Let's focus on the good news from COP 28, and there is some good news, not least an agreement in the final hours of the conference to transition away from fossil fuels .
Wopke Hoekstra, EU climate chief, says “Humanity has finally done what is long overdue. Thirty years we’ve spent to arrive at the beginning of the end of fossil fuels.”
Of course there will be different interpretations of the text in the agreement, and it will take a lot of hard work and a sense of urgency to make it work, but it is good news in itself.
So what else has happened? This is taken from notes I've made as the conference progressed, so apologies for anything that's changed since I made my notes...
A significant number of countries, including India, China and the USA, pledged to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030. Solar and wind power are crucial in reducing greenhouse gases and a positive move in the climate crisis.
COP 28 delegates also agreed to double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements from around 2% to 4% every year until 2030. This will both reduce energy consumption and emissions.
Countries pledged over $2.5 billion in funding to support food security. 134 world leaders signed a declaration agreeing to integrate food systems into climate action. Recognition of the link between food production, consumption patterns and climate change is a step forward.
COP 28 has also lead to the establishment of a loss and damage fund to help developing countries cope with the impact of climate change, such as the extreme weather events and rising sea levels. This fund will help the most vulnerable communities are not left behind in the fight against climate change.
Health care systems are also going to get a climate boost. COP 28 also saw a pledge to strengthen global health care systems to prepare for the impact of climate change. This will include investment into early warning systems and training helath workers in climate-related health risks. It's good to see recognition that we need to take action to protect our communities.
The route to a sustainable future will still need much more ambitious action from governments, businesses and individuals like us. The fight goes on, but these positive moves offer us hope that we need to build on.
Comments