The 27th UN climate conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt, from November 6–18 concluded with a historic deal where, for the first time, developed countries agreed to pay for damage and loss to the developing nations that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. However, it fell short of its objectives to reduce emissions and avoid the worst impacts of climate change. While the conference’s outcome was disappointing because it failed to phase out all fossil fuels, there were some significant victories. The next climate conference will determine whether or not the pledges made were successful.
The deal to set up a fund for loss and damage is a breakthrough in climate negotiations Rich nations, as big emitters have finally committed to setting up a climate fund for developing nations with a smaller CO2 footprint. The goal faced significant opposition from wealthy nations, but escalating pressure from nonprofits, growing media attention, developing countries, a relentless and unified approach, and a last-minute reversal from the EU brought the US and other developed countries on board.
The proposal to phase out all fossil fuels, not just coal, and reach peak emissions by 2025 was the conference’s major setback. This was a huge disappointment for environmentalists.
The response from China at Sharm el-Sheikh was also unexpected. China, which has the third-highest carbon emissions per capita in the world, is appealing for funds to combat climate change. Climate activists have disrupted climate conferences and accused government officials of doing little for the planet over the years. This year is no exception, with climate activism activities ranging from throwing liquids in museums and hallways to blocking traffic in Germany.
We host global climate conferences because climate change is a global issue. Everything we do in any country has an impact on the global climate. As a result, without global cooperation, humanity will be unable to overcome climate catastrophe. Regrettably, in order to work in global mutual consideration, we must acquire empathy for all of humanity and rise above each country’s parochial objectives. We are nowhere near such a mindset. Instead, each country attempts to force policies that serve its interests on the rest of the world, resulting in a climate war in which everyone loses. As with any battle, the rich and powerful countries set the tone. They continue to use polluting fuels. They will continue to use fuels that pollute the air and exacerbate climate change, and nothing will stop them unless natural disasters become so severe that all of mankind is forced to adapt. Meanwhile, as a demonstration of good faith, or possibly to acquire the world’s acceptance, they set up “loss and damage” funds to “fix” the harm. Such claims do not fix anything, since everyone knows.
Aside from frigid temperatures and natural calamities, the climate problem has another negative impact: Icebergs that have been frozen for thousands, if not millions, of years, are melting. And buried beneath the ice are innumerable diseases that have resurfaced and against which our bodies have no immunity. Scientists have already given a warning that the next pandemic may potentially result from melting icebergs rather than wild animals or human error.
Indeed, if you analyze all of the world’s challenges today, you will observe that none of them are regional. Climate change is affecting the entire planet, rising energy prices and disrupted supply lines are affecting all of mankind, and even a regional catastrophe, such as the war in Ukraine, has serious global effects. The interconnection that presently affects all of mankind will only worsen until we are unable to make a simple movement, such as breathing, without influencing the entire world. On the bright side, none of our challenges are insurmountable. Every single problem will vanish as if it never happened if we all work together rather than against each other.
Conclusion
As long as the Capitalists expect greater profits in a fossil fuel-dominated industry, it won’t be a real solution. Capitalism and the elites are still at the heart of the issue. That’s what needs to change. This year, the world has witnessed the dire consequences of climate change, from heat waves, droughts, and wildfires to unprecedented rainfall and disastrous floods. It is a huge time to either make a collective effort to save the climate or see its hazards. With what the world has witnessed this year in terms of climate catastrophe, it is needless to say that there is no room for ignorance. It’s now or never.
