Climate leaders, scholars, and activists gather for COP28 to discuss fossil fuels, loss and damage commitments, and clean energy economics. Challenges and complexities of the conference are explored in light of recent developments and geopolitical conflicts. The phase out or phase down of fossil fuels is debated, including coal power and carbon capture technology. The role of national oil companies and the importance of clean energy investments are discussed. Progress in addressing loss and damage from climate change, as well as tensions over trade and the need for a framework to address the climate crisis, are examined. The role of the United States in addressing climate change in the international trade system is also explored.
Global emissions are projected to increase by 9% by 2030, highlighting the urgency for a 43% reduction to combat climate change.
The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts pose challenges to reaching climate change agreements at COP28.
Despite obstacles, there are reasons for optimism due to increased deployment of renewable power and US-China climate cooperation.
Deep dives
Climate pledges and the need for a 43% emission reduction
Despite improvements, global emissions are projected to increase by 9% by 2030, emphasizing the need for a 43% reduction. This comes as climate leaders gather for COP 28, facing major debates on topics such as fossil fuels, loss and damage commitments, and clean energy trade tensions.
Challenges amid global conflicts
The meeting takes place amidst conflicts like the Israel-Hamas War and tension between the US and China, making it harder to reach climate change agreements. Additionally, the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic has led to setbacks in climate action, with declining prices for renewables being a positive sign.
Historical context of COP meetings
COP meetings have evolved over the years, with the upcoming COP 28 expected to have scores of heads of state and tens of thousands of attendees. These meetings are slow in making progress due to consensus requirements among diverse countries. Notably, COPs also serve as trade fairs and opportunities for global collaboration.
Outlook for COP 28 and the global stock take
Despite the challenges, there are reasons for optimism. Record-breaking deployment of renewable power and recent US-China climate cooperation provide hope. The global stock take at COP 28 is expected to assess progress on mitigation, adaptation, and finance, informing future climate action plans of countries.
Key issues at COP 28: Fossil fuels and loss and damage
Discussions will revolve around phasing down fossil fuels, with major players expressing opposition to strict phase-out language. National oil companies are also in focus, with expectations for commitments in emission reductions and investments in clean energy technologies. The unresolved loss and damage fund for low-income countries will be a significant test for climate finance efforts.
This week, climate leaders, scholars, and activists from around the world will travel to the United Arab Emirates for the annual United Nations conference on climate change known as COP. Many highly debated topics will take center stage at this year’s COP28, including the role of fossil fuels in meeting future global energy demands, the follow through on loss and damage commitments from last year’s meeting, and rising international trade tensions over clean energy economics.
Even the location of the meeting has sparked debate. The UAE is a major oil exporting country, and the CEO of its national oil company, Ahmed Al Jaber, is this year’s COP president.
So, how will world leaders address some of these major topics? And what could be the outcome of this year’s meeting?
This week host Bill Loveless talks with David Sandalow and Sagatom Saha about COP28.
David is the director of the energy and environment concentration at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. He is also the inaugural fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy, and founded and directs the Center’s U.S.-China Program. Before joining Columbia, David served in senior positions at the White House and at the U.S. State and Energy departments.
Sagatom is a senior associate in the energy transition practice at Macro Advisory Partners as well as an adjunct research scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy. He previously worked on cleantech competitiveness at the International Trade Administration in the U.S. Department of Commerce, and served as a special adviser to the Office of the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy, John Kerry.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode