Saleemul Huq, a pre-eminent climate scientist and champion for developing countries, is remembered for his dedication to bringing adaptation and loss and damage issues to the UN negotiating table. Colleagues reflect on his life, impact, and optimism, and discuss his influential role in prioritizing climate adaptation and loss and damage in negotiations. The podcast emphasizes the urgency of global cooperation in addressing climate change and the goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The expansion of participation in COP meetings to include diverse actors outside of government has led to the formation of coalitions and initiatives that aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Climate change negotiations under the UNFCCC face challenges in implementation due to the need for consensus among 200 countries, often resulting in slower progress and decisions that align with the lowest common denominator.
Deep dives
Progress in COP Meetings
Over the past 27 COP meetings, progress has been made in addressing climate change as countries come together under the United Nations to tackle the global problem. However, these meetings have highlighted that more needs to be done, as countries are not fully fulfilling the agreements made. While the original conferences of parties focused on government officials reviewing progress and negotiating behind closed doors, the COP meetings have now expanded to include a wider range of actors, such as young people, scientists, farmers, and indigenous groups. This broader participation has led to the formation of coalitions outside of government, like the initiative to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. While progress has been made, efforts need to be intensified to avoid the worst outcomes of climate change.
Challenges in Climate Change Negotiations
Climate change negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention have made progress in terms of countries coming together and making commitments. However, there have been challenges in implementing these commitments. Unlike the United Nations General Assembly where decisions can be made by a majority, climate change negotiations require consensus among all 200 countries involved. This often leads to slower progress and decisions that align with the lowest common denominator. Additionally, vulnerable countries have highlighted the lack of representation they have in other forums like the Security Council or G7. Despite these challenges, there have been achievements, such as the inclusion of the 1.5-degree Celsius goal in the Paris Agreement, which was driven by persistent efforts from island nations.
Loss and Damage and the Need for Climate Finance
Loss and damage due to climate change impacts is a pressing issue that demands attention. The impacts of climate change, such as floods and extreme weather events, have been exacerbated by the rising global temperature caused by human-induced emissions. While efforts have been made in averted and minimized actions, such as mitigation and adaptation, addressing the loss and damage requires financial support. The demand for a finance facility for loss and damage has been voiced, aiming to provide funding for the affected communities to recover from climate impacts. However, the availability and allocation of funds remain contentious issues, with rich countries failing to meet previous climate finance commitments. The upcoming COP 28 aims to address these challenges and operationalize the loss and damage fund, laying the groundwork for further action.
Saleemul Huq was a pre-eminent climate scientist and champion for developing countries. For many years, he was a lone warrior trying to bring the issues of adaptation and loss and damage to the UN negotiating table. His death last weekend caused an outpouring of emotion across the climate world. Ahead of COP28, Zero hears from some of Saleemul’s colleagues about his life, legacy and the hole he leaves behind in climate diplomacy.
Zero is a production of Bloomberg Green. Our producer is Oscar Boyd and our senior producer is Christine Driscoll. Special thanks to Kira Bindrim. Thoughts or suggestions? Email us at zeropod@bloomberg.net. For more coverage of climate change and solutions, visit bloomberg.com/green.