This week, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) will send its largest ever delegation to the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Led by Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago, and Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator Dr. Richard Spinrad, the Commerce delegation will join senior U.S. officials from over 20 U.S. Departments, Agencies, and organizations as well as leaders from more than 190 countries to advance cooperative efforts to address the climate crisis.

The Biden-Harris Administration has led and delivered on the most ambitious climate agenda in history and is implementing a whole-of-government approach to reach global net-zero emissions by 2050, as agreed to by nations in the Paris Agreement. In support of these efforts, Under Secretary Lago and Administrator Spinrad will underscore the role the U.S. business community plays in providing climate products and solutions that global communities need to reach climate commitments, as well as showcase NOAA data, research, and services to inform decisions in climate action.

ITA will participate in bilateral and multilateral engagements to further international cooperation, meet with U.S. and global firms, associations, and civil society organizations to discuss industry partnerships and investments, and participate in policy discussions centered on climate adaptation and resilience, accelerating the clean energy transition, gender considerations in project development, and more. More information about ITA activities at COP28.

NOAA will co-host and lead many events focused on data and research that inform decision-making, including in the areas of climate resilience, health, and safety. NOAA is a co-sponsor of the Ocean Pavilion, a central hub for idea exchange on leveraging ocean science and solutions to fight the climate crisis, including more than 80 events focused on rising seas, climate and the living ocean, and blue economy and finance. More information about NOAA activities at COP28.

On December 8, Under Secretary Lago and Administrator Spinrad will participate in a special collaborative livestreamed event, Ocean Innovation to Support Climate Adaptation and Resilience,  featuring U.S. public and private sector leaders to examine the intersection of public climate, weather, environment and ocean data products and services, and how U.S. innovations in climate adaptation can help advance climate resilience at home and abroad.

For a comprehensive schedule of opportunities to follow along with U.S. government senior officials at COP28, visit the U.S. Department of State’s U.S. Center website.