As the curtains close on COP28, a historic echo resounds — the mention of a transition away from fossil fuels. This historic stride, albeit softened by the nature of consensus diplomacy, raises questions about the robustness of newfound commitments. But what do we do with this outcome? What are the next steps? Here are three key takeaways from our project partners.
“We are at a crossroads: this can be the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era, but the true test of success will be the ground-level for actions […].”
With these words, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr underscores the gravity of the choice before us. It’s not just words on paper but a clarion call for ground-level action to address the deep injustices woven into the fabric of fossil fuel expansion and extraction.
Mayor Sadiq Khan amplifies this urgency. His call for immediate, equitable action resonates as a stark choice: act decisively now or face catastrophic consequences.
Acknowledging the limitations of COP28, Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities, positions the organisation as a vanguard in the fight against climate change. While the conference fell short on some fronts, C40 remains at the forefront, ready to collaborate through initiatives like CHAMP.
The call to action is crystal clear: C40 Cities is poised to turn vision into reality.
ClientEarth underlines the power of legal commitment, demanding not just rhetoric but resolute action. The call for a 'Net-zero by 2050' target is unequivocal. Prof. Dr. Hermann Ott’s insistence on swift implementation in laws, taxes, and financial strategies becomes the roadmap. The emphasis is on translating these legal aspirations into tangible commitments, moving beyond vague resolutions.
Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Co-president of The Club of Rome, encapsulates the COP28 outcome:
“The vague acknowledgment that coal, oil, and gas have had their day saves the conference from being a total failure, but the inability of countries to agree to phase out fossil fuels in the face of an ever-worsening climate crisis is proof of a global leadership vacuum and our continued dependency on an extractive economic model.”
She advocates for a 'reset', creating alternative governance forums free from undue influence by petro-actors. The need for institutions rooted in equality and solidarity, equipped to build bridges and find science-based solutions, reverberates as a wake-up call for transformative change.
Bridging the Gap: Your call to fund transformative projects
Post COP28, the call for climate action becomes even louder.
The Climate Solutions Hub emerges as a bridge between rhetoric and tangible change. Join us in turning historic words into transformative action. Find and fund hand-selected and impact-proven climate projects today, and drive the momentum towards a brighter tomorrow.
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This training brings a decade of research on climate communication into practice
Explore projectThis trailblazing event gathers thought leaders to challenge power structures of the fossil era
Explore projectTraining farmers in Borneo to grow one million trees and restore pristine rainforests
Explore projectWorld-renowned climate Laureates inspire social tipping points for global action
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