The UN has gathered leaders at the climate change conference in Madrid. A few days into the summit, we learned that global emissions are still rising. Different groups and leaders made presentations and delivered some stark facts. As of now, the global community is failing miserably in tackling the climate- catastrophe.
Climate change conference – What is Cop 25?
If you’re looking for information on the Madrid climate change conference, you’ll invariably stumble upon the term ‘Cop 25’ which stands for 25th UN conference of parties. Over 200 nations are meeting at the summit which runs from 2 until the 13 December. The aim is to develop actionable plans in line with the Paris Agreement, limiting global warming to 1.5°C. But the news pouring in from Madrid paint a depressing picture. Fossil fuel use is still rampant, causing a rise in emissions which contributes to further a temperature increase.
Assessing Real Climate Action
Despite global protests, multiple climate action summits, and government pledges effective and real climate action appears to be in short supply. According to the Global Carbon Project, gas, oil, and coal emissions are continuing to rise. Although the use of coal is diminishing, gas and oil consumption is on the increase. Governments and business leaders are dragging their feet in the creation of radical policies, necessary to tackle climate change. China, the US, and Europe rank at the top of the CO2-list. If Paris Agreement targets are to be met, CO2 emissions need to drop immediately.
Climate change conference – Dominating topics
Carbon consumption, the carbon credit market and carbon emission targets are dominating the discussions at the Madrid summit. Chile and Spain are hoping to commit more nations to set more ambitious targets. In September, Chile, several developing countries, and Europe launched a coalition of nations aiming to achieve zero-emission status by 2050.
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which sets out the rules for carbon credits, remains controversial. As the rules governing the carbon market remain unclear, nations are negotiating its implementation.
While European countries are pushing for more radical action, other countries are reluctant or unwilling to make any further pledges. The US is in the process of withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, while Brazil and Australia are also unwilling to take further action. In contrast, China, Japan, and India are open to discuss more ambitious climate action plans.
Climate action protests scheduled for Friday 6 December
Climate action activists have organised a protest to take place this evening at 6 pm in Madrid. Greta Thunberg is set to attend as the global climate movement continues to thrive. Many scientists and protesters agree that a climate catastrophe cannot be averted unless the political will exists to tackle the issue through legislation and global cooperation.
