COP27: What we need to see

As world leaders prepare to gather in Egypt to discuss the future of our planet, the “climate crisis” are the words on everybody’s lips – but what does this actually mean and how could this conference pave the way to a greener future? We catch up with our head of environment, Dr Emma Gardner, to find out more.

This November, the UK passes over the COP presidency to Egypt, as the UN’s Conference on Climate Change returns to continue its fight against climate change. The 2021 conference, held in Glasgow, saw a number of successes that would ultimately help stem the tide of climate change. These changes included:

• The Glasgow Climate Pact: The Glasgow Climate Pact was agreed, which includes a pledge to further reduce carbon emissions, to phase out coal and to significantly increase money to help poor countries cope with the effects of climate change and make the switch to clean energy.
• Finance: Financial organisations agreed to support “clean” technologies, such as renewable energy, and direct finance away from fossil fuel-burning industries. Although it is recognised that a greater commitment to end support for fossil-fuels.
• Methane: Cutting 30% of methane emissions by 2030 was agreed by more than 100 countries.
• Forests: Leaders from countries totalling approximately 85% of the world’s forests committed to stop deforestation by 2030.

However, despite the positive outcomes from the conference, scientific research reveals that these commitments are not enough to limit warming to 1.5°C. A new report published by the UN Environment Programme last has revealed there is no “no credible pathway” to the 1.5°C, and that policies currently in place point to a 2.8°C temperature rise by the end of the century. If current pledges are implemented, this will only reduce it to 2.4°C – 2.6°C.

2022 has been a year in which we have experienced serious world events, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, increases in energy and food prices, unprecedented flooding in Pakistan, and heatwaves and droughts across Europe. The right action is needed now more than ever.

COP27 starts in Sharm El-Sheikh on November 6^th until November 18^th and seeks to “… accelerate global climate action through emissions reduction, scaled-up adaptation efforts and enhanced flows of appropriate finance. We recognize that ‘just transition’ remains a priority for developing countries worldwide.”

We are in an urgent crisis.  With 2.4°C warming predicted, we need COP27 to be a success.

What do we need to see?

• Real details behind commitment made alongside agreed action to turn commitments into implementation.
• International support for those on the front line of climate impacts by immediate relief aid, scaled up efforts to support adaptation and build climate resilience, and the establishment of a dedicated loss and damage finance facility.
• A global just transition to phase out fossil fuels and accelerate sustainable, efficient and renewable energy systems.
• Countries held to account for their Glasgow forest commitments. The Forests and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP) will meet for the first time at COP27. It is hoped the Partnership will pave the way for governments and partners to work together to protect, conserve and restore the world’s forests, support sustainable development and promote inclusive rural transformation.  Deforestation is rising at frightening rates, with the drivers of deforestation like unsustainable agriculture/ forestry and mining expanding.  We need urgent action now.
• Civil society, indigenous peoples, women, youth and representatives of the most vulnerable communities to access and influence in decision-making.

How can we join others in our Catholic community to campaign for change?

Our global Catholic community is without doubt a powerful voice in the call for environmental justice.

From Pope Francis’ constant urging to take action – including his game-changing encyclical Laudato Si’ and recently released video The Letter – to education hubs such as our very own Laudato Si’ Centre and local schools, as well as important work carried out by charities such as CAFOD.

By putting Catholic Social Teaching at the heart its campaigns, CAFOD is helping Catholics across England and Wales take practical action to live out our call to be stewards of God’s creation.

Click here to read more about CAFOD’s COP27 campaign and how to take further action, including signing a petition and joining the COP27 Global Day of Action mobilisation. 

Don’t forget – our #hearthecry campaign is the perfect way for younger members of our community to have their say! In the lead up to COP27, we’re inviting schools and families to create posters of their hopes and fears for our planet and share their designs on social media using the hashtag #hearthecry. Don’t forget to tag in @laudatosicentre.

Click here to find out more.