It’s happening! Over 30,000 people are gathering in an Egyptian resort town to discuss about urgently needed climate action. Together with a group of amazing Duke students, I have the honor to fly to Sharm El Sheikh and attend week 2 of COP 27. After weeks of interesting readings with fruitful discussions in class, and eagerly waiting to hear news regarding badges and flights, we have the unique opportunity to be part of this mega event. It is such a privilege for me to be able to attend a COP. Four months ago, I would have never expected to sit in a plane to Egypt and be part of this conference. What makes this year’s COP special is that it takes place in an African country. Hence, I hope to meet diverse people from all around the world which share my passion for a just and efficient transition to a carbon-neutral economy.
Two topics seem to overshadow COP 27. First, most international commentators are pessimistic when they talk about their expectations regarding this year’s COP because of the war in Ukraine. I hope to learn more at COP how governments are planning to both, solving the current energy crisis while staying committed to their mitigation pledges to come closer to reaching the 1.5° C target. As an example, my home country Germany which is often seen as a progressive actor in climate policy decided to ramp up coal power station and invest in new exploration of natural gas fields abroad. I sincerely hope that we will still witness significant emission reduction pledges in week 2 so that the key goal of the Paris agreement does not get out of reach. The second topic which attracts the most attention during this year’s COP is loss and damage. The historically extensive emissions of just a few, mainly rich, countries already cause severe damages all around the globe which will even become worse over the next years and decades. During our class, we did a mock negotiation about this issue, and it highlighted me how difficult it is to find common ground on such a controversial topic. Thus, I am curious to attend the negotiations in Sharm El Sheikh and see how developing and developed countries argue and hopefully compromise to find a just solution which works for the most vulnerable ones.
Most observers frame COP 27 as an implementation COP. This is in particular true for the topic which I am most passionate about, Article 6 and carbon markets. Most open issues were solved during last year’s COP in Glasgow. However, as often in life the details are crucial so that the mechanisms will actually become a success story. By supporting my client, attending Article 6 related side events, and following the negotiations, I hope to learn more about these critical details and how actors try to influence the negotiations in their favor.
After learning and reading a lot, I cannot wait to finally enter the venue on Monday and experience what it’s all about to attend a COP!
