Nigel Topping and H.E. Razan Al Mubarak discuss COP28. They emphasize the importance of coalitions for climate action, implementation strategies, and the role of nature. Food systems and indigenous voices in negotiations are highlighted. The complexity of the COP process is addressed, along with optimism for the future.
The importance of ambitious coalitions formed by non-state actors and indigenous peoples to mobilize resources and implement specific climate actions.
The significance of incorporating nature as a fundamental ally and the real economy's clarity on climate change solutions and goals, such as tripling renewable energy while prioritizing an inclusive economic transition.
Deep dives
The Evolution of COPs and the Importance of the Action Agenda
The podcast episode discusses the evolution of COPs (Conference of Parties) and emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the negotiated outcome. The speaker, Nigel Topping, highlights the role of the action agenda, which involves various non-state actors, businesses, finance, civil society, and indigenous peoples, forming ambitious coalitions. These coalitions aim to mobilize resources and implement specific actions, such as restoring mangroves and mobilizing billions of dollars to address climate change. Topping recognizes that while the process is not perfect, it has become more collaborative, specific, and mobilizes more resources than ever before.
The Real Economy and Clarity in Goals
Rezan Al Mubarak, another speaker in the podcast, underscores the role of the real economy in driving momentum towards climate action. She explains that there is now clarity in the real economy regarding both the problems and solutions related to climate change. This includes setting strong goals, such as tripling renewable energy, with a focus on ensuring an inclusive economic transition that does not harm nature and prioritizes the participation of Indigenous peoples. Al Mubarak also highlights the importance of incorporating nature as a fundamental ally for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Institutionalizing Change and Convergence
The podcast discusses the importance of institutionalizing the progress made at COPs. It mentions the need to enhance Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by making them investable and nature-based, as well as gender-responsive. It also recognizes the value of creating convergence between different COPs and conventions, such as the COP-28/COP-30 partnership and the partnership between COP-28 and COP-15 (biodiversity COP). These initiatives aim to streamline reporting metrics, align goals, and promote a holistic approach to addressing climate change, nature conservation, and development issues together. The speakers emphasize the complexity of the climate challenge but remain hopeful about the collaborations, diversity of voices, and bold actions taking place.
With much of the world’s media focusing on the language of the final text at COP 28 to determine the success or failure of the COP and Dr Sultan’s presidency, Tom, with the help of friend of the show and High Level Climate Champion for COP 26, Nigel Topping; and H.E. Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High Level Champion for COP 28, take a different lens on what has been unfolding at COP 28 aside from the phase out/down controversy.
NOTES AND RESOURCES
H.E. Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion from the COP28 Presidency