Record heat adds urgency to mission of COP28
Record heat adds urgency to mission of COP28
NEWSLETTER, Nov. 2023—CCI's focus at COP28; People's Pavilion opens Nov. 29; Talanoa Dialogue on redirecting financial flows; CCI volunteers honored for their work.
When the calendar flips at the end of December, it is all but certain that 2023 will be the hottest year ever recorded. In fact, for one day in November, the world breached a major threshold that set off alarm bells: Global temperatures averaged 2 degrees Celsius above the baseline established when we started burning fossil fuels. These disconcerting developments provide the backdrop for the United Nations Climate Change Conference — also known as COP28 — that is happening in the United Arab Emirates capital of Dubai. With the world still falling short on efforts to reduce heat-trapping gases in time to avert the worst consequences of climate change, the Dubai summit provides an opportunity for the nations of the world to assess progress — or lack thereof — on those efforts, to shore up commitments on emissions reductions and to help nations struggling with the impact of climate catastrophes. Citizens' Climate International's delegation at COP28 is providing the space for people everywhere to have a voice in these negotiations, and we are working to ensure that everyone enjoys the right to a livable future.
CCI’s focus at COP28
Citizens’ Climate International is on the ground at COP28 in Dubai, where the UN Climate Change Conference is attempting to get the world back on track to reduce the planet-warming pollution that is already pushing many places beyond the “Goldilocks Zone” of a livable climate. To support this, CCI is focusing on Action for Climate Empowerment (climate civics), Article 6.8 Non-Market Cooperation, Food Systems Transformation, Capital to Communities, and Climate-Resilient Trade.
Whether you’re a registered delegate for COP28 in Dubai or tracking negotiations online, the People’s Pavilion is a great place to follow what’s happening and engage in conversations about a multitude of issues that COP28 seeks to resolve. The Pavilion launches with a grand opening on November 29. You can register for this event here.
One of the biggest issues being negotiated at COP28 is the Loss and Damage Fund to assist and compensate countries struggling with the devastating impact of climate change. Compared to wealthier countries, most of these nations contributed very little to the elevated level of greenhouse gas emissions that is warming our world, and so the Loss and Damage Fund is generally viewed as a matter of climate justice.
CCI volunteer activities
Ghana: In November, CCI’s Africa Regional Coordinator, David Michael Terungwa, led an advocacy training to prepare volunteers in Ghana to lobby their government. The training included the five levers of political will, lobbying and developing an ask. One of the asks considered was to support climate income in the National Climate Change Act. Michael said the training became a lobby meeting of sorts because it was attended by several members of Ghana’s Parliament. One of the MPs commended CCI for bringing lobbying to Ghana, noting that “effective engagement with the political class is very important for climate action and for development… He offered the full support of the parliament to CCI.”
UK: During their November national meeting, CCL UK welcomed guest speaker Molly Scott Cato, the UK Green Party’s Finance and Economic spokesperson and a member of the European Parliament from 2014 to 2020. Molly explained the Green Party’s carbon pricing policy, which currently comes close to the Climate Income policy advocated by CCL UK. There was a great discussion on the merits of carbon pricing with and without dividends.
Talanoa Dialogue on redirecting financial flows
In preparation for COP28, CCI hosted our third Global Talanoa Dialogue on Nov. 21 with a focus on redirecting financial flows. CCI volunteers from Africa, Asia, North America, the Pacific, and both Western and Eastern Europe shared their perspectives and concerns. In a series of short videos, our leaders from across the globe talked about shifting money in a way that makes our planet prosperous and fair for everyone using the Talanoa Dialogue method. The event was viewed live by 97 people and 60 have since watched the recording.
CCI Program Director Cathy Orlando said, “After experiencing the Talanoa Dialogue, one big take-home message for me is that the complex global crises of pollution and inequality are multidimensional and will require complex solutions and interwoven narratives to solve them. Consequently, we must be wary of politicians and organizations spouting simple narratives. Here is the beautiful thing about what we're going through collectively: if we do our work of deep listening, the crises we face will teach us how to grow our minds, hearts, and spirits.”
Watch these powerful and informative dialogues in their entirety.
Honored for their climate work
David Michael Terungwa
In Nigeria, CCI Africa Regional Coordinator David Michael Terungwa was honored with Climate Reality Project’s Green Ring award, which was presented by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. Michael was also recognized by the Environmental Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria for his contribution to climate action.
Sophia Mathur
In Canada, Sudbury volunteer Sophia Mathur has been recognized by Corporate Knights as one of the Top 30 Sustainability leaders under 30. On Oct. 11, the International Day of the Girl, Sophia was welcomed into an international community of 37 of girls and non-binary young leaders working to change the world by the Women of the World Foundation in the United Kingdom.
Coming up
Join us for the Global Gathering at COP28 where we’ll share stories and the latest projections of where greenhouse gases are heading. Participants can also ask questions. Register for this event here.
CCI Group Leader Global Check-In Calls the second Tuesday of the month. Leaders please check your emails.
CCI Get-To-Know-Us Calls return the third Wednesday of the month. Go here for registration details.
