The EESC vision of COP28: bridging the climate gap with a just transition

Bruxelles – While our planet grapples with the increasingly urgent threat of climate change, we cannot but overstate the significance of the United Nations conference on climate change. At COP28 (November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Dubai), the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will actively participate in annual negotiations, as it has done in previous years.

In 2023, which scientists say has been the hottest year in human history, no part of the world was immune to the consequences of rising temperatures. Yet, despite this overwhelming evidence, there is a massive gap between the policies in place and the measures that need to be taken. During COP 28, there will be the first global stocktake of the implementation of the Paris Agreement. In their response to this review, governments will have the opportunity and responsibility to redefine global ambition.

However, we see with great concern how some actors are working against the objectives of the Paris Agreement by seeking opportunities to expand oil and gas exports and lock countries into fossil fuel dependency. In the EESC’s resolution on ‘Tackling together a threat to our very existence: social partners and civil society in support of ambitious climate action’, adopted in 2022, the EESC emphasized that policy decisions must be based on science and scientific data, called for fossil fuel subsidies to be abolished immediately, and urged the European Commission and EU Member States to take the lead and update nationally determined contributions (NDCs). These messages certainly remain valid and have now become even more urgent.

The EESC delegation to COP28 will engage in meaningful conversations, bilateral meetings, and events calling on the EU institutions and governments to step up climate ambition, in line with science and scientific information, and focusing on the role of organised civil society in accelerating climate action. This year, the EESC is focusing its efforts on two streams of negotiations with the adoption of a contribution to implementing climate action on food and agriculture and one on the just transition work programme.

On agriculture and food security, the EESC is calling for the implementation of three key principles. Firstly, we need a comprehensive policy approach that integrates climate considerations into agricultural and food policies. Secondly, we emphasize the importance of democratising agri-food systems and adopting a rights-based approach to governance. Lastly, we highlight the need to ensure equitable and effective allocation of climate finance to agriculture, supporting initiatives that promote resilience, sustainability, and social justice within the sector. These recommendations align with the broader goal of creating a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable global food system.

Ensuring a just transition is essential for all countries at all levels of development. It is also crucial for all economic sectors – not just energy supply – and for both urban and rural areas. But this is easy to agree with and challenging to implement. On the just transition work programme, the EESC calls for a clear added value to the process, based on a right-based approach and ensuring social dialogue and the active participation of affected communities.

In light of ongoing climate discussions, it is crucial to acknowledge the latest Oxfam report, revealing alarming inequalities in climate impact. According to the report, the richest 1% of the global population emits more planet-heating pollution than the poorest 50%. This stark contrast underscores the urgent need for equitable climate action and emphasizes the importance of addressing socio-economic disparities in the pursuit of a sustainable future.

Beyond the intergovernmental negotiations, I believe that COP28 should serve as a catalyst for a wide range of stakeholders, including businesses, civil society and the scientific community, to engage in ambitious climate action. This inclusivity is crucial, as combating climate change requires a multifaceted approach that leverages the expertise, clear commitment and resources of various sectors.

The outcomes of this conference will have far-reaching implications for the future of our people and planet. The international community must seize this opportunity to strengthen commitments, accelerate climate action, and ensure that the promises made in the Paris Agreement translate into tangible, sustainable results. I hope that COP28 will represent a shared commitment to safeguarding the future of our planet.