The Bonn Climate Change Conference, which took place from June 6 to June 16, 2023, has concluded with mixed results. While progress was made on some fronts, such as the establishment of a new fund to help developing countries transition to renewable energy, there were also setbacks, such as the lack of agreement on how to address the issue of loss and damage caused by climate change.
One of the most notable developments during the conference was the release of a report by Carbon Brief, a UK-based climate news website. The report highlighted the fact that despite growing pressure from investors and activists, Shell, one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, remains committed to fossil fuels. The report noted that Shell plans to invest $200 billion in oil and gas projects over the next five years, while only allocating $2 billion to renewable energy.
This news is particularly concerning given the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that global emissions must be cut in half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050 in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Another alarming development during the conference was the announcement that on June 16, 2023, an unprecedented level of ocean heat was recorded. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the average global ocean temperature on that day was 1.5 degrees Celsius above the 20th-century average. This is a significant increase from the previous record set in 2020, which was 1.2 degrees Celsius above the average.
The warming of the oceans has serious implications for marine ecosystems and the millions of people who rely on them for food and livelihoods. It also contributes to sea level rise, which threatens coastal communities around the world.
Despite these challenges, there were also positive developments during the conference. The establishment of the new fund to help developing countries transition to renewable energy is a step in the right direction, as is the growing momentum behind the push for a just transition to a low-carbon economy that prioritizes workers and communities.
Overall, the Bonn Climate Change Conference highlighted both the urgent need for action on climate change and the challenges that lie ahead. It is clear that we must continue to push for bold and ambitious action from governments, businesses, and individuals if we are to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and create a sustainable future for all.
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