Did you catch the outcome of COP 28 at the end of last year? The annual COP (Conference of the Parties) climate meeting, at which 200 nations were represented, closed on the 13th Dec 2023 after 2 weeks of talks in Dubai. To many, it seemed to go largely uncovered in the news at the time, but it was the biggest climate conference ever held. Here’s a recap of what happened:
- There was much criticism surrounding its residency in UEA, a major oil exporting country.
- Recent progress reported had not been in line with what was required.
- The 1.5C goal was reinforced.
- An agreement to ‘transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science’.
- Language within agreement was used which was more sympathetic to fossil fuels.
- A statement to peak global emissions by 2025 was dropped.
- It was announced that the loss and damage fund agreed at COP27 could now start handing out money. Although it needs a lot of work to build its capacity.
- Agreements to triple capacity of renewable energies and double the rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030.
- Calls for countries to accelerate low – and zero- emission tech like carbon capture and storage.
- The “global stock take” also reinforced the ‘urgent need to address…the interlinked global crises of climate change and biodiversity loss as well as the vital importance of protecting, conserving, restoring and sustainably using nature and ecosystems for effective and sustainable climate action’. It emphasized that halting and reversing deforestation by 2030 will be needed in order to meet the 1.5C target. (See our free nature and biodiversity toolkits which can help you increase nature and biodiversity at your business premises).
- Lots more outcomes and announcements were made during COP 28 which came be found here https://climateaction.unfccc.int/Events/COP28
Much of the conversation remained around the criticism for not being more ambitious and including a more detailed commitment to phase out fossil fuels (despite overwhelming majority of 130 countries in support of such text). However, in response to the agreement Prof. Johan Rockström, of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, said: “No, the COP28 agreement will not enable the world to hold the 1.5C limit, but yes, the result is a pivotal landmark. This agreement delivers on making it clear to all financial institutions, businesses and societies that we are now finally – eight years behind the Paris schedule – at the true ‘beginning of the end’ of the fossil fuel-driven world economy.”
It is clear that much more action is needed if we are to limit the damage climate change is causing and projected to cause going forward, and it is clear what direction we need to go in to get us there, but do you know what steps you or your business need to take? If this sounds like something that you would like support then get in touch with us! We are currently offering Suffolk-based businesses a FREE Net Zero advice service. For more information email netzerosuffolk@groundwork.org.uk or head to our webpage.
