Before I arrived at the conference, I thought I would describe in my second blog post the negotiations on the Enhanced Transparency Mechanism, the Global Stocktake, or Art.6 at COP26. But there are two reasons, a negative and a positive one, why I changed my mind.
First, the access for observers to the negotiations is extremely limited this year, which at this stage makes a detailed analysis of these issues, including which formulations are currently debated and what compromises states are willing to make, impossible. A stocktake on the state of the negotiations after the first week hinted at remaining issues, which included, not surprisingly, Art.6 and the Enhanced Transparency Mechanism. However, the overarching issue of this year’s COP is climate finance after developed countries have missed the target to mobilize $100 billion annually by 2020. Several NGOs criticized the limited access and brought this topic to the attention of the UK presidency. Also considering the difficulties that many developing countries have faced with attending the COP amidst the pandemic, it is no surprise that COP26 was declared the most exclusive COP of all times. I hope that the closed negotiations at least allow the parties to make compromises and come up with a successful final decision. Future COPs definitely have to improve inclusiveness.
Now let us turn to something positive. While the negotiations are the most important aspect of each COP, there are hundreds of side events that draw attention to specific climate-related issues and help attendees to connect. Going to these events and meeting people from all over the world that are passionate about climate protection is a rewarding experience. Just after the first days, I have listened to so many interesting talks that I could fill many blog posts with the topics covered. Some of my favorite events so far included talks on how AI applications can be used to address climate change, why small island states face much greater barriers to climate finance than other states, or how climate mitigation in the agriculture sector has enormous potential but is still overlooked. The toughest part is picking the events you want to attend because you are spoilt for choices when looking at the schedule each morning. For example, the presidency organizes high-level panels that focus on a specific topic every day. The NGOs also hold side events and are organized in constituencies that each have a daily meeting to coordinate their work. In addition, another feature of COPs is the zone with the pavilions, which either belong to parties and organizations or are dedicated to specific topics such as methane reduction or climate-related risks for the cryosphere. Each pavilion holds several panel discussions a day. But, these are only the events at the venue that is only open to delegates, the so-called “Blue Zone”. Many side events take also place at another venue that is open to the public (“Green Zones”) and throughout the whole city.
The vibrant atmosphere at the conference is also something that needs to be mentioned. Most people are very open and happy to answer questions or discuss issues. You suddenly meet people that research similar topics while you wait in line to buy a coffee. Or you share a table with a delegate from one of the parties while having lunch. The fact that so many people try to make a change makes me hopeful.
