Explainer | COP27: what’s on the UN climate talks agenda
- There’s an awful lot to talk about at the conference in Egypt, including how to protect our forests and how to pay for more clean energy
- But it’s far from easy; other issues include energy disruption caused by war, and compensation and adaptation funds
The UN climate conference taking place in Egypt until November 18 has much to discuss, from financing the transition to clean energy to protecting the world’s forests and future-proofing cities.
Here are some of the most-watched topics on the agenda in the sun-baked resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where forecasters have warned of a possible sixth failed rainy season.
Fossil fuels and backsliding
Countries at last year’s COP26 talks agreed for the first time to “phase down” coal production and trim other fossil fuel subsidies. Voluntary side deals also touted plans to curb fossil fuel financing and to limit planet-warming methane emissions, chiefly from the fossil fuel and agriculture industries.
But the energy disruption caused by war in Europe has led several European Union members to reopen or extend coal plants’ life and to lock in liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments. Meanwhile, China continues to approve new coal mines, and Vietnam and Indonesia seek to boost coal production.
The backsliding by major economies on their promises to shift from fossil fuels has led some nations, especially in Africa, to call for a formal recognition that they should be allowed to develop their fossil fuel reserves.
The United Arab Emirates, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) and host of next year’s COP28 talks, has said it will be “a responsible supplier” of oil and gas for as long as the world needs.