Solidarity Remains Key – A Thriving Earth Ecosystem
27th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change- UNFCCC (COP27)
6 – 18 November 2022, Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
In different parts of the world, the effects of climate change are being witnessed everyday as extremely heavy rains, rising sea levels, melting polar ice, water scarcity, declining biodiversity, floodings & catastrophic storms, severe fires and intense droughts are becoming more frequent. Waking up to the reality of the effects of global warming, the month of July became an unforgettable one for most of Europe as heatwave gripped much of the continent with record high temperatures never experienced before. People kept off the streets to escape the heat wave. Wildfires caused devastating losses as they ravaged many homes including the natural habitat for various plant and animal life. According to various scientists, these fires were driven by heat worsened by climate change. The build-up of CO2 from burning fossil fuels has made heat waves more intense and more frequent across the globe. Not only did the unexpected devastating effects make the news headlines 24/7 in most European countries, but heightened the urgent global call to each country’s commitment to tackling the effects of climate change. The contribution of nature to human existence and well-being cannot continue unnoticed.
Despite half of the world’s economy significantly dependent on nature, this sector has received very little investment thus far. Accessing climate finance especially for developing and climate vulnerable countries remains a challenge. From the 6th to 18th of November, the coastal city of Sharm el-Sheikh is hosting the largest annual gathering on climate action. Climate activists, politicians, diplomats, Heads of State, ministers, civil society representatives and CEOs will converge as Egypt assumes the incoming Presidency of COP 27. Each year a different country becomes the Conference of Parties (COP) president, in charge of organizing and running that year’s meeting. There is immense expectation of Egypt’s representation of Africa to help overcome barriers to finance and build long-term climate action capacity of vulnerable economies. Building up on the last climate conference, every representative seeks to tackle this global challenge by providing innovative solutions and being a voice of advocacy with the hope of affecting the outcomes. Solidarity remains key in achieving a thriving earth’s ecosystem.
“…We’re the first generation to feel the impact of climate change, we’re the last generation that can do something about it. We only get one home. We only get one planet. There’s no plan B…”
Barack Obama
