COP-27 UNFCCC: world climate summit in Egypt
From November 7-18, 2022, the World Climate Summit debates, held under the auspices of the United Nations (COP-27 UNFCCC), took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. One of the main topics of this year’s event was financing adaptation and prevention of climate change, especially in developing countries. The conference was attended by some 45,000 delegates from 196 countries. Already on the first day of the debate, there was conflict over the issue of negotiating losses and damages resulting from climate change. To a large extent, their proceedings focused on the attempt of rich countries to enforce the promises declared so far to poorer countries.
The hosts of the meeting of the parties to the climate conference represented in solidarity the side of the countries of the global south on the planet, especially Africa. They feel the ailments caused by climate change to the greatest extent, while they themselves are responsible for the negative effects to a relatively limited extent. Among other things, it was pointed out that the past eight years have turned out to be the warmest since studies of air temperature on earth began. The data collected illustrates that warming is a long-standing trend, with most of the temperature increases occurring in the last 40 years. Regardless of latitude, the current year has registered record-high temperatures and dynamically abnormal weather events, being the cause of numerous deaths, fire disasters, drastic soil drought, famine, extreme loss of material possessions and pauperization of affected communities.
As noted by many participants or observers at COP-27, many of the countries previously pledging to reduce carbon emission levels as part of their national climate goals have unfortunately not fully implemented them for various reasons.
The final version of the agreement, however, does not include a general, binding commitment to phase out all fossil fuels, nor a clear target that should lead to a global decline in CO2 emissions by 2025. On the other hand, the agreement on a mechanism for financing the losses and damages caused by phenomena that are a consequence of climate change can be considered an achievement of the concluded summit. Its principles are contained in the document: Agreement on New “Loss and Damage” Fund for Vulnerable Countries.
Notably, the European Union reaffirmed its willingness to maintain global leadership in strengthening its climate policy ambitions.
Among the participants of the conference in Egypt were representatives of the paper industry, actively participating in the sessions accompanying the formal program of debates held by the countries – signatories to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
