COP23 in Bonn has now entered the second and last week. It is a so-called technical COP, so it is not expected to make major thorough decisions.
Nevertheless, it is an important meeting because it will lay the foundation for next year’s meeting – COP24 in Katowice, Poland. It is often that way the UN system works – slowly and methodically. The breakthrough during COP21 in Paris gave the big frame, which is now being filled, partly from last year’s COP22 in Marrakesch and partly this year in Bonn.
Of course, it is not true that, although there is not much at stake this year, there is peace and tolerance. Jens Mathias Clausen from Greenpeace says that one of the fights is what should happen before 2020, when the Paris agreement comes into force. The thing is that until 2020, it is actually the rich countries, which has promised to reduce their emissions, and after 2020 reductions will apply to all countries based on the climate plans agreed by the countries.
However, ambitions are slowing up to 2020, and in fact it is apparent today that the total CO2 emissions for 2017 will again rise for the first time in three years. Of course, this is worrying, because the less it is reduced now, the greater the reductions will be after 2020.
At the same time there is discussion about the finances for climate improvements. It is not very easy for the countries to come to the pockets to help at that point, and the same applies to the money to be devoted to replacing the life base for the people who have to leave their homes because of climate change.
So talk and discuss goes on here in Bonn, and this will last until Friday, where there is hopefully an adopted text, as the result of this year’s cop.
Hello Jesper, I am following your web and “news” and I agree, meetings like the COP23 in Bonn are important, and the decision they took in Bonn is important too…
However, why 2020 and not earlier? I do understand that all is linked to an important industry not being able to change their manufacturing before 2020, and whatever statements they have in order to slow down the necessary changes. I am not sure, whether the judges were/are able to assess the dimension…
I would like to compare it to a big wound we are causing to this planet. When we have a wound, we immediately take measures to heal the wound. Why 2020 then?
They were too much focused on the “diesel engines” only. What about the “fine dust” of the brake maneuvers, abrasion of other parts, combustion of fireplaces, etc. etc.
Why can’t we have already electric cars in all city centers, price-wise available for all people? (..this could create jobs too, by the way). This moves far too slow, far too many excuses, not thinking also of the possibilities: “immediate actions to reduce pollution”, “WASTE-WATER-ENERGY” can create jobs. Yes, we need to invest, yes, it isn’t easy. But all industries need to start acting now, even if it is difficult. Why 2020 and not now, starting different angles and topics to achieve the big goal soon. I am disappointed. I expected more.