Seven victories linked to COP27: Improvements achieved at the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) regarding the ocean.

Going Green at COP27: Highlights, Hurdles, and Hope

COP27, held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, was the third longest COP in history. But what planetary and oceanic victories did this global climate summit deliver? As climate change moves into the mainstream, here's a rundown of COP27's major moments.

The Spark of Hope: The Establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund

A significant highlight of COP27 was the push for stronger climate financing measures, resulting in the historic creation of a 'loss and damage fund'. Although the specifics were yet to be drafted, this fund will provide aid to developing countries vulnerable to climate-related disasters, particularly crucial for small island nations.

In simpler terms, Dr. Kees van der Geest, Senior Migration Expert at the United Nations University, Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), describes loss and damage as follows: "This is about situations; people live in places where the situation is increasingly unliveable due to climate change. It's not a future scenario for some people anymore."

COP27: Mixed Bag of Results

With global warming already at 1.1C, COP27 underscored that the scientific consensus of limiting warming to 1.5C was not being taken seriously enough. Regrettably, the final decision made no mention of phasing down fossil fuels, except for coal. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stresses that global emissions must decline 45% by 2030 to keep the 1.5C limit alive. To achieve this, we need to peak global emissions by 2025.

Oceans: The Forgotten Frontier

Despite the setbacks, there were several positive developments regarding the ocean. COP27 recognized the vital role of Ocean-based climate action and encouraged nations to "blue" their NDC's. Funds for early-warning systems, building resilience, and protecting marine areas were also made available.

One such initiative is the Great Blue Wall Initiative, which aims to protect marine areas to combat the effects of climate change and global warming. Egypt, for example, announced protection for the entire Great Fringing Reef in the Red Sea, creating a 2000km Marine Protected Area (MPA).

Stepping Forward, Together

COP27 hosted a Youth and Children Pavilion, recognizing young people as stakeholders in designing and implementing climate policies. The enthusiasm for a just energy transition, with renewable energies taking center stage, was another notable milestone.

counted 130 countries joining the Global Methane Pledge during COP27. By the summit's end, that number swelled to 150 countries. The shipping industry, too, witnessed significant momentum, with nations and companies announcing plans to support the Green Shipping Challenge and the EU's "Fit for 55" package proposal including the first carbon market for shipping.

The ocean remains a crucial battleground in our fight against climate change. As more people realize this, we're witnessing a surge in initiatives aimed at protecting the ocean and ensuring its health. Despite lingering tensions and setbacks, progress at COP27 offers a glimmer of hope for all. Let's continue to act, wherever and however we can, to secure a healthier, greener future for our planet and its oceans.

The conference at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, highlighted the need for stronger financing measures, leading to the establishment of a marine protected area for the Great Fringing Reef in the Red Sea.
A key focus of COP27 was the marine protected area, which aims to combat the effects of climate change and global warming through a 'Great Blue Wall Initiative'.
The science of climate change is increasingly being recognized, but COP27 underscored the lack of seriousness in limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as the final decision made no mention of phasing down fossil fuels.
To address climate change, renewable energy sources are increasingly being prioritized, as evidenced by the surge in countries joining the Global Methane Pledge and the shipping industry's plans to support the Green Shipping Challenge.
In the field of environmental science, preserving coral reefs is crucial in the fight against climate change. COP27's funding for early-warning systems and building resilience will help protect these important ecosystems.
The politics of climate change are complex, but COP27 demonstrated that progress can be made through international collaboration and the involvement of younger generations, as demonstrated by the Youth and Children Pavilion's recognition of young people as stakeholders in climate policy.

Seven victories linked to COP27: Improvements achieved at the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) regarding the ocean.