, and just about everyone will be there except President Xi of China – by far the world’s biggest polluter.

What a sham!