What to expect at COP27
The next UN climate change conference (COP27) in Sharm El Sheik is a chance for the global community to reassert its commitment to tackling the climate crisis head-on.
A lot has changed since COP26. Unstable geopolitics are affecting everything from inflation to energy and food. Supply chain security has become a key political priority. The world is not on track to limit climate change to the levels set in the Paris Agreement. And in 2022, we find ourselves at a critical moment.
At COP27, government and industry representatives need to move away from pledge-making and onto practical implementation. Partly because of its location and partly because the situation is so urgent, global cooperation to deliver a rigid loss and financial facility to the countries most impacted by the climate crisis will be a key theme of COP27.
Alongside discussions on how to shape this funding, talking points will include mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Negotiations will centre around the severe impact climate change is having on African countries.
With this focus on how to bridge the gap between the wealthiest and most vulnerable countries, the global community must decide how it can work together to advance national interests and agendas. It is also an opportunity to rebuild trust and cooperation between nations.
The need for action is clear. Europe, the US and other wealthy countries have got to mobilise finance and prove they are doing everything they can to reduce emissions and support the poor communities around the world that are most at risk.
Unless they step up and take the lead, that trust – and the future of our planet – is at risk.