What Came Out of the Negotiations?

After a marathon negotiating session at the UNFCCC Climate Talks (COP27), governments agreed on more than two dozen agenda items in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. Among them was a long-discussed fund for “loss and damage”, in which richer countries pay poorer nations to help them handle the damage caused by climate-related disasters like flooding and wildfires. Extreme events have only increased over the past several decades, exacerbating suffering, loss of infrastructure, and loss of livelihoods.

“It wasn’t easy at all. But this outcome will benefit the most vulnerable around the world,” said Simon Stiell, the UN Climate Chief.

There has been no agreement yet, however, on who will finance the fund and how. A committee is supposed to help with the details; how the fund will work is expected to be decided at COP28 in Dubai.

Limiting Warming to 1.5°C

Governments reaffirmed their commitment to limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. New research by Earth Commission experts found that multiple “tipping points” will be crossed if global temperatures go beyond 1.5C. The experts found that even at current levels of global heating the world is already at risk of passing five dangerous climate tipping points, and risks increase with each tenth of a degree of further warming. In 2022, tipping points were mentioned for the first time in the COP27 Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan.

Fossil fuel use in the crosshairs

To avoid going beyond 1.5°C, greenhouse gas emissions need to be dramatically reduced. At COP27, the U.S. announced that more than 150 countries have now signed the Global Methane Pledge since it was launched in Glasgow at COP26. The goal of the GMP is to cut methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030. While leaders did not agree to phase out fossil fuels – the major driver of climate change – governments did strengthen national action to cut emissions and adapt to climate change. Governments also agreed on approaches to establishing a Global Goal on Adaptation; discussions will wrap up next year.

A lot of action on the sidelines

Negotiations are only part of COP27. More than 45,000 people participated in the conference, most from civil society. The UNFCCC held side events, and more than 100 countries, organizations, and other entities had interactive pavilions for people to meet and learn from each other, providing a space to highlight the many advances that are being made outside of government.

Future Earth’s Impact

Release of 10 New Insights in Climate Science

Future Earth is an official observer of the UNFCCC, and had both an onsite and virtual presence throughout the conference. Our role at COP27 was to put science at the heart of negotiations. On 10 November, Wendy Broadgate, Director of the Future Earth Sweden Hub, released the 10 New Insights in Climate Science 2022 alongside the UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell.

The report is an annual synthesis of the most pressing findings in climate change-related research as a tool for policymakers and society at large. Leading global experts contributed to the report, which is a joint initiative of Future Earth, the Earth League and the World Climate Research Programme. It has been launched at every COP since 2017. Included in this year’s insights were loss and damage, adaptation to climate change is not limitless, and more. 

“Science provides the evidence and data on the impacts of climate change, but it also gives us the tools and knowledge as to how we need to address it,” said Stiell. “The insights provided by this report are alarming, confirming some of what we already know, and give us insights into other areas where urgent action is needed.” Stiell pledged to share the insights with parties and non-party groups at COP27. Read through all the insights.

“Tipping Points” Film Launched

As mentioned earlier, “tipping points” has also become a major part of the nomenclature surrounding climate change. During COP27,  Earth HQ, the media arm of the Global Commons Alliance, held its premiere screening at the UN Climate Champions event “Repairing our World to Avoid Runaway Climate Change” where it launched “New Science on Dangerous Tipping Points”, a mass communications short film. Built on groundbreaking research from Earth Commission experts, the film emphasizes the need for immediate action to tackle climate change to avoid the risk of crossing multiple climate tipping points. The film was produced by the Global Commons Alliance component Earth HQ, with scientific advice provided by a range of Earth Commission experts and staff.

Future Earth and Colorado State University joint side event on wildfires

A broad coalition of Future Earth Global Research Networks and partners (SOLAS, iLEAPS, PAGES, BRIDGES, and FireMIP) organised a side event on “wildfire increase, a challenge for Earth system and societies” in collaboration with Colorado State University. Drawing from a broad range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary backgrounds from both social and natural sciences, the event discussed fire risk, and the way changes in frequency, distribution and intensity of wildfires impact terrestrial and marine ecosystems, societies, weather and climate.

Launch of Global Carbon Budget 2022

The Global Carbon Project, a Global Research Network of Future Earth, launched the Global Carbon Budget 2022 on 11 November. An international team of more than 100 scientists produced the latest report. Since 2006, it has provided a wealth of information on carbon emissions and the ramifications for reaching the global climate goals.

Future Earth Exhibition Booth

Future Earth also presented some of its major work and initiatives at an exhibition booth. Members from our South Asia Hub were at the booth, connecting with delegates and participants from inside and outside our network.