And that's a wrap on COP28. Ending in a flurry of big promises but dubious language, it's time to reflect on the key moments that have defined these climate talks.
- At COP28's close the Global Stocktake was adopted. Though the text is historic in acknowledging fossil fuels, it fails to commit to a full 'phase-out', underscoring the vast gap between scientific urgency and policy. An underwhelmingly small step, but in the right direction
- During this year's climate talks countries agreed to establish a highly anticipated Loss and Damage fund - key to aiding poorer nations against climate impacts. This initiative marks a positive development in global climate cooperation.
- However, despite global pledges of $700 million for climate-impacted countries this is seen as insufficient. Covering just 0.2% of the losses developing countries have faced due to the Climate Crisis, the 99.8% gap highlights that this is just a start.
- In another crucial move, 38 countries have joined an ambitious project focused on rejuvenating vital freshwater ecosystems. The Freshwater Challenge aims to restore 300,000 km of rivers around the world, along with lakes and wetlands, to help revive them by 2030.
- The US took a bold step announcing a plan to slash methane emissions from its oil and gas sector by 80% by 2038, targeting a reduction of 58 million tonnes of emissions.
- Sultan Al Jaber, this year's COP president, sparked uproar when he questioned the need for a fossil fuel phase-out to limit global heating to 1.5C. His ‘no science’ remarks drew criticism from scientists as being "incredibly concerning" and akin to climate denial.
- COP28 saw a record presence of 2,456 fossil fuel lobbyists, including 475 focusing on carbon capture storage. Their participation raised alarms about the industry's influence on the summit, prompting widespread criticism.
- Day 9 at COP28 focused on Land Use, Nature, and Oceans. 18 countries endorsed a joint statement for integrated nature and climate strategies. Though it’s a positive step, the pace and scale of action will be insufficient to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
- 2000+ leaders from various sectors signed a letter urging for decisive action in the final days of COP28. This powerful alliance emphasised the importance of a 1.5°C aligned plan and their message was simple: Later is too late.
Could this be the beginning of the end for the fossil fuel era?
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12 w
As we have heard enough from these discussions, is has now reach the time to see the action taken.
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21 w
The live sessions were really intense , A lot of big talk but we hope that action will be likewise
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21 w
Evaluating the outcomes and commitments will be essential for assessing progress toward addressing global environmental challenges.
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21 w
The adoption of the Global Stocktake is acknowledged as a small step toward addressing fossil fuels. The establishment of a Loss and Damage fund is seen positively, but the pledged funds are deemed insufficient. The Freshwater Challenge, the US methane emissions reduction plan, and the focus on Land Use, Nature, and Oceans are noted as positive moves. However, criticism arises from the COP president's remarks on a fossil fuel phase-out, the presence of fossil fuel lobbyists, and concerns about the pace of action. The concluding question hints at the possibility of the fossil fuel era coming to an end.
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21 w
There was great discussion but I hope the promises made will not be fulfilled
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21 w
@chris_ngatia Will not be or will be?
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21 w
That was amazing. Looking forward to seeing the outcomes and actions taken to address climate change.
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21 w
We've had a lot of discussions on fossil fuels and plastics during this #COP. Now time to see all try to make a change and honour pledges made
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21 w
COP28 emphasizes integrated nature and climate strategies, but the pace may fall short of reversing biodiversity loss by 2030.
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21 w
It was a small step in the right direction, but the urgency demands larger strides.
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20 w
@george_kariuki we will get there eventually.