December 2023
03
Hope and compromise at COP28 Woodwell scientists recap key highlights of this year’s COP Sarah Ruiz
Science Writer/Editor
COP28, the annual meeting of United Nations delegates to set goals and report progress on addressing climate change, closed last week in Dubai after a two-week rollercoaster that was both promising and discouraging. When weak draft language surfaced, just a few days before negotiations were set to close, shying away from any clear call to eliminate fossil fuels, the outlook was not optimistic. But nearly overnight, representatives managed to arrive at a deal. For the first time in 28 years of negotiations, the final agreement included a direct reference to the need to “transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly, and equitable manner.” The language is not as strong as many hoped, but it still represents a historic step forward, and came as a positive surprise after controversy surrounding the oil interests of the host country. “We’ve known from COP number one that fossil fuels are a major cause of the problem with respect to climate change, but the reality is that it wasn’t until COP28 that the words ‘fossil fuels’ were actually recognized in the agreement,” says Woodwell Climate
CEO and President, Dr. Max Holmes. “It’s really late in the game, but I think it’s important that this was finally recognized. Yet words are not actions, and much more needs to be done.” International agreements were also made to reduce methane emissions generated by fossil fuel extraction and triple renewable energy by 2030, as well as enact the agreed-upon Loss and Damage fund created last year, which will use contributions from wealthier countries to support those suffering the worst climate-related impacts. Progress also occurred on many smaller stages at COP28. Woodwell Climate had a strong presence, sending 16 scientists and staff to advocate on a variety of issues, including increased ambition in curbing emissions, funding for adaptation measures, action around permafrost and tropical forest issues, and improvements in transparency around carbon markets. Here are some of our key highlights and takeaways from COP28. Protecting tropical forests One core tenet of the Center’s research is protecting and restoring natural ecosystems for both their intrinsic and
climate importance. A check-in on pledges to end deforestation by 2030 shows they are mostly going unmet, but the final agreement did include language that acknowledged the importance of “protecting, conserving, and restoring forests,” which Woodwell Carbon Program Director Dr. Wayne Walker notes was another significant inclusion this year. “Nature has a tremendous role to play and that’s really what this section is trying to emphasize: the importance of bringing nature to bear in the mitigation conversation alongside transitioning away from fossil fuels,” says Dr. Walker. Woodwell Climate used this year’s COP to build and deepen partnerships that advance efforts to protect the carbonstorage powerhouses that are tropical forests. For example, Woodwell Climate hosted a discussion with Health in Harmony and Pawanka Fund about the power of investing in Indigenous-led climate solutions. “Woodwell has been partnering increasingly with organizations like Health in Harmony and Pawanka fund, who are really strong advocates of Indigenous self-determination,” says Dr. Walker. “Pawanka Fund is a really great
Left to right: Dr. Glenn Bush, Woodwell Climate; Joan Carling, Pawanka Fund; Dr. Myrna Cunningham, Pawanka Fund; Dr. Wayne Walker, Woodwell Climate, on a COP28 panel hosted by Woodwell Climate. / photo by Heather Goldstone
