The Conservative Climate Foundation (CCF) hosted a delegation at the 2023 United Nations Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai, UAE. The delegation consisted of a bicameral group of 26 Republican senior staff to spotlight American leadership in clean energy as a pivotal solution to the global climate challenge on an international stage.  

CCF coordinated with the U.S. House Committee on Energy & Commerce, which convened the first-ever Republican-led Member delegation to COP. Distinguished representatives including Reps. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.), Michael Burgess (R-Texas), Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Garret Graves (R-La.), and Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.) actively participated in this significant diplomatic venture.

The delegation underscored the Republican perspective on climate solutions, emphasizing a delicate balance between economic prosperity, national security, and environmental protection. 

Dive into our journey in Dubai for COP28!

Masdar City is a sustainable urban community in Abu Dhabi built by Masdar, the UAE’s state-owned renewable energy company. Organizations with key offices there include the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Siemens Energy, GE, and the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). The CCF delegation explored Masdar City with the goal of learning about the UAE’s unique approach to electricity generation and the nation’s strategies for approaching the energy transition.

Led by a local tour guide, the CCF delegation heard from locals about challenges facing Bedouin communities, the UAE’s approach to addressing climate-related issues like water scarcity and extreme heat, and history of life in the desert.

CCF hosted several bipartisan panel discussions in the COP28 Green Zone featuring Members of Congress and industry leaders. From the role U.S. permitting reform plays in reducing global emissions and the need for increased nuclear energy to ensuring our nation’s trade policies reward environmental performance, there was an encouraging amount of bipartisan consensus on the stage, which is promising for the future.

Thanks to all of our CCF members who joined us for our COP28 Signature Dinner. Our guests heard from Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, who outlined UAE’s priorities for COP28 and engagement with U.S. member and staff delegations. We also heard from Mary Burce Warlick, Deputy Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), who shared updates on the state of clean energy around the world, including the need to bolster critical mineral supply chains.

CCF Chair Heather Reams moderated a panel discussion at the U.S. Center with House Energy & Commerce Members on how Republicans are leading to promote American energy and climate solutions that will lower global emissions. From left to right: CCF Chair Heather Reams, Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.), Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa). 

Click here to watch the panel.