49. Christiana Figueres: COP28, Costa Rica, and surviving the climate crisis
Dec 4, 2023
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Costa Rican diplomat Christiana Figueres joins the hosts to discuss COP28, The Paris Agreement, renewable energies, and balancing public service with mental health. They explore the controversy surrounding Dubai as the host country, the unique aspects of the Paris Agreement, and the consequences of inaction on climate change. Christiana also reflects on her personal growth, the importance of addressing climate change, and the emotional impact of sharing personal experiences.
The consequences of unchecked climate change are significant, affecting not just the environment but also human well-being, national security, and global peace.
The outcomes of COP 28 in Dubai will impact the trajectory of global efforts to combat climate change, with a focus on decarbonization and increasing resilience.
The transition to renewable energy is increasingly driven by market forces and economic interests, transcending geopolitical tensions and political divides.
Deep dives
The Importance of Climate Change: A Global Threat
Climate change is already impacting the quality of life on Earth and will continue to worsen unless action is taken. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and ecological disruptions are already occurring, and they will lead to uninhabitable areas, forced migration, and economic, political, and social instability. The consequences of unchecked climate change are significant, affecting not just the environment, but also human well-being, national security, and global peace. The need to address climate change is critical to ensure a sustainable and livable world for future generations.
Expectations for COP 28 in Dubai
COP 28, the annual meeting of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, is taking place in Dubai. Despite the unusual choice of an oil and gas exporting country to host a conference on climate change, the focus of COP 28 is on making progress toward decarbonization and increasing resilience efforts. One significant aspect is the global stock take, which assesses countries' efforts in reducing emissions and building resilience. However, the main challenge lies in reaching agreement on key terms and actions, such as the difference between "phasing down" and "phasing out" fossil fuels. The outcomes of COP 28 will impact the trajectory of global efforts to combat climate change.
The Role of Geopolitics and Populism
Geopolitical challenges and the rise of populism have the potential to hinder progress in addressing climate change. Some populist movements are skeptical of climate action and advocate for rolling back targets. The influence of these ideologies can complicate international cooperation and commitment to climate goals. However, there is a growing recognition that the transition to renewable energy is not solely dependent on political decisions but is increasingly driven by market forces and economic interests. The engagement of major economies and recent collaborations, such as the one between the US and China, show that despite geopolitical tensions, the urgency of the climate crisis can transcend political divides.
Expectations for a Successful COP 28
A successful COP 28 would involve concrete commitments and actions to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. Key areas of focus include significantly increasing the percentage of renewable energy in the global electricity mix, such as targeting a tripling of the current 12% renewable energy share to around 40% by 2030. Additionally, there is a need for substantial financial support to assist developing countries that face severe losses and damages due to climate change. The establishment of a well-capitalized fund for loss and damage would be a significant step toward addressing these challenges. Ultimately, success at COP 28 will depend on effective collaboration and consensus building among participating nations.
Learning from Past Efforts: Lessons from the Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement serves as a valuable lesson in global cooperation and commitment to climate action. It demonstrated the importance of transparent processes, inclusivity, and the alignment of national contributions to address the climate crisis. The success of the Paris Agreement highlights the need for long-term solutions that go beyond political cycles and consider the responsibilities of all nations, including historical and future contributions. By recognizing that climate change is not just a challenge for governments but an issue that requires participation from all sectors of society, there is a greater opportunity to achieve meaningful progress in tackling climate change.
How do countries cooperate to tackle the climate emergency? Is it unusual for the United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in the oil rich UAE? What does the future hold for renewable energies and reducing carbon emissions?
Rory and Alastair are joined by Costa Rican diplomat Christiana Figueres to discuss COP28, The Paris Agreement, what it was like growing up in a political family in Costa Rica, and how to balance working in public service and with positive mental health.
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