COP 27 was conducted over two weeks in November 2022, bringing together leaders, observers, and decision-makers from all over the globe to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Perhaps one of the most significant international conferences on climate action, the Conference of the Parties is where progress is assessed and action plans are proposed. The recent COP 27, which was dubbed ‘the implementation COP’ before it even started, promised to highlight the necessity of meeting ambitious plans with decisive and concrete action. High expectations were set for the conference particularly in regards to inclusivity and substantial follow-through.
Our team participated and engaged at COP 27 both virtually and in person, with a delegation of eight GCE members participating on-site. What did we do at COP? What did we achieve? As young activists in this setting, the experiences can differ a lot. Many victories can be noted, such as the formal inclusion of youth as stakeholders and the first Children and Youth Pavilion, which granted children and young people a platform to raise and discuss pressing issues.
COP 27 highlighted the need to scale inclusive and transparent participation as many negotiation rooms were difficult, if not impossible, to access for young activists and changemakers. Contrasted with 636 fossil fuel lobbyists invited to COP 27, the lack of opportunities for civil society contributors stressed the need for future COPs to prioritise frontline communities rather than exclude them from the negotiations.
GCE’s engagement at COP 27 extended to:
- Sending a full Generation Climate Europe delegation to COP;
- Acting as panelists and speakers at the Children and Youth Pavilion and Just Transition Pavilion among other opportunities for engagement at the Blue Zone;
- Co-authored the “EU: Let’s Phase Out Fossil Fuels” policy statement addressing EU leaders, which was published by the European Youth NGOs Network;
- Supporting the EESC youth delegate by preparing for her on-site presence at COP 27;
- Advocating for youth engagement and intergenerational justice in the COP process.
But work starts months in advance! Prior to COP 27 we:
- Organised the Masterclass on Climate Negotiations with our colleagues at Youth and Environment Europe to prepare youth delegates for international climate negotiations;
- Published a toolkit on international climate negotiations for youth delegates;
- Ensured the success of the EESC Youth Delegate Programme’s first mandate with the European Economic and Social Committee and the European Youth Forum;
- Hosted multiple virtual events, both informative and interactive organised by and for young people in the months leading up to COP 28;
- Engaged in the Bonn Climate Change Conference, Stockholm+50, and the High-Level Political Forum to advocate for increased youth engagement and the realisation of intergenerational justice in international fora;
- Strengthened ties with GCE’s partner organisations to align priorities before the COP.
Outcomes of COP 27
Among the many outcomes of COP 27, we chose a few standout documents worth mentioning before the lead-up to the COP 28 conference, which is set to take place at Expo City Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan (FCCC/CP/2022/L.19):
Adopted in the closing plenary, a COP decision highlighting various areas in the fight against climate change. Notably retains the call to phase down unabated coal power and assesses the urgency of addressing adaptation, mitigation, loss and damage, global GHG emissions, and actions to enhance implementation among other topics.
Scaling up mitigation ambition and implementation (FCCC/CMA/2022/L.17)
Outlining the function, operationalisation, scope, and timeline for the implementation of the work programme to urgently scale up mitigation, ambition and implementation. Proposes future actions to follow up on the work programme.
Funding arrangements on Loss & Damages (FCCC/PA/CMA/2022/L.20)
Addressing the need for new funding arrangements to assist developing countries that are vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Proposes the establishment of a fund for responding to loss and damage, and makes recommendations for the operationalization of funding arrangements. Outlines terms of reference and actionable plans for the continuation of matters on loss and damage.
Action for Climate Empowerment (FCCC/CP/2022/10/Add.2)
Recognizing the necessity to take an inclusive, intergenerational and gender-responsive approach to the action plan under the Glasgow work programme on Action for Climate Empowerment. This text includes the acknowledgement of young people and the commitment to provide opportunities for the meaningful engagement of youth on climate action at all levels.
Long-term Climate Finance (FCCC/CP/2022/L.6)
Recognizes that the USD 100 billion per year by 2020 in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation has not been met.
Global Average Temperature (FCCC/CP/2022/L.17)
Reaffirms the goal of keeping the increase in global average temperature “below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels” and limiting the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels; addresses the inadequacy of climate finance despite its growth, demanding better support. Underscores anticipatory, incremental and transformative adaptation, and recognizes the factors which underlie increasing vulnerability and risks.
On the road to COP 28 a variety of topics require attention and urgent demands for accountability, including but not limited to loss and damage compensation, energy security and efficiency, greenwashing risks in financial markets, sustainable funding mechanisms, adequate adaptation and mitigation measures, and ambitious action to match the implementation plans. The work of Generation Climate Europe’s COP 28 team in the upcoming months will cover these key areas and map out what we, as European youth, strive to achieve.
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