Last-minute pledges and sobering science: Where is the World, Post-COP28?
Mar 12, 2024
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Mark Watts, Executive director of C40 Cities, discusses the outcomes of COP28 and the urgent need for global emissions reductions. The podcast delves into the role of cities and mayors in driving climate action, sustainable urban development, and the importance of transitioning to renewable energy to combat climate change.
Cities are crucial in global climate action, with cities and mayors leading collaborative efforts for emissions reduction.
Urban areas face challenges in quickly reducing emissions and adapting to climate impacts, emphasizing the need for immediate global collaboration across sectors.
Scientists and leaders must promote informed dialogue, condemn abuse towards scientists, and work together to address climate challenges and ensure a sustainable future.
Deep dives
COP28 Climate Conference and Transition Away from Fossil Fuels
COP28 marked a historic event with a roadmap agreed upon to transition away from dirty energy, signaling a potential end to the fossil fuel era. The global stock take at COP28 showcased the deficiencies in the nations' contributions to emission reduction targets. Cities emerged as pivotal climate leaders at COP28, with over 70 countries committing to collaborate with local leaders for the 2025 national contributions.
Importance of City Collaboration at COP28
At COP28, cities played a significant role in climate action by collaborating across borders, setting a new precedent for global solutions. The presence of cities and mayors at the negotiation table highlighted a shift towards dynamic, action-focused discussions without fixating on formal agreements. Collaboration between cities and businesses and the formation of city-to-city networks emerged as key strategies for driving collective climate action.
Challenges and Urgent Actions Post COP28
Despite progress at COP28, challenges remain in rapidly reducing emissions and adapting to climate impacts. The need for extensive global collaboration and immediate action from national governments, businesses, and regions is emphasized to achieve the 1.5-degree target. Cities are urged to lead transformative change through net-zero innovations and equitable strategies, essential for mitigating climate risks.
Role of Scientists and Abuse in Climate Discourse
Scientists facing online abuse and threats highlight societal polarization and misinformation challenges. The importance of a respectful and supportive environment for scientists to share knowledge and advocate for climate action is underscored. Scientists and leaders are called upon to condemn abuse, promote informed discourse, and foster public awareness to address climate-related challenges and ensure a sustainable future.
Urban Areas, Cities, and Climate Tipping Points
Urban areas and cities, accounting for a significant portion of global emissions, play a vital role in addressing climate challenges. Scientists warn of approaching tipping points, such as the collapse of the Greenland ice sheet, with irreversible consequences like sea level rise. Collaborative efforts among cities, businesses, and scientists are essential for mitigating climate risks and building resilience to safeguard the planet and human well-being.
Last year's COP28 conference ended with a historic first: after dramatic and tense negotiations lasting deep into the night, representatives from across the globe agreed upon a roadmap to transition away from dirty energy. But does the agreement fall short of what is required if the world is to avoid breaching crucial and deadly climate tipping points?
Featured guests: Mark Watts, executive director of C40 Cities, is building a reputation as one of the most prominent thought leaders in the urban climate action space, and was recently recognised as such in the Time 100 Climate list. Mark’s aim for C40 entails supporting its network of cities in halving global emissions this decade, while simultaneously reducing inequality and implementing inclusive climate policies.
Professor Xuemei Bai is a distinguished professor for Urban Environment and Human Ecology at the Australian National University. She was also the winner of the 2018 Volvo Environmental Prize, and is an elected fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. Professor Bai has served as a lead author for numerous global climate policy initiatives, including IPCC AR6 and is also a commissioner at the Earth Commission, which has set out crucial tipping points the world must not pass to avoid planetary collapse.
If you want to learn more about the Journal of City Climate Policy and Economy, please visit our website: https://jccpe.utpjournals.press/
Cities 1.5 is produced by the University of Toronto Press and Cities 1.5 is supported by C40 Cities and the C40 Centre for City Climate Policy and Economy. You can sign up to the Centre newsletter here. https://thecentre.substack.com/
Our executive producers are Calli Elipoulos and Peggy Whitfield.
