The Energy Gang on the ground at COP28: the summit so far
Dec 4, 2023
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Amy Harder and Bill Spindle from Cipher analyze the big stories from the first few days of COP28. The loss and damage fund, positive outcomes including renewable tripling, methane reduction pledges, and debates on COP effectiveness are discussed. The role of fossil fuels, climate finance with private sector funding, and key takeaways from COP28 are also covered in this live podcast from Dubai.
The loss and damage fund established at COP28 aims to provide financial support to developing nations dealing with the impacts of climate change, although the amount pledged falls short of what is actually needed.
COP28 has witnessed positive stories so far, including the tripling of renewables, pledges on methane reduction, and emphasis on addressing loss and damages, signaling progress in the global efforts towards combating climate change.
Deep dives
Impressions of COP 28
The podcast episode begins with the host and guests discussing their impressions of the COP 28 climate talks in Dubai. They emphasize the significant increase in the size and production of the conference compared to previous years, with over 100,000 attendees this year. The opulence of Dubai and the presence of trade show-like exhibits throughout the conference venue are also discussed.
Critique of Corporate Influence
The conversation then delves into the critique of corporate influence and the dominance of corporate voices at the COP. While acknowledging the valid concerns regarding corporate influence, the discussion focuses on the role of fossil fuel companies and the tensions between their presence and the need for meaningful climate action. The debate revolves around how much influence corporations should have in shaping climate policy and addressing the global energy system.
Significant Outcomes and Future of Fossil Fuels
The podcast highlights some of the significant outcomes and developments at COP 28. This includes the compromise agreement on funding from developed to developing countries, resulting in the establishment of a loss and damage fund. Another significant development is the focus on finance, particularly the private investment funds aimed at supporting low carbon energy efforts in low-income countries. The discussion also turns to the central issue of the future role of fossil fuels, the importance of transitioning to clean alternatives, and the debates around the speed and methods of the transition.
Ed Crooks is joined by Amy Harder & Bill Spindle from Cipher, the publication supported by Breakthrough Energy – the clean energy network founded by Bill Gates. Amy and Bill have been in Dubai since the start of the conference, and they analyze the big stories to come out of the first few days.
The loss and damage fund is the main focus; a few hundred million has been pledged to help developing nations deal with the impacts of climate change, but it’s a drop in the bucket for what’s needed.
Also, COP28 itself: there’s debate on the effectiveness of these talks every year, but there have been positive stories already. The tripling of renewables, pledges on methane reduction and loss and damages have all been high on the agenda.
Listen in as we kick off our special podcast series, live from Expo City in Dubai at COP28.