Day 6 at COP28:
The days are getting longer, the nights shorter. The atmosphere – more hectic. The first week of COP28 is coming to an end, and efforts are being made to either conclude or tidy up all negotiation strands, so that everything is ready for the ministers who will negotiate contentious issues at the political level in the second week. And there are quite a few of those – time for an update.
Global Stocktake - Negotiation Update
The current draft of the Global Stocktake document was discussed until late into the night yesterday. It is the central text of COP28 and is expected to become the Cover Decision, meaning the official concluding document of COP28, previously known as the "Paris Agreement" or "Glasgow Climate Pact." It contains some spicy items: the GST is the place where an exit from fossil fuels is negotiated, as well as the remaining CO2 budget or recommendations for the next NDCs, national measures.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the text includes many options: multiple formulations (including the option of not deciding on a text for a particular topic), which can be discussed in the second week on contentious issues with the aim of reaching a consensus on a formulation in the end. This is not going to be easy, especially concerning the fossil fuel exit: Saudi Arabia, Iran, and other states are blocking here, and we are fighting to ensure that the EU stands strong with rhetoric and determination and does not deviate from its position. By the way, fossil fuel subsidies are also discussed in the text. Now negotiators need to clean up the text as much as possible and ensure a solid negotiating basis for the second week. So, another long day (and night) awaits us today before tomorrow, which will be the first and only rest day of the conference.
https://unfccc.int/documents/635015
Major Blockers Benefit from Black-and-White Narratives
Due to historical reasons and global inequality, the climate debate often leads to a distribution debate between the global North and the global South. Historically, the EU and also Austria bear a particularly high responsibility for the emergence of the climate crisis and, despite their privileged situation, still do not make the fair contribution that is necessary. Therefore, states from the global South often call for more ambitious emission reductions from the global North and more support measures, also because they are usually more affected by the consequences.
However, this picture is not black and white. In the negotiations on mitigation (emission reductions), the EU usually acts as a united force, mostly in a progressive manner. In contrast, some states that consider themselves part of the global South systematically block ambitious climate goals. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa, Iran, and partially China resist stricter emission reduction targets and measures, especially a binding exit from coal, oil, and gas. They argue with the pretext that they are not to blame for the climate crisis and therefore not responsible for reducing their emissions. However, this line of thought is fatal because it hampers any global progress in the field of mitigation.
"The EU and, therefore, Austria must show the highest possible ambition in all areas of international climate negotiations due to their historical responsibility. But also, emerging and increasingly influential developing countries must ambitiously reduce their emissions – no country can shirk responsibility for adhering to the Paris temperature limit of 1.5 degrees. We believe that the complexity of the states in the global South should be highlighted much more. Black-and-white thinking plays into the hands of blocking states and hampers international climate protection. At the same time, we could forge alliances with progressive states to work constructively and collaboratively on solutions for the urgently needed rapid reduction of emissions," emphasizes David Jablonski, Austrian youth delegate.
The days are getting longer, the nights shorter. The atmosphere – more hectic. The first week of COP28 is coming to an end, and efforts are being made to either conclude or tidy up all negotiation strands, so that everything is ready for the ministers who will negotiate contentious issues at the political level in the second week. And there are quite a few of those – time for an update.
Global Stocktake - Negotiation Update
The current draft of the Global Stocktake document was discussed until late into the night yesterday. It is the central text of COP28 and is expected to become the Cover Decision, meaning the official concluding document of COP28, previously known as the "Paris Agreement" or "Glasgow Climate Pact." It contains some spicy items: the GST is the place where an exit from fossil fuels is negotiated, as well as the remaining CO2 budget or recommendations for the next NDCs, national measures.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the text includes many options: multiple formulations (including the option of not deciding on a text for a particular topic), which can be discussed in the second week on contentious issues with the aim of reaching a consensus on a formulation in the end. This is not going to be easy, especially concerning the fossil fuel exit: Saudi Arabia, Iran, and other states are blocking here, and we are fighting to ensure that the EU stands strong with rhetoric and determination and does not deviate from its position. By the way, fossil fuel subsidies are also discussed in the text. Now negotiators need to clean up the text as much as possible and ensure a solid negotiating basis for the second week. So, another long day (and night) awaits us today before tomorrow, which will be the first and only rest day of the conference.
https://unfccc.int/documents/635015
Major Blockers Benefit from Black-and-White Narratives
Due to historical reasons and global inequality, the climate debate often leads to a distribution debate between the global North and the global South. Historically, the EU and also Austria bear a particularly high responsibility for the emergence of the climate crisis and, despite their privileged situation, still do not make the fair contribution that is necessary. Therefore, states from the global South often call for more ambitious emission reductions from the global North and more support measures, also because they are usually more affected by the consequences.
However, this picture is not black and white. In the negotiations on mitigation (emission reductions), the EU usually acts as a united force, mostly in a progressive manner. In contrast, some states that consider themselves part of the global South systematically block ambitious climate goals. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa, Iran, and partially China resist stricter emission reduction targets and measures, especially a binding exit from coal, oil, and gas. They argue with the pretext that they are not to blame for the climate crisis and therefore not responsible for reducing their emissions. However, this line of thought is fatal because it hampers any global progress in the field of mitigation.
"The EU and, therefore, Austria must show the highest possible ambition in all areas of international climate negotiations due to their historical responsibility. But also, emerging and increasingly influential developing countries must ambitiously reduce their emissions – no country can shirk responsibility for adhering to the Paris temperature limit of 1.5 degrees. We believe that the complexity of the states in the global South should be highlighted much more. Black-and-white thinking plays into the hands of blocking states and hampers international climate protection. At the same time, we could forge alliances with progressive states to work constructively and collaboratively on solutions for the urgently needed rapid reduction of emissions," emphasizes David Jablonski, Austrian youth delegate.
CO2 Emissions Reach New Record High
Annual CO2 emissions have reached a new record high. This year, it is expected that 36.8 gigatons of CO2 will be emitted worldwide, 1.1% more than last year. This annual increase in emissions is even more evident in the rise of CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, which was 418.82 ppm in October 2023, increasing by almost 2.5% annually.
The fact that annual emissions are still rising contradicts the urgent appeal of science to reach the peak by no later than 2025. Even if annual emissions decrease, the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere will continue to rise. Only when "Net Zero" emissions are achieved can the atmosphere slowly recover from the significantly increased CO2 concentration.
https://gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/gr.html
Climate Action Tracker
The Climate Action Tracker monitors climate actions of numerous states and continuously calculates whether they are compatible with the goals of the Paris Agreement. The results are clear: the measures of none of the tracked states are sufficient to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C. Seven states fall under the category "almost sufficient," and all EU states fall under "insufficient."
https://climateactiontracker.org/
More than 2400 Fossil Lobbyists at COP
Hard to believe, but unfortunately true: at this year's World Climate Conference, more than 2400 fossil lobbyists are represented. That is more fossil lobbyists than delegates from the ten countries most affected by the climate crisis. While negotiators from states (at least most of them) fight for every bit of progress in tough negotiations, representatives of the fossil industry tirelessly try to prevent ambitious measures to ensure the consumption of fossil fuels. The methods of these lobbyists include spreading misinformation (e.g., downplaying climate scenarios, giving hope for carbon capture, or uncertain market mechanisms, etc.), or directly lobbying decision-makers. The false or at least "industry-framed" information is difficult to decipher and unfortunately often appears unquestioned in Austrian media. It is important to emphasize that the fossil industry is not concerned with jobs or a "just transformation." Most fossil energy companies, according to a report by Urgewald, even plan to develop new oil and gas fields, making it impossible to achieve climate goals. For them, COP is an effective stage to "greenwash" themselves.
https://www.urgewald.org/en/medien/2023-global-oil-gas-exit-list-building-bridge-climate-chaos
Voices of Youth on Climate Financing 💶
As youth delegates, it is particularly important to us to strengthen the voices of children and young people. The following video captures how children from different parts of the world, although the necessary sums may be unimaginably high, already have very clear and sober ideas that everyone should contribute to financing and implementation, but especially very rich individuals, companies, and states must be held accountable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNdpGjWIuy8
Annual CO2 emissions have reached a new record high. This year, it is expected that 36.8 gigatons of CO2 will be emitted worldwide, 1.1% more than last year. This annual increase in emissions is even more evident in the rise of CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, which was 418.82 ppm in October 2023, increasing by almost 2.5% annually.
The fact that annual emissions are still rising contradicts the urgent appeal of science to reach the peak by no later than 2025. Even if annual emissions decrease, the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere will continue to rise. Only when "Net Zero" emissions are achieved can the atmosphere slowly recover from the significantly increased CO2 concentration.
https://gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/gr.html
Climate Action Tracker
The Climate Action Tracker monitors climate actions of numerous states and continuously calculates whether they are compatible with the goals of the Paris Agreement. The results are clear: the measures of none of the tracked states are sufficient to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C. Seven states fall under the category "almost sufficient," and all EU states fall under "insufficient."
https://climateactiontracker.org/
More than 2400 Fossil Lobbyists at COP
Hard to believe, but unfortunately true: at this year's World Climate Conference, more than 2400 fossil lobbyists are represented. That is more fossil lobbyists than delegates from the ten countries most affected by the climate crisis. While negotiators from states (at least most of them) fight for every bit of progress in tough negotiations, representatives of the fossil industry tirelessly try to prevent ambitious measures to ensure the consumption of fossil fuels. The methods of these lobbyists include spreading misinformation (e.g., downplaying climate scenarios, giving hope for carbon capture, or uncertain market mechanisms, etc.), or directly lobbying decision-makers. The false or at least "industry-framed" information is difficult to decipher and unfortunately often appears unquestioned in Austrian media. It is important to emphasize that the fossil industry is not concerned with jobs or a "just transformation." Most fossil energy companies, according to a report by Urgewald, even plan to develop new oil and gas fields, making it impossible to achieve climate goals. For them, COP is an effective stage to "greenwash" themselves.
https://www.urgewald.org/en/medien/2023-global-oil-gas-exit-list-building-bridge-climate-chaos
Voices of Youth on Climate Financing 💶
As youth delegates, it is particularly important to us to strengthen the voices of children and young people. The following video captures how children from different parts of the world, although the necessary sums may be unimaginably high, already have very clear and sober ideas that everyone should contribute to financing and implementation, but especially very rich individuals, companies, and states must be held accountable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNdpGjWIuy8
gml.noaa.gov
Global Monitoring Laboratory - Carbon Cycle Greenhouse Gases
The Global Monitoring Laboratory conducts research on greenhouse gas and carbon cycle feedbacks, changes in clouds, aerosols, and surface radiation, and recovery of stratospheric ozone.
Good morning from Dubai. Today, not from the EXPO site because today is a break - the only break day in a two-week negotiation marathon. Accordingly, the negotiations went on for a long time last night because before the second week begins, as many texts as possible need to be finalized so that they can be presented to the ministers in a somewhat organized manner tomorrow. One of the central themes continues to be the exit from fossil fuels.
🇪🇺 The EU must fight hard for the Phase-Out
Today, the youth delegates at an EU coordination meeting called on negotiators to take a strong stance in the negotiations on the phase-out of fossil fuels. Only if the EU joins forces with other progressive states and does not give in, can the COP decide on the exit from fossil fuels. The youth measure the success of this COP by addressing the root causes of the climate crisis because only then does a climate conference deserve its name. While the COP president has denied science in the past and sees no evidence of the need for the exit, just yesterday, over 100 climate scientists emphasized that only with a complete exit can climate goals be achieved. The science is clear - the position and rhetoric of the EU must be too.
https://www.clubofrome.org/impact-hubs/climate-emergency/cop-science-is-clear/
🎚️ Carbon Capture - What is the current status?
There is also a debate over formulations related to Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) within the framework of the Global Stocktake. Carbon capture and recovery is a technology that currently stores or converts about 45 Mt CO2 worldwide, only about 60% of what Austria alone emits per year. In the short time remaining to comply with the Paris Agreement, this technology does not have a sufficiently large potential to achieve significant emission reductions worldwide. An Oxford study has calculated the current state of technology, costs, and impacts of carbon capture, storage, and utilization ("CCUS"). In the scenario that considers continued burning of fossil fuels thanks to this technology, scientists calculate additional costs of $30 trillion compared to a scenario that considers the exit from fossil fuels. States relying on CCUS will be at a long-term competitive disadvantage. It is concerning that CO2 leakage may occur during storage, and Climate Analytics estimates that these leakages could amount to up to 86 Gt CO2, jeopardizing the 1.5°C target.
🥵 Hottest year in recorded history
The European Climate Monitor (C3S) announced today that due to the exceptionally warm November, the year 2023 is now the hottest in recorded history (previously: 2016). The global average temperature was 1.46°C higher than before the industrial revolution. Although the long-term average temperature is crucial for the 1.5°C limit of the Paris Agreement, we are dangerously close to the 1.5°C limit. The decisions at COP28 must take this into account.
💣 5 Tipping Points Almost Reached
In addition to the direct dangers of an increased average temperature, it also triggers the tipping of certain natural systems. When these so-called tipping points are reached, the change (in most cases destruction) of these ecosystems by humans can no longer be prevented or reversed. After tipping, most natural systems release more CO2 into the atmosphere or store more heat than before, further fueling the climate crisis or even triggering other tipping points. Researchers have been warning for years that it would be extremely dangerous to exceed these limits. Yesterday, the Global Tipping Points Report reported that we are already on track to exceed five tipping points. Three more could be exceeded by 2030 if we do not keep the temperature increase below 1.5°C.
By the way, tipping points also exist in social sciences, where they can have positive effects. Social tipping points can, for example, drive societal change toward a sustainable society.
https://global-tipping-points.org/summary-report/narrative-summary/
–
🇪🇺 The EU must fight hard for the Phase-Out
Today, the youth delegates at an EU coordination meeting called on negotiators to take a strong stance in the negotiations on the phase-out of fossil fuels. Only if the EU joins forces with other progressive states and does not give in, can the COP decide on the exit from fossil fuels. The youth measure the success of this COP by addressing the root causes of the climate crisis because only then does a climate conference deserve its name. While the COP president has denied science in the past and sees no evidence of the need for the exit, just yesterday, over 100 climate scientists emphasized that only with a complete exit can climate goals be achieved. The science is clear - the position and rhetoric of the EU must be too.
https://www.clubofrome.org/impact-hubs/climate-emergency/cop-science-is-clear/
🎚️ Carbon Capture - What is the current status?
There is also a debate over formulations related to Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) within the framework of the Global Stocktake. Carbon capture and recovery is a technology that currently stores or converts about 45 Mt CO2 worldwide, only about 60% of what Austria alone emits per year. In the short time remaining to comply with the Paris Agreement, this technology does not have a sufficiently large potential to achieve significant emission reductions worldwide. An Oxford study has calculated the current state of technology, costs, and impacts of carbon capture, storage, and utilization ("CCUS"). In the scenario that considers continued burning of fossil fuels thanks to this technology, scientists calculate additional costs of $30 trillion compared to a scenario that considers the exit from fossil fuels. States relying on CCUS will be at a long-term competitive disadvantage. It is concerning that CO2 leakage may occur during storage, and Climate Analytics estimates that these leakages could amount to up to 86 Gt CO2, jeopardizing the 1.5°C target.
🥵 Hottest year in recorded history
The European Climate Monitor (C3S) announced today that due to the exceptionally warm November, the year 2023 is now the hottest in recorded history (previously: 2016). The global average temperature was 1.46°C higher than before the industrial revolution. Although the long-term average temperature is crucial for the 1.5°C limit of the Paris Agreement, we are dangerously close to the 1.5°C limit. The decisions at COP28 must take this into account.
💣 5 Tipping Points Almost Reached
In addition to the direct dangers of an increased average temperature, it also triggers the tipping of certain natural systems. When these so-called tipping points are reached, the change (in most cases destruction) of these ecosystems by humans can no longer be prevented or reversed. After tipping, most natural systems release more CO2 into the atmosphere or store more heat than before, further fueling the climate crisis or even triggering other tipping points. Researchers have been warning for years that it would be extremely dangerous to exceed these limits. Yesterday, the Global Tipping Points Report reported that we are already on track to exceed five tipping points. Three more could be exceeded by 2030 if we do not keep the temperature increase below 1.5°C.
By the way, tipping points also exist in social sciences, where they can have positive effects. Social tipping points can, for example, drive societal change toward a sustainable society.
https://global-tipping-points.org/summary-report/narrative-summary/
–
Club of Rome
The science is clear: we need net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 - Club of Rome
05 December 2023 -
Today, we are also trying to take a little break. The next newsletter will therefore follow on Saturday. Take care until then!
Tag 8 at COP28:
Did you miss us already? 🤨 After a well-deserved and, above all, relaxing day off, we are back on the COP grounds, full of energy and enthusiasm. A lot has happened. Time for an update.
COP enters its second round - political negotiations begin 🇺🇳
Last night or early yesterday, the ministers traveled to Dubai to represent their nations in the second week of COP. They are now negotiating the remaining contentious points for which no agreement was reached during the first week's negotiations. Political negotiations on the international stage are characterized by intense bargaining and surprising last-minute deals. This is mainly due to the greater political decision-making latitude enjoyed by ministers compared to their officials. Decisions made in the second week tend to come about towards the end under significant political pressure. Therefore, COP has often been extended by one or two days in recent years to allow for the much-needed resolutions. The ambitious announcement by COP President Al Jaber to conclude the conference as scheduled on Tuesday, December 12, at 11 am is noteworthy. Al Jaber has spoken often about measuring COP28's success against the achievements of Paris. Interestingly, the Paris Agreement was also adopted on December 12, eight years ago. It seems he wants to conclude "his" successes with the symbolism of the anniversary. The last time a COP concluded reasonably close to the planned end is quite a while ago, but we are also eager to be surprised here.
Exchange with Minister for Climate Leonore Gewessler 💬
For Austria, Minister of Climate Leonore Gewessler is present. We met with her yesterday to discuss the demands of Austrian youth for the 28th World Climate Conference. Because international commitments like the Paris Agreement require national implementation, and Austria is lagging behind in many aspects (climate protection law, reduction of fossil subsidies, etc.), we also provided her with demands for national climate policy.
Where will the next COP take place? - Slowly gaining clarity ❗️
This COP week also involves deciding on the venue for the next World Climate Conference, COP29. According to the rotation principle, it would be up to an Eastern European country to host and preside over COP. Traditionally, host countries have been announced early in past years and had to be unanimously chosen by the group—in this case, the Eastern European group. However, due to Russia's ongoing war on Ukraine and the resulting sanctions, Russia is blocking the election of any EU country, including Bulgaria, which has already expressed interest in hosting the conference.
The other two potential host countries, Armenia and Azerbaijan, have maintained mutual blockades for a long time. Now, Azerbaijan has officially confirmed that it has reached an agreement with Armenia. This agreement paves the way for Baku to bid for the hosting of COP29 talks without fear of a veto from Armenia. At the same time, it was announced that Bulgaria has withdrawn its application for COP29.
(Reuters)
Youth Day ✨
The theme of COP on Friday, at the beginning of political negotiations, was "Youth Day." Our generation, particularly affected by the consequences of the climate crisis, is underrepresented at all levels of climate policy and especially at climate conferences. Often, there are no institutions to effectively involve young people in decision-making. The fact that Austria brings a youth delegation that can also contribute to discussions is unfortunately still a rarity on the international stage. However, some European countries have developed youth delegate programs in recent years. From our perspective, it is extremely important that young people, instead of fossil lobbyists, sit at the table to decide about their own future. This is what we advocate for in all the conversations we have.
Did you miss us already? 🤨 After a well-deserved and, above all, relaxing day off, we are back on the COP grounds, full of energy and enthusiasm. A lot has happened. Time for an update.
COP enters its second round - political negotiations begin 🇺🇳
Last night or early yesterday, the ministers traveled to Dubai to represent their nations in the second week of COP. They are now negotiating the remaining contentious points for which no agreement was reached during the first week's negotiations. Political negotiations on the international stage are characterized by intense bargaining and surprising last-minute deals. This is mainly due to the greater political decision-making latitude enjoyed by ministers compared to their officials. Decisions made in the second week tend to come about towards the end under significant political pressure. Therefore, COP has often been extended by one or two days in recent years to allow for the much-needed resolutions. The ambitious announcement by COP President Al Jaber to conclude the conference as scheduled on Tuesday, December 12, at 11 am is noteworthy. Al Jaber has spoken often about measuring COP28's success against the achievements of Paris. Interestingly, the Paris Agreement was also adopted on December 12, eight years ago. It seems he wants to conclude "his" successes with the symbolism of the anniversary. The last time a COP concluded reasonably close to the planned end is quite a while ago, but we are also eager to be surprised here.
Exchange with Minister for Climate Leonore Gewessler 💬
For Austria, Minister of Climate Leonore Gewessler is present. We met with her yesterday to discuss the demands of Austrian youth for the 28th World Climate Conference. Because international commitments like the Paris Agreement require national implementation, and Austria is lagging behind in many aspects (climate protection law, reduction of fossil subsidies, etc.), we also provided her with demands for national climate policy.
Where will the next COP take place? - Slowly gaining clarity ❗️
This COP week also involves deciding on the venue for the next World Climate Conference, COP29. According to the rotation principle, it would be up to an Eastern European country to host and preside over COP. Traditionally, host countries have been announced early in past years and had to be unanimously chosen by the group—in this case, the Eastern European group. However, due to Russia's ongoing war on Ukraine and the resulting sanctions, Russia is blocking the election of any EU country, including Bulgaria, which has already expressed interest in hosting the conference.
The other two potential host countries, Armenia and Azerbaijan, have maintained mutual blockades for a long time. Now, Azerbaijan has officially confirmed that it has reached an agreement with Armenia. This agreement paves the way for Baku to bid for the hosting of COP29 talks without fear of a veto from Armenia. At the same time, it was announced that Bulgaria has withdrawn its application for COP29.
(Reuters)
Youth Day ✨
The theme of COP on Friday, at the beginning of political negotiations, was "Youth Day." Our generation, particularly affected by the consequences of the climate crisis, is underrepresented at all levels of climate policy and especially at climate conferences. Often, there are no institutions to effectively involve young people in decision-making. The fact that Austria brings a youth delegation that can also contribute to discussions is unfortunately still a rarity on the international stage. However, some European countries have developed youth delegate programs in recent years. From our perspective, it is extremely important that young people, instead of fossil lobbyists, sit at the table to decide about their own future. This is what we advocate for in all the conversations we have.
The opportunities for young people to make their voices heard at COP are limited. Among other things, activists in the "Blue Zone," recognized as the official territory of the United Nations, can demonstrate (political demonstrations are de facto not possible in the United Arab Emirates). However, as was the case last year in Sharm El-Sheikh, even in the Blue Zone, the topics and types of demonstrations were heavily restricted. Violations could lead to the UN revoking accreditation, the so-called "badge," meaning a ban on access to COP. (AP)
Good morning and happy second Advent! In Dubai, the only sign of the Advent spirit is the countdown to the big event. However, the big event here is the hopefully final outcome of COP, and we don't have to wait until the 24th but, according to the COP presidency, only until December 12th. By the way, it's the birthday of the Paris Agreement. What the COP Christmas brings is currently being decided in the negotiations. Even though they are increasingly taking place behind closed doors, here are the most important updates.
💰🇦🇹 Austria announces 35 million euros for adaptation and early warning systems
Yesterday, Minister Gewessler delivered a speech in the High-Level Segment for Austria, as President Van der Bellen could not attend the COP due to illness. She announced that Austria is providing an additional 35 million euros for climate financing, including 20 million for the Adaptation Fund, 12 million for the World Food Programme, and 3 million euros for the expansion of early warning systems. As the EU Chief Negotiator for Adaptation, this is an important signal to states already severely affected by the climate crisis.
Assessment by Martin Krenn, Alliance for Climate Justice, on X
🪧 Global Day of Action for Climate Justice
Yesterday, Saturday, was the Global Day of Action for Climate Justice. This was felt not only at the COP venue but around the world. This was evident in front of the Federal Chancellery in Vienna, where a demonstration for the Fossil Fuel Phase Out took place, despite a snowstorm. With a large pipeline, the demonstrators demanded an immediate exit from fossil fuels and an ambitious negotiating position from the EU. They also criticized the strong presence of fossil fuel industry lobbyists at COP28, the fact that Al Jaber, as the head of a state-owned oil company, is the president of COP28, and that fossil projects (such as the EACOP Pipeline) are still being promoted in 2023.
At COP28, actions are only possible under strict rules in designated Action Zones on the UN grounds; outside, protests are practically impossible. From our perspective, this is unacceptable because freedom of speech and assembly should always be preserved, and peaceful protests should always be allowed.
🛢️ OPEC is getting nervous
The OPEC, the organization of oil-exporting countries, seems to be closely monitoring COP28. A leaked letter shows great concern that a tipping point has been reached at the climate conference, where there is no longer any way around the Fossil Fuel Phase Out. Ironically, it refers to a "risk for the future" if the exit from coal, oil, and gas is decided. It is precisely the extraction and exploitation of fossil fuels that daily fuel the climate crisis.
Article in The Guardian
🥹 Update on the negotiations
COP President Al Jaber wants to bring this COP to a timely end on the anniversary of the Paris Agreement on December 12th—whether this will succeed and what kind of ending is emerging is hard to say. The negotiations on the central text of the Global Stocktake, which also addresses the exit from fossil fuels, are increasingly taking place at the political level behind closed doors. Many options are still on the table.
In all discussions with negotiators, we are advocating for the most ambitious text possible, where every single word carries weight. For us, the 1.5-degree limit must not be a bargaining chip; the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement must be reflected from the first to the last paragraph in the COP28 Cover Decision. This also means an exit from the production and use of all fossil fuels. On Monday, we expect a text with fewer open questions. It will slowly become clear where this climate conference is heading. For us, it is clear: it must mark the beginning of the end of the fossil age.
💰🇦🇹 Austria announces 35 million euros for adaptation and early warning systems
Yesterday, Minister Gewessler delivered a speech in the High-Level Segment for Austria, as President Van der Bellen could not attend the COP due to illness. She announced that Austria is providing an additional 35 million euros for climate financing, including 20 million for the Adaptation Fund, 12 million for the World Food Programme, and 3 million euros for the expansion of early warning systems. As the EU Chief Negotiator for Adaptation, this is an important signal to states already severely affected by the climate crisis.
Assessment by Martin Krenn, Alliance for Climate Justice, on X
🪧 Global Day of Action for Climate Justice
Yesterday, Saturday, was the Global Day of Action for Climate Justice. This was felt not only at the COP venue but around the world. This was evident in front of the Federal Chancellery in Vienna, where a demonstration for the Fossil Fuel Phase Out took place, despite a snowstorm. With a large pipeline, the demonstrators demanded an immediate exit from fossil fuels and an ambitious negotiating position from the EU. They also criticized the strong presence of fossil fuel industry lobbyists at COP28, the fact that Al Jaber, as the head of a state-owned oil company, is the president of COP28, and that fossil projects (such as the EACOP Pipeline) are still being promoted in 2023.
At COP28, actions are only possible under strict rules in designated Action Zones on the UN grounds; outside, protests are practically impossible. From our perspective, this is unacceptable because freedom of speech and assembly should always be preserved, and peaceful protests should always be allowed.
🛢️ OPEC is getting nervous
The OPEC, the organization of oil-exporting countries, seems to be closely monitoring COP28. A leaked letter shows great concern that a tipping point has been reached at the climate conference, where there is no longer any way around the Fossil Fuel Phase Out. Ironically, it refers to a "risk for the future" if the exit from coal, oil, and gas is decided. It is precisely the extraction and exploitation of fossil fuels that daily fuel the climate crisis.
Article in The Guardian
🥹 Update on the negotiations
COP President Al Jaber wants to bring this COP to a timely end on the anniversary of the Paris Agreement on December 12th—whether this will succeed and what kind of ending is emerging is hard to say. The negotiations on the central text of the Global Stocktake, which also addresses the exit from fossil fuels, are increasingly taking place at the political level behind closed doors. Many options are still on the table.
In all discussions with negotiators, we are advocating for the most ambitious text possible, where every single word carries weight. For us, the 1.5-degree limit must not be a bargaining chip; the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement must be reflected from the first to the last paragraph in the COP28 Cover Decision. This also means an exit from the production and use of all fossil fuels. On Monday, we expect a text with fewer open questions. It will slowly become clear where this climate conference is heading. For us, it is clear: it must mark the beginning of the end of the fossil age.
💥 In brief
Today, we have meetings with negotiators and press briefings on our schedule; coffee and chocolate will be constant companions. We wish you a beautiful Sunday.
• The largest COP of all time also brings the largest lobbies of all time. The Guardian suggests identifying 120 delegates alone from the meat and dairy lobby. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/09/big-meat-dairy-lobbyists-turn-out-record-numbers-cop28 • COP29 will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan. This makes an agreement with Armenia and the withdrawal of the Bulgaria application possible. It is the third consecutive COP country with a significant fossil history. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-09/cop28-azerbaijan-to-be-confirmed-as-host-of-cop29-with-russia-s-backing • The EU has won an award it's not happy about: on COP28, it was awarded the title "Fossil of the Day" due to inadequate support for international climate financing. https://climatenetwork.org/resource/fossil-of-they-day-attention-eu-loss-and-damage-is-part-of-the-ncqg/Today, we have meetings with negotiators and press briefings on our schedule; coffee and chocolate will be constant companions. We wish you a beautiful Sunday.
While in Austria yesterday the second candle on the Advent wreath was lit, here in Dubai, warning lights flashed due to extremely high levels of air pollution.
From now on, things are happening quickly. Time for an update.
🚦 Overview of the Interim Results
COP28 is slowly coming to an end, and apart from the early breakthrough on the Loss and Damage Fund, there are still many open points! Here's a nice overview of the interim results, the major negotiation points coded by a traffic light system. Here's a detailed version.
It stands out immediately that there will likely be no agreements on long-term financing plans, or from 2025, at this COP. (As we mentioned in previous newsletters, the EU certainly bears its share of responsibility here.)
For other points such as the Global Goal of Adaptation, a Fossil Fuel Phase Out, and important Loss and Damage references in the Global Stocktake, we hope they will still turn green over the next few days! However, Al Jaber's goal of ending COP on Tuesday, the anniversary of the Paris Agreement, seems unlikely at this point. And in general, COPs usually do not end on time, as this graphic clearly shows.
📝 Update: Global Goal of Adaptation (GGA)
As you know, Leonore Gewessler is negotiating Adaptation in the Global Stocktake and the GGA, together with Malta, for the EU. Yesterday morning, a new draft text was released. As often, open financing questions are still a sticking point, for example, a concrete financing target is still missing. Other open points include whether the principle of justice and common but differentiated responsibilities will be anchored in the text, the definition of concrete, measurable goals, and various points on human rights, generational issues, and other social aspects.
So far, countries from the Global South are dissatisfied with the weak formulations in the Adaptation negotiation texts. Al Jaber promises that all voices will be heard and considered.
The outcome of the Adaptation negotiations is, in a way, a key point at COP28. According to our information, the willingness of Global South countries to compromise on Mitigation negotiation points depends heavily on their satisfaction with the results of the Adaptation negotiations.
🇺🇸🇨🇳 USA and China coming together on climate issues
After the mood between China and the USA has been rather icy in recent years, there have been signs of rapprochement between the largest historical and current emitters (in absolute numbers) in the field of climate issues. The constructive cooperation of the two giants is crucial for the success of international climate negotiations. The climate officials of both countries met in July in Beijing and in November in California, Sunnyland, for several days to discuss their joint cooperation in the fight against global warming and to develop common positions.
About two-thirds of the so-called "Sunnyland Statements" developed during this time are specifically directed at COP28. The statement, which flutters across the Atlantic, is seen as stabilizing for the negotiations in Dubai and is partly seen as the basis for the COP28 cover decision. An assessment of this can be found here. How much influence the G2 will have on the results of COP28 and what other states can achieve based on this will become clear in the coming days. It is clear that in terms of ambition, COP28 must definitely step up, with the EU being particularly called upon.
Details on the Sunnylands Statement can be found here on the website of the Chinese embassy.
On Saturday evening, China's climate envoy, Xie Zhenhua, expressed a willingness to achieve an outcome that promotes the expansion of renewable energy sources and replaces fossil fuels. He also referred to the Sunnyland Statement. However, it is still unclear whether China would ultimately agree to a strong wording on Fossil Fuel Phase-Out.
From now on, things are happening quickly. Time for an update.
🚦 Overview of the Interim Results
COP28 is slowly coming to an end, and apart from the early breakthrough on the Loss and Damage Fund, there are still many open points! Here's a nice overview of the interim results, the major negotiation points coded by a traffic light system. Here's a detailed version.
It stands out immediately that there will likely be no agreements on long-term financing plans, or from 2025, at this COP. (As we mentioned in previous newsletters, the EU certainly bears its share of responsibility here.)
For other points such as the Global Goal of Adaptation, a Fossil Fuel Phase Out, and important Loss and Damage references in the Global Stocktake, we hope they will still turn green over the next few days! However, Al Jaber's goal of ending COP on Tuesday, the anniversary of the Paris Agreement, seems unlikely at this point. And in general, COPs usually do not end on time, as this graphic clearly shows.
📝 Update: Global Goal of Adaptation (GGA)
As you know, Leonore Gewessler is negotiating Adaptation in the Global Stocktake and the GGA, together with Malta, for the EU. Yesterday morning, a new draft text was released. As often, open financing questions are still a sticking point, for example, a concrete financing target is still missing. Other open points include whether the principle of justice and common but differentiated responsibilities will be anchored in the text, the definition of concrete, measurable goals, and various points on human rights, generational issues, and other social aspects.
So far, countries from the Global South are dissatisfied with the weak formulations in the Adaptation negotiation texts. Al Jaber promises that all voices will be heard and considered.
The outcome of the Adaptation negotiations is, in a way, a key point at COP28. According to our information, the willingness of Global South countries to compromise on Mitigation negotiation points depends heavily on their satisfaction with the results of the Adaptation negotiations.
🇺🇸🇨🇳 USA and China coming together on climate issues
After the mood between China and the USA has been rather icy in recent years, there have been signs of rapprochement between the largest historical and current emitters (in absolute numbers) in the field of climate issues. The constructive cooperation of the two giants is crucial for the success of international climate negotiations. The climate officials of both countries met in July in Beijing and in November in California, Sunnyland, for several days to discuss their joint cooperation in the fight against global warming and to develop common positions.
About two-thirds of the so-called "Sunnyland Statements" developed during this time are specifically directed at COP28. The statement, which flutters across the Atlantic, is seen as stabilizing for the negotiations in Dubai and is partly seen as the basis for the COP28 cover decision. An assessment of this can be found here. How much influence the G2 will have on the results of COP28 and what other states can achieve based on this will become clear in the coming days. It is clear that in terms of ambition, COP28 must definitely step up, with the EU being particularly called upon.
Details on the Sunnylands Statement can be found here on the website of the Chinese embassy.
On Saturday evening, China's climate envoy, Xie Zhenhua, expressed a willingness to achieve an outcome that promotes the expansion of renewable energy sources and replaces fossil fuels. He also referred to the Sunnyland Statement. However, it is still unclear whether China would ultimately agree to a strong wording on Fossil Fuel Phase-Out.
X (formerly Twitter)
Simon Evans (@DrSimEvans) on X
#COP28 update 1450 GST 10 Dec
➡️Al Jaber said last night he planned to close the summit at 1100 on 12 Dec
🚦Status of key agenda items (pic) shows that's never gonna happen – still no text in some areas!
➡️Check our text tracker for the details
https://t.co/NtOc6QPYfw
➡️Al Jaber said last night he planned to close the summit at 1100 on 12 Dec
🚦Status of key agenda items (pic) shows that's never gonna happen – still no text in some areas!
➡️Check our text tracker for the details
https://t.co/NtOc6QPYfw
The population-wise huge block of Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDCs, including China, India, and Saudi Arabia) emphasized yesterday that a Fossil Fuel Phase-Out would need to be fully financed, fair, and based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR).
🪑 Majlis - a traditional high-level circle
In the search for a breakthrough, COP28 President Al Jaber took the unusual step on Sunday of convening a "Majlis" - an Arabic term for a community assembly - in which delegations sat facing each other in a large circle. The delegations reiterated their positions, and it was not immediately apparent whether the forum led to a shift in positions. Here you can find an exciting summary, and the statements from Colombia are particularly worth reading.
Keen observers noted that the top climate diplomats from the USA and China were mostly absent and had been engaged in intensive talks in recent days. Close communication between the two world powers is traditionally interpreted as a good omen for COP results.
🤝 Coalition for an end to fossil subsidies
The Netherlands have launched a coalition to eliminate subsidies for fossil fuels. Triggered by an analysis by the Dutch government, which found that about half of financial support for fossils is tied to international agreements. This was prompted by weeks of mass protests. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for an international solution to achieve the exit (or redirecting of funds to renewable projects). The number of supporting countries is still limited, but fortunately, Austria is among the states that already support the initiatives of the Dutch. The Austrian government, especially the Ministry of Finance, is called upon to follow up words with actions and present an exit plan from fossil subsidies.
🪑 Majlis - a traditional high-level circle
In the search for a breakthrough, COP28 President Al Jaber took the unusual step on Sunday of convening a "Majlis" - an Arabic term for a community assembly - in which delegations sat facing each other in a large circle. The delegations reiterated their positions, and it was not immediately apparent whether the forum led to a shift in positions. Here you can find an exciting summary, and the statements from Colombia are particularly worth reading.
Keen observers noted that the top climate diplomats from the USA and China were mostly absent and had been engaged in intensive talks in recent days. Close communication between the two world powers is traditionally interpreted as a good omen for COP results.
🤝 Coalition for an end to fossil subsidies
The Netherlands have launched a coalition to eliminate subsidies for fossil fuels. Triggered by an analysis by the Dutch government, which found that about half of financial support for fossils is tied to international agreements. This was prompted by weeks of mass protests. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for an international solution to achieve the exit (or redirecting of funds to renewable projects). The number of supporting countries is still limited, but fortunately, Austria is among the states that already support the initiatives of the Dutch. The Austrian government, especially the Ministry of Finance, is called upon to follow up words with actions and present an exit plan from fossil subsidies.
the Guardian
Cop28: ‘failure is not an option,’ says summit president – as it happened
Sultan Al Jaber calls for countries to come together amid disagreements over the future of climate action
🚨 Fossil Fuel Phase Out disappeared - BREAKING from COP28
The new draft text on the GST has been published after 10 hours of waiting.
It is a massive step backwards. Here is our reaction:
"The new draft text for the Global Stocktake, especially the part on energy, is a disaster. Instead of deciding to phase out fossil fuels, all that has been presented is a series of recommendations that countries can choose to implement - or not. There is only talk of reducing - rather than phasing out - the production and consumption of fossil fuels. Instead of finally heralding the end of the fossil fuel era, the COP28 presidency is making it almost impossible to reach the Paris climate goals and thereby causing lasting damage to trust in multilateralism. The EU now has a responsibility to stop this madness. It must prove which side of history it is on."
- UNFCCC youth delegates for COP28
The new draft text on the GST has been published after 10 hours of waiting.
It is a massive step backwards. Here is our reaction:
"The new draft text for the Global Stocktake, especially the part on energy, is a disaster. Instead of deciding to phase out fossil fuels, all that has been presented is a series of recommendations that countries can choose to implement - or not. There is only talk of reducing - rather than phasing out - the production and consumption of fossil fuels. Instead of finally heralding the end of the fossil fuel era, the COP28 presidency is making it almost impossible to reach the Paris climate goals and thereby causing lasting damage to trust in multilateralism. The EU now has a responsibility to stop this madness. It must prove which side of history it is on."
- UNFCCC youth delegates for COP28
Day 12: Will this COP end in a historic catastrophe?
We are in the middle of the final spurt of COP28 and negotiators, activists and politicians have one thing in common: the long wait for new draft texts. The text that was announced at 8 in the morning only appeared shortly before 6 in the evening - 10 hours of hoping for a draft text that would do justice to a climate conference. But the wait was not worth it: you could see the disappointment on the faces of the people who had read the new draft.
🚨 Fossil fuel phase-out: a drama in several acts
In the morning, people were still waiting patiently for the new text, delays are not unusual here. At the delegation meeting at 4 p.m., you could already sense the impatience in the room: it is supposed to come out soon. Nobody knew what was would await us - not even Climate Minister and EU negotiator for Adaptation Leonore Gewessler. People were puzzling over whether it would be a phase out or a phase down, whether there were technological loopholes - but the fact that the fossil fuel phase out got downgraded to a mere possibility of “reducing both consumption and production of fossil fuels” shocked most people.
📢 Several actions on the Fossil Fuel Phase Out occurred during the day:
In the plenary session, Licypriya Kangujam, a 12-year-old indigenous climate activist from India, held up a sign that read "End fossil fuel. Save our planet and our future". The reaction: she was expelled from the COP venue, her badge was revoked - and her future shattered.
👣 Walk of Shame
A plenary session started late yesterday evening, in which states commented on the draft text. Beforehand, human chains were formed: the negotiators first had to walk through a corridor of young people to get to the meeting room - this was a reminder of their responsibility for future generations.
Many countries were also deeply disappointed by the extremely weak draft and strongly questioned the meaningfulness of the text without a fossil fuel phase out. They emphasized the importance of keeping the 1.5 degree goal alive. Even before the plenary session, some countries expressed their views publicly - the reactions were extremely emotional, with great anger, indignation and disappointment:
For example, the Marshall Islands - part of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), whose existence is threatened by rising sea levels - emphasized: 🇲🇭
"[We] did not come here to sign our death warrant. We came here to fight for 1.5C and for the only way to achieve that: a fossil fuel phase-out [...]. We will not go silently to our watery graves."
EU Climate Action Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra also made it very clear: 🇪🇺
"The text as it now stands is disappointing and not adequate to address the problem we are here to tackle. The science is clear: we need to phase out fossil fuels. We have to continue the conversation."
🏆A special day of negative awards and a ray of hope
The Climate Action Network (CAN) also assessed certain countries’ behaviour. Yesterday, with the negotiations coming to an end, there were several negative award winners:
🦖 Fossil of the Day: Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Saudi Arabia has earned the first price at the Fossil of the Day award for its fierce resistance to a fair and just phase-out of fossil fuels in the negotiations.
🦖 Colossal Fossil: USA 🇺🇸
However, the honorary prize for the "biggest and baddest" Colossal Fossil went to the United States. "With great power comes great responsibility": As the country with the highest historic emissions, it is still trying to delay the phase-out of fossil fuels by using watered-down language. CAN also criticized the ridiculous contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund and the veto on the ceasefire in Gaza.
🦖 A dishonorable mention was also given to OPEC for continuously blocking the fossil fuel phase out.
We are in the middle of the final spurt of COP28 and negotiators, activists and politicians have one thing in common: the long wait for new draft texts. The text that was announced at 8 in the morning only appeared shortly before 6 in the evening - 10 hours of hoping for a draft text that would do justice to a climate conference. But the wait was not worth it: you could see the disappointment on the faces of the people who had read the new draft.
🚨 Fossil fuel phase-out: a drama in several acts
In the morning, people were still waiting patiently for the new text, delays are not unusual here. At the delegation meeting at 4 p.m., you could already sense the impatience in the room: it is supposed to come out soon. Nobody knew what was would await us - not even Climate Minister and EU negotiator for Adaptation Leonore Gewessler. People were puzzling over whether it would be a phase out or a phase down, whether there were technological loopholes - but the fact that the fossil fuel phase out got downgraded to a mere possibility of “reducing both consumption and production of fossil fuels” shocked most people.
📢 Several actions on the Fossil Fuel Phase Out occurred during the day:
In the plenary session, Licypriya Kangujam, a 12-year-old indigenous climate activist from India, held up a sign that read "End fossil fuel. Save our planet and our future". The reaction: she was expelled from the COP venue, her badge was revoked - and her future shattered.
👣 Walk of Shame
A plenary session started late yesterday evening, in which states commented on the draft text. Beforehand, human chains were formed: the negotiators first had to walk through a corridor of young people to get to the meeting room - this was a reminder of their responsibility for future generations.
Many countries were also deeply disappointed by the extremely weak draft and strongly questioned the meaningfulness of the text without a fossil fuel phase out. They emphasized the importance of keeping the 1.5 degree goal alive. Even before the plenary session, some countries expressed their views publicly - the reactions were extremely emotional, with great anger, indignation and disappointment:
For example, the Marshall Islands - part of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), whose existence is threatened by rising sea levels - emphasized: 🇲🇭
"[We] did not come here to sign our death warrant. We came here to fight for 1.5C and for the only way to achieve that: a fossil fuel phase-out [...]. We will not go silently to our watery graves."
EU Climate Action Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra also made it very clear: 🇪🇺
"The text as it now stands is disappointing and not adequate to address the problem we are here to tackle. The science is clear: we need to phase out fossil fuels. We have to continue the conversation."
🏆A special day of negative awards and a ray of hope
The Climate Action Network (CAN) also assessed certain countries’ behaviour. Yesterday, with the negotiations coming to an end, there were several negative award winners:
🦖 Fossil of the Day: Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Saudi Arabia has earned the first price at the Fossil of the Day award for its fierce resistance to a fair and just phase-out of fossil fuels in the negotiations.
🦖 Colossal Fossil: USA 🇺🇸
However, the honorary prize for the "biggest and baddest" Colossal Fossil went to the United States. "With great power comes great responsibility": As the country with the highest historic emissions, it is still trying to delay the phase-out of fossil fuels by using watered-down language. CAN also criticized the ridiculous contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund and the veto on the ceasefire in Gaza.
🦖 A dishonorable mention was also given to OPEC for continuously blocking the fossil fuel phase out.
💚☀️Ray of the Day: Colombia 🇨🇴
Another way is possible: This prize is rarely awarded but goes to countries that lead by example. Colombia was the beacon of hope at this COP: They stood up resolutely for the phase-out of fossil fuels - in the negotiations, in speeches and by joining the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance. They also stood out positively by highlighting the connection between peace and climate action and through the exemplary involvement of civil society. Other countries can only take a leaf out of their book.
🎤 People's Plenary
Yesterday afternoon, the People's Plenary took place. It was a platform for civil society organizations where many young people took to the stage. The topics were as diverse as they could be: From indigenous and women's rights to the role of farmers, workers and trade unions, many topics were addressed - with numerous standing ovations. Conflicts in the context of the climate crisis, whether in Sudan or Palestine, also moved people to tears. An emotional plenary session, the likes of which are not often seen at this conference.
An extremely emotional and nerve-wracking day lies behind us. Negotiations went on all night and will continue today where it will become clear who can prevail in them. This will determine whether we can keep the 1.5 degree limit alive or whether the Paris Agreement is nothing more than a distant dream. Our future is at stake.
Another way is possible: This prize is rarely awarded but goes to countries that lead by example. Colombia was the beacon of hope at this COP: They stood up resolutely for the phase-out of fossil fuels - in the negotiations, in speeches and by joining the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance. They also stood out positively by highlighting the connection between peace and climate action and through the exemplary involvement of civil society. Other countries can only take a leaf out of their book.
🎤 People's Plenary
Yesterday afternoon, the People's Plenary took place. It was a platform for civil society organizations where many young people took to the stage. The topics were as diverse as they could be: From indigenous and women's rights to the role of farmers, workers and trade unions, many topics were addressed - with numerous standing ovations. Conflicts in the context of the climate crisis, whether in Sudan or Palestine, also moved people to tears. An emotional plenary session, the likes of which are not often seen at this conference.
An extremely emotional and nerve-wracking day lies behind us. Negotiations went on all night and will continue today where it will become clear who can prevail in them. This will determine whether we can keep the 1.5 degree limit alive or whether the Paris Agreement is nothing more than a distant dream. Our future is at stake.
End of COP28 and historic decision to transition away from fossil fuels
After two long nights, the UN Climate Change Conference came to a decision yesterday. After weeks of negotiations, the new text was adopted in plenary after just a few minutes. We have summarized the most important results for you:
🌍 First Global Stocktake
The international community has agreed on a text for the first Global Stocktake. This Global Stocktake showed where we stand with regard to achieving the Paris climate targets: we will fall far short of the 1.5 degree limit with current measures. This gap between the agreed targets and the required measures should therefore be highlighted and closed: countries must commit to a course correction.
The countries of the Global North should lead by example as they have a historic responsibility. But the reality looks different: In the final text, the international community expresses concern that the developed countries did not reduce their emissions sufficiently - they should have reduced their emissions by 25 to 40 percent between 1990 and 2020. In Austria, for example, they have barely dropped from 1990 levels. The world is therefore currently on course for a temperature increase of 3°C which will trigger dangerous tipping points. In the run-up to the climate conference, scientists and civil society therefore called for countries to jointly agree to phase out fossil fuels.
🔥 Decision to transition away from fossil fuels
Now a decision has been adopted that calls on countries to be “transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems”. This is the first time in the history of climate conferences that fossil fuels have been explicitly mentioned in a final text. This was long overdue and is nevertheless a historic success - many see it as the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era.
Targets such as tripling renewable energy capacity or doubling energy efficiency improvement rates by 2030 were also agreed. It is therefore the beginning of a turning point: away from the fossil fuel age and towards the era of renewable energies. However, the fossil fuel phase out which was advocated for by many countries and civil society was effectively blocked by oil states such as Saudi Arabia.
The fossil lobby has also claimed sham technological solutions and weak, non-binding language into the text. For example, only a phase down instead of a phase out of coal was agreed on and the language on phasing out - inefficient - fossil subsidies was also very diluted. However, high-risk technologies and greenwashing of fossil fuel business models will not get us past the necessary phase out of coal, oil and gas. The science is very clear on this.
⚡️ Loss and Damage
The Loss and Damage Fund has also been set up and is already partially financed. It is a success for climate justice: for over 30 years, countries in the Global South have been fighting for such a compensation mechanism since they are particularly affected by the impacts of the climate crisis, such as droughts, floods and rising sea levels.
Nevertheless, this agreement comes too late for many countries and the funding is insufficient. It does not cover the need, which is estimated at around 400 billion dollars per year in 2030. So far, states have only pledged 700 million dollars in payments to this voluntary support mechanism. The Guardian writes that this covers less than 0.2% of the expected irreversible losses and damages. The battle to finance those climate-related losses and damage caused by the polluter states will therefore continue at the next world climate conferences.
💰 Climate finance
As part of the COP, some countries have pledged to increase their climate financing. UNFCCC writes that the Green Climate Fund is now endowed with USD 12.8 billion. Other funds, such as the Least Developed Countries Fund and the Special Climate Change Fund now have a combined USD 174 million and the Adaptation Fund USD 188 million at their disposal - Austria has pledged USD 20 million for adaptation.
After two long nights, the UN Climate Change Conference came to a decision yesterday. After weeks of negotiations, the new text was adopted in plenary after just a few minutes. We have summarized the most important results for you:
🌍 First Global Stocktake
The international community has agreed on a text for the first Global Stocktake. This Global Stocktake showed where we stand with regard to achieving the Paris climate targets: we will fall far short of the 1.5 degree limit with current measures. This gap between the agreed targets and the required measures should therefore be highlighted and closed: countries must commit to a course correction.
The countries of the Global North should lead by example as they have a historic responsibility. But the reality looks different: In the final text, the international community expresses concern that the developed countries did not reduce their emissions sufficiently - they should have reduced their emissions by 25 to 40 percent between 1990 and 2020. In Austria, for example, they have barely dropped from 1990 levels. The world is therefore currently on course for a temperature increase of 3°C which will trigger dangerous tipping points. In the run-up to the climate conference, scientists and civil society therefore called for countries to jointly agree to phase out fossil fuels.
🔥 Decision to transition away from fossil fuels
Now a decision has been adopted that calls on countries to be “transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems”. This is the first time in the history of climate conferences that fossil fuels have been explicitly mentioned in a final text. This was long overdue and is nevertheless a historic success - many see it as the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era.
Targets such as tripling renewable energy capacity or doubling energy efficiency improvement rates by 2030 were also agreed. It is therefore the beginning of a turning point: away from the fossil fuel age and towards the era of renewable energies. However, the fossil fuel phase out which was advocated for by many countries and civil society was effectively blocked by oil states such as Saudi Arabia.
The fossil lobby has also claimed sham technological solutions and weak, non-binding language into the text. For example, only a phase down instead of a phase out of coal was agreed on and the language on phasing out - inefficient - fossil subsidies was also very diluted. However, high-risk technologies and greenwashing of fossil fuel business models will not get us past the necessary phase out of coal, oil and gas. The science is very clear on this.
⚡️ Loss and Damage
The Loss and Damage Fund has also been set up and is already partially financed. It is a success for climate justice: for over 30 years, countries in the Global South have been fighting for such a compensation mechanism since they are particularly affected by the impacts of the climate crisis, such as droughts, floods and rising sea levels.
Nevertheless, this agreement comes too late for many countries and the funding is insufficient. It does not cover the need, which is estimated at around 400 billion dollars per year in 2030. So far, states have only pledged 700 million dollars in payments to this voluntary support mechanism. The Guardian writes that this covers less than 0.2% of the expected irreversible losses and damages. The battle to finance those climate-related losses and damage caused by the polluter states will therefore continue at the next world climate conferences.
💰 Climate finance
As part of the COP, some countries have pledged to increase their climate financing. UNFCCC writes that the Green Climate Fund is now endowed with USD 12.8 billion. Other funds, such as the Least Developed Countries Fund and the Special Climate Change Fund now have a combined USD 174 million and the Adaptation Fund USD 188 million at their disposal - Austria has pledged USD 20 million for adaptation.
the Guardian
$700m pledged to loss and damage fund at Cop28 covers less than 0.2% needed
Money offered so far falls far short of estimated $400bn in losses developing countries face each year
But even these sums are far from sufficient. In the Paris Agreement, the states actually agreed to make USD 100 billion available annually from 2020, but have not delivered on these sums. At the upcoming COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, a new, higher financing target from 2025 on - the New Collective Quantified Goal - is on the agenda.
🇦🇹 What does this mean for Austria?
These resolutions must now be implemented. In concrete terms, this means that Austria must urgently present a plan on how to successfully transition away from fossil fuels. As a rich country with a large proportion of historical emissions, we have a special responsibility and must lead by example. While countries such as China are six years ahead of their climate targets, Austria is lagging behind the ambitions it has set itself.
By failing to meet the EU climate targets, we are facing fines in the millions - we better invest this money in climate protection measures today. To do so, we also need an effective climate protection law that sets out the roadmap for achieving climate neutrality by 2040.
Austria also signed a declaration with other countries at COP28 on phasing out fossil fuel subsidies. Finance Minister Brunner must therefore present a reduction plan for fossil fuel subsidies and cut them in half before the end of this legislation period. In order to maintain its own credibility, Austria must not only make big promises on the international stage, but must also implement them nationally. We will measure this government by deeds, not words.
💚 Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter! We will keep you up to date on international climate policy 💚
Follow us on our Instagram channel, where we post climate policy content throughout the year: www.instagram.com/climatesaustria
We would also be delighted if you would like to attend our Post-COP-Event on January 24, 2024 at 18:30 - either online or in the Audimax of the University of Vienna. We will summarize the most important results of COP28 and you can ask us questions about the climate conference. You can find more information here (note: it will be held as part of a university lecture, but anyone can attend without registration): https://ufind.univie.ac.at/de/course.html?lv=290209&semester=2023W
See you next year,
your youth delegates Jasmin, David, Lena and Philipp ❤️
🇦🇹 What does this mean for Austria?
These resolutions must now be implemented. In concrete terms, this means that Austria must urgently present a plan on how to successfully transition away from fossil fuels. As a rich country with a large proportion of historical emissions, we have a special responsibility and must lead by example. While countries such as China are six years ahead of their climate targets, Austria is lagging behind the ambitions it has set itself.
By failing to meet the EU climate targets, we are facing fines in the millions - we better invest this money in climate protection measures today. To do so, we also need an effective climate protection law that sets out the roadmap for achieving climate neutrality by 2040.
Austria also signed a declaration with other countries at COP28 on phasing out fossil fuel subsidies. Finance Minister Brunner must therefore present a reduction plan for fossil fuel subsidies and cut them in half before the end of this legislation period. In order to maintain its own credibility, Austria must not only make big promises on the international stage, but must also implement them nationally. We will measure this government by deeds, not words.
💚 Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter! We will keep you up to date on international climate policy 💚
Follow us on our Instagram channel, where we post climate policy content throughout the year: www.instagram.com/climatesaustria
We would also be delighted if you would like to attend our Post-COP-Event on January 24, 2024 at 18:30 - either online or in the Audimax of the University of Vienna. We will summarize the most important results of COP28 and you can ask us questions about the climate conference. You can find more information here (note: it will be held as part of a university lecture, but anyone can attend without registration): https://ufind.univie.ac.at/de/course.html?lv=290209&semester=2023W
See you next year,
your youth delegates Jasmin, David, Lena and Philipp ❤️
Our present under the Christmas tree? 👀
- Your feedback! 🎁
Thank you so much for taking part!
As we are of course very interested in what you liked and what we can improve in the future, we would really appreciate your feedback!
It only takes 3 minutes.
👉 Here the feedback form
We wish you happy and relaxing holidays! 💫
See you next year!
Your UNFCCC youth delegates from CliMates Austria,
Jasmin, David, Lena and Philipp
- Your feedback! 🎁
Thank you so much for taking part!
As we are of course very interested in what you liked and what we can improve in the future, we would really appreciate your feedback!
It only takes 3 minutes.
👉 Here the feedback form
We wish you happy and relaxing holidays! 💫
See you next year!
Your UNFCCC youth delegates from CliMates Austria,
Jasmin, David, Lena and Philipp
Google Docs
Feedback for the CliMates Austria COP28 Newsletter
Welcome! We want to hear your views. What do you think about our newsletter?
We Want YOU! ✨
Climate Youth Delegates wanted for COP29 and COP30! 🌍
Did you find our newsletter exciting, are you between 18 and 26 years old, and are you interested in reporting firsthand from the negotiations at the next two UN climate conferences?
👉 Then apply here as the Austrian UNFCCC Youth Delegate for the UN Climate Conference! 🙌
As a Austrian Climate Youth Delegate, you will participate alongside CliMates Austria and the Austrian delegation at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11th to 24th, 2024, and at COP30 in Brazil from November 10th to 21st, 2025. The aim is to represent the voice of youth on-site and to closely monitor the proceedings. 📢
We are looking for two new Youth Delegates, the program lasts two years (!) and is funded by the Ministry of Climate.
- A German level of C1 is required.
- An Austrian citizenship is NOT required - still your center of life has to be in Austria during the program.
- Good basic knowledge of the climate crisis and/or climate policy is desirable, but all details can be found on the website.
👉 https://climatesaustria.org/projekte/climate-youth-delegate-bewerbung-cop29/
❗️ The deadline is on February 26th, 2024 ❗️
Feel free to reach out with any questions to: youthdelegate@climatesaustria.org
Please also forward this to anyone who might be interested!
We look forward to your application!
Climate Youth Delegates wanted for COP29 and COP30! 🌍
Did you find our newsletter exciting, are you between 18 and 26 years old, and are you interested in reporting firsthand from the negotiations at the next two UN climate conferences?
👉 Then apply here as the Austrian UNFCCC Youth Delegate for the UN Climate Conference! 🙌
As a Austrian Climate Youth Delegate, you will participate alongside CliMates Austria and the Austrian delegation at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11th to 24th, 2024, and at COP30 in Brazil from November 10th to 21st, 2025. The aim is to represent the voice of youth on-site and to closely monitor the proceedings. 📢
We are looking for two new Youth Delegates, the program lasts two years (!) and is funded by the Ministry of Climate.
- A German level of C1 is required.
- An Austrian citizenship is NOT required - still your center of life has to be in Austria during the program.
- Good basic knowledge of the climate crisis and/or climate policy is desirable, but all details can be found on the website.
👉 https://climatesaustria.org/projekte/climate-youth-delegate-bewerbung-cop29/
❗️ The deadline is on February 26th, 2024 ❗️
Feel free to reach out with any questions to: youthdelegate@climatesaustria.org
Please also forward this to anyone who might be interested!
We look forward to your application!
CliMates Austria
Bewerbung als Climate Youth Delegate für die COP29 - CliMates Austria
Channel name was changed to «SB60 & COP29 Newsletter CliMates English»
Start of SB60 in Bonn | Update from the new youth delegates
Hello, we are Sigrid and Theresa, the new Austrian UNFCCC youth delegates. We are reporting from Bonn today with an update on the international climate negotiations 🎉
The 60th session of the UNFCCC subsidiary bodies (SB60) is taking place here from June 3-13. Representatives from all over the world will come together to work on the framework conditions for climate protection. The negotiations in Bonn focus on technical aspects and are an important basis for the political negotiations at the major climate conference COP29, which will take place in Azerbaijan in November. 🇦🇿
The global stocktake at COP28 in Dubai showed unmistakably that global ambitions in terms of climate protection must be increased at all costs. This is why important topics are on the agenda this year: a new climate finance target (New Collective Quantified Goal / NCQG) is to be set and mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage will also play an important role. Our central concern is that climate justice is consistently considered. 🧑⚖️
For the first time, an expert dialogue will take place tomorrow in Bonn that addresses the special impact of the climate crisis on children. Children and young people make up 40% of the world's population and suffer disproportionately from climate change. Currently, one in four deaths of children under the age of five is due to unfavorable environmental conditions. Respecting children's rights also means making climate policy that is fair to all generations. 🚸
We are particularly looking forward to a stronger exchange and cooperation in person with other European youth delegates. Together we are already preparing for a meeting with the EU heads of delegation. On that note: You can view the position paper of the European youth delegates here.
We will be in Bonn for the first week to follow the negotiations. Follow us on social media https://instagram.com/climatesaustria to get regular updates from the SBs. You will also find out more about the new youth delegates there soon.
We are already super excited about the process and a little nervous too. We will do our best to take you along, give you an impression of the negotiations and share the results.
We would be delighted if you would accompany us on this journey. Feel free to share the newsletter with people who might also be interested (link is in the description).
If you have any questions, requests or suggestions, you can reach us at youthdelegate@climatesaustria.org
We will get back to you with an update at the end of the first week of negotiations.
Best regards,
Theresa, Sigrid and David
UNFCCC Youth Delegates
Hello, we are Sigrid and Theresa, the new Austrian UNFCCC youth delegates. We are reporting from Bonn today with an update on the international climate negotiations 🎉
The 60th session of the UNFCCC subsidiary bodies (SB60) is taking place here from June 3-13. Representatives from all over the world will come together to work on the framework conditions for climate protection. The negotiations in Bonn focus on technical aspects and are an important basis for the political negotiations at the major climate conference COP29, which will take place in Azerbaijan in November. 🇦🇿
The global stocktake at COP28 in Dubai showed unmistakably that global ambitions in terms of climate protection must be increased at all costs. This is why important topics are on the agenda this year: a new climate finance target (New Collective Quantified Goal / NCQG) is to be set and mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage will also play an important role. Our central concern is that climate justice is consistently considered. 🧑⚖️
For the first time, an expert dialogue will take place tomorrow in Bonn that addresses the special impact of the climate crisis on children. Children and young people make up 40% of the world's population and suffer disproportionately from climate change. Currently, one in four deaths of children under the age of five is due to unfavorable environmental conditions. Respecting children's rights also means making climate policy that is fair to all generations. 🚸
We are particularly looking forward to a stronger exchange and cooperation in person with other European youth delegates. Together we are already preparing for a meeting with the EU heads of delegation. On that note: You can view the position paper of the European youth delegates here.
We will be in Bonn for the first week to follow the negotiations. Follow us on social media https://instagram.com/climatesaustria to get regular updates from the SBs. You will also find out more about the new youth delegates there soon.
We are already super excited about the process and a little nervous too. We will do our best to take you along, give you an impression of the negotiations and share the results.
We would be delighted if you would accompany us on this journey. Feel free to share the newsletter with people who might also be interested (link is in the description).
If you have any questions, requests or suggestions, you can reach us at youthdelegate@climatesaustria.org
We will get back to you with an update at the end of the first week of negotiations.
Best regards,
Theresa, Sigrid and David
UNFCCC Youth Delegates
Linktree
@europeanyouth.climate | Linktree
CONTACT: europeanyouthdelegates-climate@googlegroups.com
Hello there 😁
We're back with an update - this time from the train on the way back to Vienna, because our time at the SBs is already over. 🥲
We were in Bonn for the first week of negotiations and gathered lots of impressions. Here is a short recap and an outlook on climate policy in the next months.
If you want to find out more about everyday life at the conference, feel free to check out our social media channels @climatesaustria
So many things are negotiated in parallel during the SBs that it is not easy to keep track of everything. That's why we are very happy to be working in a network with European youth delegates.
Together, we can give more power to the voice of young people. This week, we attended several EU coordination meetings, where we also presented the joint position paper and put forward our concerns. The topics of climate justice and the new climate finance target were particularly important to us. You can read the exact content of our intervention here.
As announced in the last newsletter, an expert dialogue on the impact of the climate crisis on children took place for the first time. We followed this dialogue with great interest, as the needs and vulnerabilities of children are often not taken into account in the negotiations. This is despite the fact that ⅓ of the world's population is under the age of 18 and children and young people are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. The voice of young people is also often rather weakly represented in the negotiations at the COP. This must change! We want to work to ensure that this is not just a one-off dialogue, but that the discussion continues and that the needs of children and young people are given greater consideration in the negotiations.
At the moment, it is still very difficult to give an update on the concrete results of the negotiations at the SBs, as they will continue over the next week (and months until COP29). However, it is already clear that COP29 will be about 💰🤑.
The current climate finance target provides for 100 billion US dollars per year from 2020-2025, which must be provided by industrialized countries for developing countries. However, this does not come close to covering the demand and the division of countries into industrialized and developing countries is now outdated. However, the new goal (New Collective Quantified Goal) still leaves many questions unanswered: who pays how much, for how long and in what form? Where does the money come from and what can it be used for? What happens if the goal is not reached?
As you can see, the new climate finance target (NCQG) covers many points and it is still unclear what a text will look like. The SB60 will at least try to finalize draft texts on the basis of which negotiations can take place at COP29. The final figures and modalities will only be decided in Baku, because this is a political, not a technical issue.
As youth delegates, we are campaigning for the EU to strive for the most ambitious target possible in line with its responsibility for climate justice.
However, ambitious climate policy also requires political majorities. How we vote determines how climate protection is pursued. That is why it is so important that we all go to the EU 🇪🇺 elections on Sunday and cast our vote! 🗳
We will be posting updates here regularly, even daily during COP29! Feel free to forward this newsletter to other people who might be interested.
If you have any questions, requests or suggestions, you can reach us at youthdelegate@climatesaustria.org
Lovely Greetings,
Theresa, Sigrid and David
UNFCCC Youth Delegates
We're back with an update - this time from the train on the way back to Vienna, because our time at the SBs is already over. 🥲
We were in Bonn for the first week of negotiations and gathered lots of impressions. Here is a short recap and an outlook on climate policy in the next months.
If you want to find out more about everyday life at the conference, feel free to check out our social media channels @climatesaustria
So many things are negotiated in parallel during the SBs that it is not easy to keep track of everything. That's why we are very happy to be working in a network with European youth delegates.
Together, we can give more power to the voice of young people. This week, we attended several EU coordination meetings, where we also presented the joint position paper and put forward our concerns. The topics of climate justice and the new climate finance target were particularly important to us. You can read the exact content of our intervention here.
As announced in the last newsletter, an expert dialogue on the impact of the climate crisis on children took place for the first time. We followed this dialogue with great interest, as the needs and vulnerabilities of children are often not taken into account in the negotiations. This is despite the fact that ⅓ of the world's population is under the age of 18 and children and young people are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. The voice of young people is also often rather weakly represented in the negotiations at the COP. This must change! We want to work to ensure that this is not just a one-off dialogue, but that the discussion continues and that the needs of children and young people are given greater consideration in the negotiations.
At the moment, it is still very difficult to give an update on the concrete results of the negotiations at the SBs, as they will continue over the next week (and months until COP29). However, it is already clear that COP29 will be about 💰🤑.
The current climate finance target provides for 100 billion US dollars per year from 2020-2025, which must be provided by industrialized countries for developing countries. However, this does not come close to covering the demand and the division of countries into industrialized and developing countries is now outdated. However, the new goal (New Collective Quantified Goal) still leaves many questions unanswered: who pays how much, for how long and in what form? Where does the money come from and what can it be used for? What happens if the goal is not reached?
As you can see, the new climate finance target (NCQG) covers many points and it is still unclear what a text will look like. The SB60 will at least try to finalize draft texts on the basis of which negotiations can take place at COP29. The final figures and modalities will only be decided in Baku, because this is a political, not a technical issue.
As youth delegates, we are campaigning for the EU to strive for the most ambitious target possible in line with its responsibility for climate justice.
However, ambitious climate policy also requires political majorities. How we vote determines how climate protection is pursued. That is why it is so important that we all go to the EU 🇪🇺 elections on Sunday and cast our vote! 🗳
We will be posting updates here regularly, even daily during COP29! Feel free to forward this newsletter to other people who might be interested.
If you have any questions, requests or suggestions, you can reach us at youthdelegate@climatesaustria.org
Lovely Greetings,
Theresa, Sigrid and David
UNFCCC Youth Delegates
Linktree
@europeanyouth.climate | Linktree
CONTACT: europeanyouthdelegates-climate@googlegroups.com