Analysis of COP28: There’s a considerable gap between EU’s rhetoric on climate leadership and reality
By Faraz Khan, CEO & Partner, Spectreco
During the recently held COP28 Dubai, the European Union pursued a four-pronged strategy to address climate change.
This included prioritizing the phasing out of fossil fuels and increasing renewable energy capacity and efficiency.
The EU also emphasized immediate emissions reductions, focused on adaptation to climate change for both itself and its global partners, and underscored the importance of climate finance to address loss and damage, particularly from those with the means to contribute.
In essence, the EU aimed to take a leading role in global efforts to combat climate change by advocating for decisive action and collaborative solutions.
But, despite the laudatory tone struck by leaders such as European Union President Ursula von der Leyen at COP28, doubts persist: Is Europe’s ambitious target of a 43% reduction in global emissions by 2030 more aspirational than practical?
The gap between rhetoric and action raises concerns about the actual impact of European leadership on the ground. Can the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge translate into tangible progress toward a sustainable future?
The answer, unfortunately, appears to be in the negative. Why? Let’s dive deep into it.
European policies fall short
The Climate Action Tracker (CAT) assessment for 2023 indicates that the European Union has made progress with policies like the “Fit for 55” package, yet falls short in a comprehensive strategy to combat climate change by 2030.
Despite increased emissions reduction targets and strengthened renewable energy goals, ongoing investments in fossil fuel infrastructure undermine decarbonization efforts, leading to an overall “Insufficient” rating by CAT.
The absence of an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) highlights a gap between policy adoption and commitment.
What steps can the EU take to align its actions with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target?
The evaluation suggests halting fossil fuel investments, updating the NDC for a 61% emissions reduction by 2030, increasing climate finance, and refining the net-zero target.
While policies are deemed “Almost Sufficient,” how can the EU further strengthen targets and implement necessary measures to meet a 1.5°C trajectory?
Collective wisdom and political will is of utmost importance in this regard.
Formidable challenges in Europe
The COP28 deal to transition away from fuels encounters formidable challenges within the complex web of Europe’s political landscape.
As deep divisions persist between Western and Eastern Europe, and Northern and Southern Europe, a critical question arises: How can rational decision-making prevail amid such entrenched regional disparities?
The active resistance by populist parties further compounds the issue, prompting a reflection on whether the conventional EU strategy of depoliticizing contentious matters through technocratic negotiations is conducive to navigating this multifaceted challenge.
Given the imperative to preserve democratic consent, one must critically examine if alternative approaches, such as bolstering public support for a just climate transition and enhancing democratic participation, offer more effective solutions.
In this context, the analytical lens should scrutinize not just the hurdles presented by Europe’s political schisms but also explore the viability and efficacy of unconventional strategies in securing the necessary democratic legitimacy for the successful implementation of the COP28 deal.
Similarly, Inadequate climate policy management widens divisions between the EU and national governments, exacerbating tensions across various societal dimensions.
Aligning policies with COP28 deal
The recent COP28 deal offers a crucial opportunity for an effective transition away from fossil fuels, fostering greater integration and collective action.
Recognizing climate change as the paramount threat, the EU must swiftly align its policies with the COP28 deal, preparing for the forthcoming challenges.
Public support for climate policy, shared by over ninety percent of Europeans and a majority in the United States, underscores the need for effective communication and balanced implementation to address concerns about disproportionate expenditures.
Moreover, the European Union’s engagement at the conference prompts a nuanced reflection on its approach to addressing the global challenges posed by climate change.
While the EU commenced the event with commitments to support the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund, the pledged amount i.e $245 million, though in the millions, fell short of the required billions for optimal capitalization.
Additionally, this year witnessed a noticeable gap in commitments to the Adaptation Fund and scaling up adaptation finance, which appears incongruent with the EU’s stated ambition, as articulated in its COP28 position, to play a leading role in these endeavors.
This divergence between expressed intent and tangible outcomes suggests a need for further dialogue and collaborative efforts to ensure alignment with the ambitious goals set for climate action.
A Whole-of Europe approach is needed
Europe needs a Whole-of-Europe approach to make things right.
The recent research by the Joint Research Center (JRC) on regional readiness for climate change in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain challenges expectations. German and Italian regions defy historical trends and emerge as the best prepared, while Poland, France, and Spain show lower readiness.
The study also highlights the diverse performance of European regions, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies. It establishes a link between readiness, risk, innovation, and skilled workforce, indicating that more developed regions are better prepared. Policymakers must consider these differences to foster a united front against climate change.
The EU must promptly integrate COP28 outcomes into domestic policies, revise the NDC with ambitious measures, strictly adhere to scientific guidelines, commit unequivocally to eliminating fossil fuels from the energy framework, and establish explicit timelines, including phasing out coal by 2030, gas by 2035, and oil by 2040.
Read the full article here: https://impactinsider.dk/analysis-of-cop28-the-eus-rhetoric-on-climate-leadership-fails-in-the-face-of-reality/