COP27: All bark and no bite?

A loss and damage fund for developing countries hit the most by climate change, world hunger and the 1.5C limit are just some of the topics discussed at this year’s COP27 conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. But are current plans to combat climate change enough? Why are there fears that next year’s COP28 in Dubai could be bad news?

Loss and damage fund

During the early hours of Sunday 20^th November, in a historic first for COP, commitments were made for a loss and damages fund for those countries most affected by climate catastrophes. Such as Pakistan, where floods have recently displaced 33 million people, with more than 1,730 losing their lives. The fund sounds promising - but how it will work in reality is still being organised. Sadly, very few countries have made significant pledges to this fund, and it could take until the next COP28 conference for further details to hopefully be printed.

1.5C

At COP26, Glasgow, commitments were made to limit global temperature increases at 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. This 1.5C limit is not impossible to meet, as long as efforts are made to reduce global emissions 50% by 2030. At COP27 some countries tried to overthrow this pledge – but thankfully they failed. Whether countries will metaphorically stick to their word is debateable. Tonnes of pollution is still being thrusted into our atmosphere with little sign of improvement.

Food security

Food systems are responsible for 21% - 37% of global emissions, with 57% of all food emissions coming from animal agriculture-related activities. In 2020, the USA emitted around 669.5 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents. Safeguarding food security, ending world hunger and conserving water systems was a priority of COP27. However, there is doubt on progress in this area, as Claudia Sadoff, executive director of CGIAR, states “The text on the food crisis is not supported by actions that need to be taken”. Although a COP27 priority, very few dedicated funds for systems to tackle food insecurity and hunger were established during COP27.

Fossil fuels

Fossil fuels account for around 75% of greenhouse gas emissions, and so more effort should be put on phasing-out them out. Germany signing a deal with Egypt to advance green hydrogen is promising. However, the commitment to phasing-out of fossil fuels was sadly thrown-out and replaced with wording to accelerate the development of “low energy” systems. Many people fear this new wording will be used an excuse to keep high amounts of fossil fuels going. Countries such as Dubai, where COP28 is scheduled to be held in 2023, are heavily linked to fossil fuels and there is doubt whether any real progress will be made in this area before then.

Despite things not progressing how most people would like it to, we cannot give up hope! With temperatures rising and developing countries being hit the hardest, there is little time until we will be left with no choice but to take more drastic measures to combat the climate crisis!