COP 27- some hopes midst of chaos


Sabita Gyawali Devkota

Global inability to building on the momentum and hopes that were revived during the COP 26 has been one of the biggest concerns of COP 27, organized in Egypt. Lack of clarity in critical issues such as financing mechanism for loss and damage, goals to keeping temperature below 1.5C and emission reduction targets by 2030 even almost towards the end of the official summit, indicates complex political economy around climate change. For many, the excitement of COP26 has been scaled down in COP 27 and certainly, the ongoing global geopolitical dynamics is also considered to be one of the major reasons. Besides all odds, still the aspiration from the climate vulnerable developing countries seems optimistic compared to the others including the so-called developed countries. However, the fact is that many of the developing countries’ commitments rely on the funding support from the developed countries. From Climate Justice point of view, climate vulnerable developing countries will need the compensation from the damage that has been done by the developed countries and this is a compensation and not a charity. Besides, all the chaos and delays, the commitment,at last,on the ‘loss and damage’, is certainly one of the achievements of COP 27. The challenging part is – the mystery around financial mechanisms for loss and damage!

It is also important to note that the developed countries are also beginning to be adversely impacted by climate crisis, increasing numbers of floods, natural disasters, and constantly changing weather patterns are becoming new normal; and it is important to take necessary actions to protect lives and livelihoods. But the critical aspect is to recognize that the developed countries as part of their so-called industrialization mission were also responsible to cause the damage, which is disproportionately impacting the developing, especially,the climate vulnerable countries. Thus, there are issues of fair share and moral and legal obligations. In these contexts, the COP 27 commitment to ‘loss and damage’ is certainly ahistorical breakthrough. But the details of financing mechanism and funding source and commitments are unknown, and this will be an important topic of negotiation and voice in the days ahead.

During the summit, phasing out all fossil fuels could not get solidified commitment as it was expressed during COP 26 and was expected to get relatively more attention during COP27. Similarly, COP 26’s reiteratedaspirations of delivering the $100 billion climate finance commitments could not witness the real actions on the ground and the financing commitments are further delayed and they also lack clear direction.Countries repeated “Phase-down-of-coal” phrase which got significant attention in last COP,but it was justrepeated this year. Likewise, ambition in limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, could not see any progress between COP26 and COP27. Unfortunately, Gender, aspects also could not get the needed attention. Within these hopes and dilemmas, it will be critical for stakeholders around the world to continue to raise voice and build to momentum to put pressure for deeper level of commitments from the world leaders and especially from the rich countries.