20.12.2022
The 27th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP27) for climate change concluded last month. And while the outcomes may have been disproportionately disappointing, what is evident, writes Dr Paul Toyne, Sustainability Practice Leader, is the role architects and the wider built environment has in making meaningful change. Our megaphone may not be the same as others at COP27 but great strides have and can be made.
COP 27: limited progress
COP27, at Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, failed to deliver what the science tells us is needed: action on cutting emissions. This COP hoped to “keep 1.5 alive” but time is rapidly running out for us to limit global temperature rise to 1.5C or less. The warnings are stark if we let temperatures rise too much (2022 IPCC Report). Just this year in the USA there were 15 climate-related disasters each costing more than $1 billion in damages. At the same time, Pakistan is still coping with its worst floods in history, leaving 1717 people dead and damages costing between $30 and $40 billion. Carbon Brief suggests that 19 million people in Africa have been affected by extreme weather events in 2022 leading to 4000 deaths.
While some delegations pushed hard for stronger commitments on cutting emissions, developing and oil-producing countries still feel that developed countries, those who are historically responsible for the bulk of emissions, should be doing more themselves rather than coercing others. The reality is that little progress was made, with nations failing to agree on language for action related to fossil fuels.
On climate finance there was also little progress. The Global North has failed to deliver $100 billion of climate finance despite this having been ratified at the COP meeting in Paris in 2015. The Global South are also suggesting that these funds need to be nearer the trillion-dollar mark.
Developing a focus
There was some good news, however, with the agreement to create a ‘Loss and Damage’ fund to help the most vulnerable countries. This has been a key issue for almost 30 years, particularly for small island nations that are still developing. The impetus was a modest, voluntary contribution by Scotland at COP26 that has subsequently seen Austria, Belgium, Denmark and New Zealand making financial commitments to loss and damage. That total fund is now at more than $240 mission USD. A goal has now been set to fully operationalize the fund at COP28 in a year’s time in order to expedite support to nations that need it most.
Another positive outcome was an agreement to initiate the development of a framework for adoption at COP28 on the ‘Global Goal on Adaptation’. The scope and how progress will be measured still needs to be worked out. It is a tough challenge, but nevertheless very important as we need to be better prepared to deal with the impacts of climate change that are already locked in.
Elsewhere, work progressed on agriculture and an ecosystem-based approach to carbon sequestration. Countries including Australia and Egypt have formed a coalition looking into a methane pledge aimed at lowering this major climate change contributor. Importantly, China has signaled a commitment to its own concurrent national methane strategy.
Taking a lead
This COP however also seemed to lack the strong political leadership and governance systems which enable consensus, but it need not hinder the progress, goals or aspirations we have as a design and built environment industry. From commitments made through agencies such as the World Green Building Council and the adoption of tools, including Grimshaw’s net zero carbon pathways tool, we know that there is advocacy and action to further the changes we need to see. Designing for functionality and flexibility, considering reuse over new builds, creating resilient and equitable projects as a result can have great impact on whole life carbon. These are all aspects that are integral to the future of our cities and communities and the advancement of our industry – one that has voice which must play into the future.
←
