Bangladesh scientist Saleemul Huq was an early champion of helping vulnerable nations cope with climate disasters they did not cause. UK diplomat Pete Betts was pivotal in sealing the 2015 landmark climate deal. Both died in October.
Just hours before the start of the high stakes conference, Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos, Jr called off his trip to Dubai, in order to focus on a hostage situation of Filipino seafarers in the Red Sea.
From a stocktake of recent progress to proposals to reform climate financing, we take a look at the big issues likely to draw focus at COP28, opening this week in Dubai.