Episode
24

COP26, What's Next?

December 1, 2021
|
Duration:
3450438
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In This Episode:

Join energy coaches David Arkell, John Pooley, and executive producer Lysandra Naom on our 360 approach on the 2021 United Nations climate change conference, COP26. This week on the podcast, we discuss the trends and hot topics of COP26 in detail. We dive into what was actually achieved at COP, what remains urgent for us to still achieve, and hot takes that you won't hear anywhere else. Tune in to catch the background of the most important climate negotiations on our planet this year.

Highlights

  • Overview of COP26: The team explains the origins of COP, emphasizing its 26th iteration as a global meeting on climate change where countries discuss and commit to emission reductions.
  • Financial and Logistical Scope: COP26 involved over 40,000 attendees and incurred costs of around CAD $200 million. Delegates from 197 countries discussed ambitious climate targets, generating both skepticism and optimism.
  • Youth Involvement and Perspectives: Youth representatives shared concerns over limited influence and the lack of legally binding climate agreements. The episode explores the generational responsibility felt by youth for future climate outcomes.
  • Impact of Fossil Fuel Industry: With 500 representatives from fossil fuel companies, the sector's involvement raises questions about its role and influence in shaping climate policy.
  • Outcomes and Future Goals: Agreements include commitments to phase down coal, improve carbon markets, and provide financial support to developing countries. However, many believe the outcomes fall short of what’s needed for the 1.5°C goal.

Key Insights

  • Global Responsibility vs. Individual Nations: Balancing global climate targets with national interests proves challenging, especially as countries like Australia step back from commitments due to economic pressures.
  • Youth Expectations for Action: Youth leaders express frustration with non-binding pledges. The episode highlights a call for governments to make legally binding commitments to ensure progress.
  • Financial Realities of Climate Action: Developing countries require significant funding to adapt to climate impacts, with the COP26 pledge falling short of what many experts deem necessary.
  • Carbon Markets and Regulations: The team discusses Article 6 from the Paris Agreement, which seeks to create transparent and standardized carbon markets. This change could help track and verify carbon credits.
  • Moving Forward Post-COP26: The episode concludes with hope that future COP events, such as COP27 in Egypt, will build on these discussions, stressing the need for accountability, diversity in representation, and urgency.
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