Looking back at COP28 - What has been acheived?

The buzz began even before I reached Dubai to attend events in week two of the conference as the launch of the welcomed Loss and Damage Fund was announced. Contributions from the United Arab Emirates, European Union, United Kingdom, United States of America, Germany and Japan accounted to just over $500 million in week one, with over $700 million pledged by the end of the two weeks; although a good start, this seems like a drop in the ocean when considering that vulnerable countries may face as much as $580 billion in climate-related damages by 2030.

On day six I attended a fringe event at the Climate Innovation Forum around Public Private Partnership for Finance which gave a message of hope, if we innovate. In the context of the need to move from ‘words’ to ‘action’, the panel members spoke of the need for private finance and private investments to be creative, to be bold, and to share ‘risks’ of climate finance. They highlighted that about $50 trillion available through pension funds, with public private partnerships and innovative products, could be creatively unlocked to finance projects in countries that are vulnerable to the effects of climate change. 

That evening that followed day six was an interesting one; at the GHD Justified Event there were stimulating discussions around how the energy transition should, and can, be a just transition. In addition to the need to effectively engage with indigenous communities and their elders as a key activity in the energy transition, the discussions also emphasised the need to engage with children to challenge our concept of what success looks like in our society, which could have a profound influence on material consumption.

Day nine of the conference was focused on nature and I attended the UN Global Compact Workshop on Biodiversity and Nature Think Lab. The inextricable link between nature and climate was repeated several times at many of the events I participated in, and was a key part of the Global Stocktake text. In the context of climate adaptation, there was explicit reference in the Global Stocktake to significantly reduce climate-induced water scarcity, reduce climate impacts on ecosystems, and to accelerate the use of nature-based solutions - this was great to see! For a practitioner like me who works with businesses that relate to nature in some shape or form, this was fantastic as it helps reinforce conversations around systems thinking and to support the move away from thinking in siloes when considering environmental impacts and topics.

My last event at the UK Pavilion on the Nature Day was inspiring and focused on supporting science and evidence-based approaches to climate action. The session provided an update on the AmazonFACE (Free Air Carbon dioxide Experiment), which is a massive-scale open-air laboratory in the middle of the Amazon forest. The project will provide evidence on how plants in forests are likely to respond to increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, particularly around their capacity to act as carbon sinks. Results from this experiment will support the development of credible, evidence-based responses to climate mitigation and will help inform the development of climate adaptation strategies.

Businesses have a key role in addressing the cause and effect of climate change in several ways - from pitching in finance, to shaping strategies that enable a just energy transition that respects the livelihoods of associated communities, to pursuing development that consciously drives a nature-positive future and which respects youth, children, people and indigenous knowledge. This all must be backed by scientific knowledge and led by environmental professionals.

• COP28's Buildings Breakthrough Agenda (2023) sets the stage: This ambitious framework provides a high-level target to ensure that near zero emissions and resilient buildings are the new normal by 2030.
• The Declaration De Chaillot (2024) establishes the high-level actions that need to be taken: This declaration by signatories covering over 60% of global GDP will solidify commitments, turning intention into coordinated action by providing greater detail on what specific actions need to be taken, and how they will be implemented.
• World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Market Transformation Agenda (2024) works to align industry in addressing climate change: This agenda facilitates collaboration and progress, especially regarding whole-life carbon and greenhouse gas emissions throughout the value chain. 
• Global convergence: This convergence, supported by policymakers, governments and organizations, has the potential to transform how we build, and along with the recent launch of guidance for valuing ESG by RICS, signals a much-needed step forward.

As the Delegation Lead for the IES at COP28, and a speaker at both COP28 and the Buildings and Climate Global Forum in Paris, I experienced the development of the groundwork for this pivotal change firsthand. There's a growing sense of purpose and determination among stakeholders to tackle the challenges of creating a sustainable built environment. More importantly, there is a real drive to streamline efforts, to establish a common framework and technical language and to ensure we accelerate action in this critical decade for the planet. 

By aligning goals and establishing clear objectives, these initiatives will boost confidence within the built environment sector. In my view, this will empower businesses and investors to:

• Make informed decisions: Clear sustainability goals and metrics through initiatives such as buildings passports will allow for informed decision-making and support the transition to environmentally sound buildings.
• Transact with ESG values considered: ESG factors will take centre stage. Investment decisions which consider sustainability will become the norm as part of business-as-usual risk mitigation and clear ESG value points will unlock investment into brown to green refurbishments.
• Collaborate effectively: Standardized frameworks will enable seamless communication and collaboration throughout the building lifecycle, leading to streamlined sustainability efforts and accelerated action. 

Throughout the conference, food systems gained prominence in critical negotiations, notably in the Global Stocktake and discussions on the Global Goal on Adaptation. This acknowledgment underscores the vital role of agriculture and food systems in mitigating climate change. The launch of the Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation (ACF), spearheaded by Norway, Brazil, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, and Cambodia, aims to catalyse action across key intervention areas, driving forward COP28's outcomes.

A significant milestone was the release of the UN Food & Agriculture Organization's (FAO) Global Roadmap for Sustainable Food Systems. This comprehensive framework outlines targets for sustainable crop and livestock production, reduction of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, mitigation of food loss and waste, and promotion of plant-based diets. Such initiatives are crucial for steering food systems towards resilience in the face of climate change.

Alongside the national declarations, non-state actors also made substantial commitments. More than 200 entities, including companies, private organisations, farmers, and indigenous groups, pledged to act on food systems through a 'Call to Action' as facilitated by the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions. This demonstrates a broad-based commitment to addressing food-related challenges beyond governmental initiatives.

In addition to policy and advocacy efforts, financial commitments were made to support sustainable food systems. Governments, foundations, and other stakeholders pledged financial resources towards implementing solutions for a more resilient and climate-resilient food systems. However, translating these promises into tangible actions and outcomes remains a critical challenge.

Looking ahead, the focus shifts to delivery and implementation. Subsequent COPs, such as COP29 in Azerbaijan and COP30 in Brazil, will provide opportunities to monitor progress, evaluate effectiveness, and communicate achievements. It is imperative to ensure that these commitments are met with urgency and transparency, with stakeholders being held accountable for their promises.

Furthermore, integrating food systems considerations into professional practices across sectors is essential. Environmental professionals must mainstream food systems issues into their work, aligning with ethical standards and competencies. This will be crucial for driving meaningful change and ensuring that food and agriculture remain at the forefront of climate change discourse.

In summary, COP28 was a significant milestone in recognizing the intersection of food, agriculture, and climate change. The commitments made by nations, non-state actors, and international organisations underscore the urgency of addressing food-related challenges in the face of climate change. Now, the collective responsibility lies in translating these commitments into concrete actions that lead to a more sustainable and resilient food system for all.