With less than a week to the beginning of COP28, we would like to share our position on the objectives of the conference. Below, we present ten demands, highlighting the urgency and multi-dimensional nature of the climate crisis.
Our stance is informed by The Climate Reality Project’s positioning on the upcoming COP28, Climate Action Network Europe’s “Manifesto on Fossil-free, Socially-just, and Climate-neutral Europe”, and the European Parliament’s Resolution on COP28.
Immediate and ambitious climate action. We emphasize the critical need for immediate and substantial actions to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This necessitates deep and rapid emission reduction before 2030 - we need to accelerate from the currently estimated 0.3% reduction by 2030 (based on existing Nationally Determined Contributions of the parties to COP), to at least 43% reduction within that period.
Strengthening national climate commitments: We urge all countries, especially developed ones, to improve their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). We aim to see the European Union achieve at least -65% gross (-76% net) emission reductions by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2040.
Transition to renewable energy and enhanced energy efficiency: We advocate for a decisive shift towards renewable energy sources and significant advancements in energy efficiency. This transition must include the cessation of fossil fuel subsidies and investment and a systematic phase-out of coal, oil, and gas, culminating in a 100% renewable energy system by 2040 in the European Union.
Prioritizing adaptation and resilience: We stress the importance of adaptation strategies and resilience building against climate impacts, including ecosystem-based adaptation and protecting, restoring and enhancing Europe’s natural carbon sinks.
Scaling up international climate finance: We recognize the financial requirements of climate action, especially for developing countries, and call for the fulfillment of the $100 billion climate finance commitment annually throughout 2020-2025, as well as adopting a post-2025 climate finance framework, as well as fair contribution to the Loss and Damage Fund. We advocate for urgent debt and tax justice action through substantial reforms in international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
Ensuring a just and equitable transition: We are committed to advocating for a fair and inclusive transition, supporting communities and regions most affected by the shift from fossil fuels and emphasizing the creation of climate-neutral jobs in sustainable industries.
Strengthening global climate cooperation: We underscore the necessity for enhanced global cooperation and reform of COP processes to prevent fossil fuel interests from influencing climate policy. We support equitable participation in climate decision-making, emphasizing the involvement of local communities, civil society, youth, and Indigenous Peoples.
Coherent and integrated climate policies: We advocate for policy coherence across sectors, ensuring that climate action is aligned with broader economic, social, and environmental objectives, including in trade, agriculture, energy, and finance.
Advocating for transparency and accountability: We call for increased transparency and accountability in climate action. This includes addressing potential conflicts of interest in climate negotiations and holding all stakeholders accountable for their climate commitments, including governments and businesses.
Calling for humanitarian dimensions of climate ambition. We acknowledge that the Global Stocktake (GST, part of the Paris Agreement) incorporates considerations of human rights, gender equality, and intergenerational justice, urging all Parties to the UNFCCC to reflect these human rights dimensions in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).