What can we expect from COP27?

This week saw the start of COP27, the UN’s CIimate Change Conference, taking place this year in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt from the 6th – 18th November.

The Conference of the Parties (COP) will see global and government leaders from across the world come together to discuss the UN Climate Change goals and progress since COP26 last year. This is the 27th UN Climate Change Conference, in response to the ongoing climate crisis. Each year the conference moves cities – last year it was held in Glasgow.

What are the COP27 targets?

Last year in Glasgow, all countries agreed to work towards net zero carbon emissions and reducing rising global temperatures by 1.5 degrees. Despite this agreement there have been and continue to be many barriers, including finances for each country involved.

This year in Egypt, there is expected to be emphasis on what progress has been made and how these plans can be achieved. With the hashtag #TogetherforTransparency and #TogetherforImplementation, we hope to see progress.

The COP27 targets to be achieved over the timeframe of the conference are heavily influences by the 2015 Paris Agreement and are:

• Mitigation
• Adaption
• Finance
• Collaboration

You can read more details about the targets here: COP27 – Vision & Mission

What can we expect to see happen?

World leaders will be seeking to achieve emissions reduction, scaled-up adaptation efforts and enhanced flows of allocated and sufficient finance, with an understanding that some countries will struggle more with these goals than others. It is expected that we will see a practical action plan on how this can be achieved.

The UK’s Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, issued a statement that the UK has a commitment to become a super energy power, and that the UK will be delivering on its commitment of £11.6billion to tackle climate change, reduce global temperatures and achieve net zero.

How does this affect the Third Sector and global populations?

The climate crisis has continued to be of serious concern the world over. Scientists warn that temperatures are continuing to rise and the effects of this are seen in natural disasters and extreme weather. Just recently, deadly floods have hit Pakistan, devastating the country and plunging thousands of people into deeper poverty. In East Africa, millions continue to suffer severe food insecurity due to long-term drought.

For vulnerable communities around the world, the climate crisis will have a serious impact and claim lives. Those who have contributed the least to the rising global emissions are likely to suffer the most. Ongoing conflict around the world, rising food and energy prices and disrupted supply chains have further impact. For the INGOs and NGOs who serve the most disadvantaged and affected communities, demand and pressure for both emergency response and long-term sustainable aid solutions is increasing.

Responding and battling against increased climate change for these communities, stretches resources for many Aid organisations. Developing climate-aware practice and appropriate emergency response planning remains imperative as we move towards 2023. Increased funding access to support these streams of work and raising awareness amongst donor audience is essential.

MCF provides advice and resources to charities who are seeking support in developing sustainable aid solutions or emergency/programme delivery. We also aim to represent the sector and act as a connection between organisations for collaborative response. Please reach out at info@muslimcharitiesforum.org.uk for more information.