It all started with positive surprises: An agenda without disputes, a decision on the loss and damage fund and a surprising amount of money. It continued with positive statements from heads of government, flawless organization, a pleasant atmosphere in the negotiating rooms and far-reaching declarations – and it ended in a disaster for the moment: The United Arab Emirates’ presidency of COP28 entered the home straight on Monday afternoon with a heavily criticized draft final declaration. And many delegates and observers were left with one thing on Monday evening: confusion about what to do next.