COP28 is upon us and despite the previous signs of dire outcomes the nearer we come to the start of the sessions; the glimmers of positive action and outcomes begin to glow. Or is that just the early Christmas lights?
This annual climate event is expected to require the nations to report the progress that they have made on reducing emissions and to progress the matters outstanding from COP27. Is there hope that the loss and damage fund will materialise and will there be a full commitment to phase out and not just “down” coal?
This is all in the context of reports from the UK EU and UN that efforts to date are not enough and the planet is not on target to keep to a temperature rise of less than 1.5 degrees. Whilst the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, insists it is not too late to meet the 1.5 climate goal.
We all need to face the facts staring us in the face even if we chose to interpret them differently. The World Meteorological Organization report just issued to coincide with COP 28 states that 2023 is the hottest year ever recorded leaving devastation and despair due to climate related impacts worldwide.
Even on this first day of COP, it seems that a loss and damage agreement may be possible which will allow funds from the wealthier nations to flow.
If you feel our Livery efforts are small in comparison then don’t despair. Double and triple your own efforts. Think of other ways to make an impact. Make a pledge to do something different – be it more thoughtful consumption, upskilling yourself on the issues of today or making sure your Livery is taking meaningful steps towards net zero.
Also follow COP 28 and see how diplomacy and collaboration might work to save our future.
Alderman Alison Gowman
Ward of Dowgate, City of London Corporation
Chair and Founder, The Livery Climate Action Group