COP28: What is Global Stocktake — and why is it important?

At COP28, countries will examine how much progress they have made in curbing global warming — a process called the Global Stocktake, which is happening for the first time — since the Paris Agreement in 2015.

World leaders and other officials pose for a photo during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 1, 2023. (Reuters)

Governments of nearly 200 nations are attending the COP28 climate summit in Dubai with business leaders, climate scientists, Indigenous Peoples, journalists, and various other experts also participating. The meeting has come at the end of a year which is set to be the warmest year ever.

It is in this melting pot that countries at COP28 will examine how much progress they have made in curbing global warming — a process called the Global Stocktake, which is happening for the first time — since the Paris Agreement in 2015.

The results will determine what actions must be taken in future, in terms of making more stringent national policies, setting more ambitious goals or financially enabling poorer countries to transition to clean, green energy. In the words of the United Nations Climate Change (UNCC), “It’s a moment to take a long, hard look at the state of our planet and chart a better course for the future”.

Five-year plan

In 2015, Paris hosted COP21, a landmark event because it was the first time that all countries came together to fight the climate crisis. Before Paris, there was the Kyoto Protocol of 2005 which involved only developed countries in cutting down greenhouse gas emissions and left out India and China, among other developing nations.

The Paris Agreement made it mandatory for all countries to set emissions-reduction targets and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This is known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

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It was decided that countries would assess their progress for the first time in 2023 and, then, every five years. The Paris Agreement aims to keep global warming from rising more than 2 degree Celsius from the pre-industrial era — mid-1800s —and to try to keep it under 1.5 degree Celsius, the point till which the planet might still withstand severe climate change impact.

Initial report

The result of the first Global Stocktake is no secret. The UN published a technical report on the first Global Stocktake in September 2023, according to which the global community spurred to action and made some progress but it was still too little. The UN found that “implementation must accelerate to increase ambition across all fronts, taking an all-of-society approach to make progress towards the Paris Agreement goals and respond to the climate crisis”.

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“Across the topics, the report makes clear that there is progress, but much more needs to be done. While there are well-known gaps, the technical findings highlighted existing and emerging opportunities and creative solutions to bridge these gaps. Good practices and proposals to accelerate implementation, action and support, are highlighted in all areas,” says a statement from the UNCC. Meanwhile, the average global temperature has increased by almost 1.2 degree Celsius since pre-industrial times.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More