CIDOB Opinion 745 from December 2022 discusses the COP27 conference, particularly focusing on the contrast between the commitment of cities and the limits of nation-states in addressing climate change. The conference's outcomes highlighted the significant influence of the fossil fuels industry, emphasizing the imbalance in power dynamics between those advocating for climate action and those opposing energy transitions.
Key points:
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COP27 Outcome: The conference was marked by a positive development in establishing a compensation fund for climate damages in vulnerable countries, but it fell short on ambitious goals. The final declaration did not include a phased reduction of all fossil fuels' usage nor a clear call to peak global emissions by 2025 and rapidly decrease thereafter.
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Industry vs. Cities Influence: Cities were outmatched in terms of representation at the conference compared to the fossil fuels industry. Over 600 industry lobbyists were part of the delegations, with the United Arab Emirates leading this list. This imbalance heavily influenced the final declaration, removing necessary emission reduction mentions and introducing vague terms like "low-emission energy" and "clean energy mix," which potentially permit continued emissions through methods like gas combustion.
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Ambition Gap: The pledges made by nations under the Paris Agreement are insufficient, aiming for a 2.5°C global warming by the end of the century, which exceeds the safe limit of 1.5°C. In contrast, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy predicts a reduction of 4.1 GtCO2e in global emissions by 2050 through city-level mitigation goals, equivalent to 80% of the annual emissions of the United States, the second-largest emitter globally.
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Influence of Fossil Fuels Industry: The dominance of the fossil fuels industry is attributed to its substantial lobbying power, estimated to account for 85% of global subsidies. The ownership of 19 out of the 26 largest oil and gas companies by nations further reinforces this industry's ability to influence policies, as it operates within a market shaped by public-private interests.
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Cities' Role: Cities are pivotal in climate action, representing over 67%-72% of global emissions. Their growing importance in an increasingly urban world suggests that their role will expand. Nations' inability to act alone necessitates a reevaluation of global governance systems to promote collaborative efforts that leverage cities' high commitment levels.
In summary, the COP27 conference showcased the disparity between the ambition of cities in tackling climate change and the limitations posed by nation-states' defense of national sovereignty, especially in the face of powerful industries. Cities, despite their commitment, are outmatched in influencing policy outcomes, highlighting the need for a systemic shift in global governance towards fostering collaboration among cities and nations.
