Global Climate Action and Our Role
In our last edition, we explored one of the most crucial aspects of the conference: The Global Stocktake. This time we will dive into Individual Engagement, Youth Activism, Key Issues, Inclusivity and more. Learn how to make your voice heard, the role of youth in climate action, and what to expect at this pivotal climate summit.
Individual Participation
As we eagerly anticipate COP28, many of us are wondering how we can contribute to this pivotal event in the fight against climate change. Here are some suggestions:
Stay Informed:
Educate Others:
Take Action:
Youth and Climate Activism: A Driving Force for Change at COP28
In the face of the escalating climate crisis, young people worldwide have emerged as powerful advocates for change, their voices echoing with urgency and determination. Youth climate activism has taken center stage, challenging the status quo and demanding decisive action from governments and policymakers. As we approach COP28, it's essential to recognize the pivotal role of youth activism in shaping the climate agenda.
The Rise of Youth Climate Activism
The rise of youth climate activism can be traced back to the early 2000s, with initiatives such as the Children's Climate Movement and the youth delegation at the 2009 Copenhagen Climate Change Conference. However, it was the emergence of Greta Thunberg in 2018 that sparked a global movement, inspiring millions of young people to take action.
Thunberg's simple yet powerful act of striking from school to protest climate inaction ignited a wave of youth activism, leading to school strikes, protests, and social media campaigns around the world. The movement has gained momentum, with youth activists increasingly taking leadership roles in climate negotiations and influencing policy decisions.
The Importance of Youth Voices in the Context of COP28
Young people bring a unique perspective to the climate conversation, one that is shaped by their lived experiences and their vision for the future. They are not burdened by the same political and economic constraints that often hinder the actions of older generations. As a result, they are often more willing to speak up and demand radical change.
The voices of young activists are increasingly being heard and respected in policymaking circles. At COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2021, youth delegates played a significant role in shaping the negotiations and securing commitments from governments.
Youth Activism and COP28
As COP28 approaches, youth climate activists are once again mobilizing, determined to ensure that the conference leads to meaningful action. They are calling for ambitious climate goals, increased funding for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, and a just transition to a low-carbon economy.
Youth activists are also pushing for greater inclusion and participation of young people in the climate decision-making process. They are demanding a seat at the table, where their voices can be heard, and their perspectives considered. Their influence is particularly crucial at COP28, where major decisions will be made that impact our climate future.
The Impact of Youth Activism
The impact of youth activism is likely to continue to grow in the years to come. As young people become more politically engaged and their voices become louder, they are poised to play an even greater role in shaping the future of climate action. Their unwavering commitment serves as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for meaningful change as we look toward COP28 and beyond.
Key Issues and Opportunities to Watch at COP28
Let's delve into the key areas of focus as we approach this pivotal climate summit.
Global Stocktake (GST): A Course Correction for Climate Action
The GST represents the main mechanism through which progress under the Paris Agreement is assessed, making it a central point of discussion at COP28. With the world falling behind in meeting the Paris Agreement's goals, the hope is that governments will craft a roadmap to accelerate climate action.
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COP28 is our opportunity to rectify the course and strengthen our commitment to tackling climate change. The GST synthesis report is our collective report card, and it's clear that more must be done. Let's seize this chance for a dramatic course correction. Read more on the Global Stocktake here.
Climate Change Impacts
Adapting to climate change impacts and addressing climate-induced loss and damage are crucial tasks at COP28. Governments must operationalize the loss and damage fund established at COP27, addressing questions about its scope, eligibility criteria, and funding sources.
Additionally, COP28 aims to adopt a framework for achieving the Paris Agreement's global goal on adaptation (GGA). This framework will define the goal and establish ways to measure progress, offering clarity and precision in measuring adaptation progress, which is essential for the climate action agenda.
Fossil Fuels
Addressing the role of fossil fuels in climate change is gaining prominence. At COP26, parties agreed to accelerate efforts towards the phasedown of unabated coal power and phase-out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. While discussions at COP27 pushed for expanding this language to cover all fossil fuels, it remains a critical issue.
Phasing out fossil fuels is part of the broader conversation on energy, encompassing renewable energy targets and improved energy efficiency. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies are also subject to diverging opinions and will be a point of contention in the discussions.
Focus on Food Systems and Agriculture
In the run-up to COP28, food systems and agriculture have garnered diplomatic attention. The COP28 Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda calls for aligning national food systems and agricultural policies with climate contributions and biodiversity strategies. Food systems contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, making their transformation imperative.
Private and public sector stakeholders are called upon to commit funding and technology for food system and agricultural transformation, emphasizing the crucial role food systems play in achieving climate goals. This focus complements efforts to accelerate the energy transition, as both sectors are essential in the climate change battle.
Climate Finance
Climate finance is a perennial issue at COPs. Developing countries need financial resources, technology transfer, and capacity-building to reduce emissions, adapt to climate change, and address loss and damage. The provision and mobilization of climate finance is a top priority, given its significance in helping nations transition to a more sustainable future.
Ensuring Inclusivity and Equity at COP28: A Collective Responsibility
Making COP28 a genuinely inclusive and equitable summit is a shared commitment, one that extends across all aspects of the conference. Diverse representation, including voices from marginalized communities, indigenous groups, youth, and developing nations, is pivotal. It goes beyond mere attendance and calls for active participation as speakers, panelists, and decision-makers. Meaningful engagement is essential, facilitated through workshops, interactive forums, and breakout sessions to enable these groups to share their insights, experiences, and solutions.
“We need to include everyone for all of us to move forward together. All views are welcome and, in fact, needed. That is why we will include 1,000 mayors and subnational leaders. That is why we are determined to empower all those who suffer the most from climate change, including women and the young. And that is why we will have a day dedicated to the wisdom and experience of indigenous peoples. I ask you to commit to the spirit of hope and the spirit of openness, collaboration, and inclusivity,” said Dr. Al Jaber.
Accessibility is paramount, with the provision of services such as translation, sign language interpretation, and accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Using plain and inclusive language, free from jargon, ensures that everyone can engage with discussions and outcomes. Equitable outcomes must reflect the needs and concerns of all participants, especially those most vulnerable to climate change impacts. Transparency, accountability, and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are essential to uphold trust and ensure that the commitments made at COP28 translate into action.
By embracing these strategies, COP28 can set a benchmark for inclusive and equitable climate action, fostering collaboration, building trust, and paving the way for a more sustainable and just future for all.
In our next edition we will be looking at COP28 Highlights and Beyond.
References: https://www.cop28.com/