Joanna Depledge, an expert in international climate negotiations, joins climate change professor Mark Maslin and energy policy professor Jim Watson to tackle the effectiveness of climate summits. They assess the current urgency around COP29 and discuss the challenges of achieving meaningful outcomes. The trio dives into the historical context of major agreements like Kyoto and Paris, and the impacts of political shifts, highlighting the crucial role of climate finance. They also explore the unique dynamics of negotiations, including how even food and ambiance can influence discussions at these critical meetings.
Climate summits have raised global awareness and impacted policies, though translating commitments into local action remains a significant challenge.
Financing for developing nations is crucial in climate negotiations, as financial assistance from developed countries enables broader cooperation and progress.
Deep dives
Effectiveness of Climate Change Summits
Annual climate change summits, such as the UN COP meetings, have seen varying degrees of success over their nearly 30-year history. Significant milestones include the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, which established legally binding emission targets for developed nations, and the Paris Agreement in 2015, which shifted the focus towards voluntary pledges from all countries to limit emissions. These agreements have generated global awareness and momentum around climate goals, impacting corporate policies and national actions, even if the progress appears slow. However, experts argue that despite these successes, the summits struggle to translate international commitments into effective local implementation, leaving many critical climate targets unmet.
Challenges in Funding Climate Action
Financing remains a crucial aspect of climate negotiations, particularly for developing nations as they seek to transition to renewable energy sources without following a fossil fuel-based development path. Discussions surrounding the allocation of funds from developed countries to those in need play a vital role in ensuring that ambitious climate goals can be achieved globally. The upcoming COP in Azerbaijan is expected to focus heavily on climate finance, as without substantial agreements, many developing nations may hesitate to commit to further climate action. The financial commitments required from wealthier nations are seen as essential to unlock broader cooperation and meaningful progress across all countries.
The Politics of Climate Action
Political dynamics, particularly concerning the leadership in major countries like the United States, can significantly influence climate summit outcomes and future commitments. The potential return of former President Trump to power could disrupt ongoing negotiations and diminish the U.S.'s role in international climate agreements, as seen during his previous administration. Despite this, experts noted that economic factors, such as the ongoing shift towards renewable energy, may continue to drive emissions reductions independent of political leadership. Therefore, while the international climate discussions can be chaotic and slow, they nonetheless serve a critical function in facilitating essential negotiations and global cooperation.
This year is set to be the world’s hottest on record, likely shattering the aspiration to limit global warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.
So where does this leave COP29, the upcoming UN climate conference in Azerbaijan?
This week Inside Science is asking, are climate summits really working? What is the point of them - and are they doing enough?
Joining Marnie Chesterton to discuss this are:
- Joanna Depledge, expert on international climate negotiations at the University of Cambridge
- Mark Maslin, climate change professor from University College London (UCL)
- Jim Watson, professor of energy policy, also from UCL
Presenter: Marnie Chesterton
Producers: Ella Hubber, Sophie Ormiston & Gerry Holt
Editor: Martin Smith
Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth
If you want to test your climate change knowledge, follow the links on this page to The Open University to take a quiz.
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