Crazy WTF Headcount at COP28

Issue: 2023/12/03

and

Dec 03, 2023

Determinations vary. Chart from Carbon Brief.

With 80,000 attendees, COP28 is largest UN climate summit ever (phys.org)

Some 104,000 people, including technical and security staff, have access this year to the "blue zone" dedicated to the actual climate negotiations and the pavilions of the states and organizations present. [..]
And organizers say some 400,000 people have registered to get a day pass to the vast "green zone" around the talks on the site of the Dubai Expo 2020, which has been turned into a huge fair showcasing businesses and environmental innovation.

How many people does it take to save the planet?

1. Act Now

2. Build Political Will

A new survey finds that people around the world are increasingly concerned about climate change and want governments to take action. However, there is less support for specific policies, such as phasing out fossil fuels.

Yet, Europe's green goals are facing political challenges due to the rise of right-wing populism. The Green Deal, a set of ambitious environmental goals, is now facing opposition. Some countries are backtracking on their commitments to reduce emissions. Others are weakening environmental regulations. This is due in part to concerns about energy security and the cost of living. Environmentalists are worried that Europe will not meet its climate goals.

See special #COP28 section below.

3. Eliminate Fossil Fuels

Coal-fired electricity is on the decline in the United States, accounting for only 20% of domestic energy supply. Growing still? Liquid natural gas.

❌ Oil and gas companies are promoting carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a way to continue using fossil fuels, despite the fact that the IPCC has found that CCS is not a feasible way to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

4. Speed up renewable energy

When it comes to waste production, solar and wind are the eco-friendly darlings, leaving coal in the dust.

The University of California is taking a new approach to reduce its carbon footprint. Instead of relying on carbon offsets, the university will now charge its campuses a carbon fee and invest in projects that directly reduce emissions.

5. Shift towards sustainable transportation

Europe is leading the climate charge by introducing climate tickets for rail and public transport. This initiative aims to make sustainable travel more affordable, encouraging a shift towards greener transportation options.

❌ 4,000 car dealers are lobbying against the Biden Administration's electric vehicle mandate, arguing that it's unrealistic and will hurt consumers. However, EV sales are actually increasing, and many automakers are already committed to going electric.

6. Adopt planet-friendly agricultural practices

The beef industry is trying to promote itself as sustainable, highlighting technological advancements and emphasizing pasture-raised beef. However, that technological advancements often fail to address the root causes of environmental damage, and pasture-raised beef production still contributes to deforestation and water pollution.

Another, from naked capitalism: “Big Meat Unveils Battle Plans for COP28”

7. Eat a more climate friendly diet

Climate Cookbooks Are Here to Change How You Eat (wired.com)

8. Create sustainable cities and buildings

“A Passionate Panel on Parking. Really?” Parking mandates can be harmful to cities. They can make it difficult to build new businesses and contribute to air pollution.

9. Protect and restore our environment

10. Ensure global warming stays below dangerous limits

New research from the University of Oxford identifies key intervention points crucial for achieving the Paris Agreement goals and limiting global heating to 1.5°C. Investing in clean energy tech, central bank policies on polluting assets, and improved climate risk disclosure are highlighted as high-impact, low-risk strategies.

#COP28 — Happening Now

COP28, the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, 2023.

🔑 Has COP28 reached an agreement to phase out fossil fuels? Not yet.

CNN: “Which countries are contributing the most to climate change?”

The Guardian:

❌ Private jets are the most polluting mode of transport, yet they are increasingly common at climate conferences. This undermines the goals of the conferences and sends the wrong message to the world.

Why does John Kerry keep saying "fossil fuel emissions" instead of "fossil fuels"?

A new loss and damage fund has been created at COP28, with countries making pledges to help developing nations cope with the effects of climate change. Germany and the UAE each pledged $100 million, while the United States pledged $17.5 million.

And, but: The US has pledged $3 billion to the Green Climate Fund, but some say it's not enough. The Biden administration will face challenges getting the pledge approved by Congress. “…the US still owed the GCF $1 billion from a $3 billion Obama-era pledge in 2014.”

Oil and gas companies pledge to reduce methane emissions by 40%, a move that could significantly reduce climate impact.

UN releases “An Eye on Methane: International Methane Emissions Observatory 2023 Report”
- “Anthropogenic methane emissions drive roughly 30% of the global warming that we experience today. We must reduce methane emissions by about a third to keep the goals of the Paris Agreement within reach.”

The environmental impact of the world's militaries is significant, and wealthy nations have repeatedly broken promises to provide climate finance. Activists are urging world leaders to prioritize climate action over military spending.

Speaking of which: “For sixth year, Pentagon fails to account for over $3T”:
“…in 2019 alone, the Pentagon made $35 trillion in accounting adjustments – a figure larger than the entire US economy.”