Biden's Absence at COP28 Raises Concerns for Climate Action

President Biden will not attend the United Nations climate summit, known as COP28, that begins in Dubai on Thursday. While the White House did not provide a reason for his absence, senior aides suggested that Biden's focus on the war between Israel and Hamas and the release of hostages held by Hamas has consumed his attention. Climate activists may be disappointed by his decision, but analysts note that it is not typical for a U.S. president to attend every climate summit. The summit will address progress in limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and discuss ways to increase climate action and potentially phase out fossil fuels.