Outcomes

"May those taking part in the Conference be strategists capable of considering the common good and the future of their children, more than the short-term interests of certain countries or businesses. In this way, may they demonstrate the nobility of politics and not its shame."

Pope Francis, Laudate Deum, October 2023

Update so far on COP29

COP29 is entering it's second week and is due to finish this Friday the 22nd November.

Progress in COP29 thus far has been mixed. On Friday a group of influential climate policy experts, including former President Mary Robinson, have stated that “It is now clear that the COP is no longer fit for purpose. We need a shift from negotiation to implementation,” They are looking for stricter controls of where these conferences take place with host countries needing to demonstrate clear support for the COP process and swift climate action. In what is a regular feature at COP there is also huge criticism of the powerful fossil fuel lobbyists which are present at COP and are clearly evident at one. The former US Vice President Al Gore and other leading NGOs have vented their frustration at the conference.

This COP has been labelled the finance COP,  with a history of under-promising as well as under-delivering on the pledged amounts, there is a lot of pressure on this COP to deliver on its climate finance promise. Innovative sources of funding have been suggested as a means to bridge the gap. A solidarity levy on high carbon emitting activities, e.g. cryptocurrencies and frequent fliers, could raise billions of dollars for climate action while redirecting fossil fuel subsidies could release even more funding. Plans are already in place to include a tax on the ultra wealthy at COP30 next year in Brazil, with the implication that the fair distribution of wealth and climate finance will remain on the agenda for some time to come.

In a time when war is constantly on the minds and in the news of our global society, peace was also on the agenda for COP29. However, "(w)hile the impact of climate change on conflict was being stressed, there was less appetite to discuss the impact of conflict on climate change." Considering the magnitude of these impacts this is an obvious abdication of responsibility and not a path which will result in a more peaceful and safer climate and society.

Stop Climate Chaos webinar

As the COP negotiations in Azerbaijan heat up, please join Trocaire, alongside the wider network of SCC which JCFJ is a member of, next Tuesday for a webinar to hear from those most impacted by climate change and the latest from the negotiations. Our partners, the Jesuit Centre for Ecology and Development in Malawi, who are attending COP, will be speaking at this event. We'll also be looking at the Irish elections and how the climate movement in Ireland can keep climate justice high on the agenda with candidates at the doors.

Jesuits for Climate Justice Campaign

The Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice is working together with the Jesuit European Social Centre (EU), Jesuit Missions UK, the Arrupe Centre (Madagascar) and the Jesuit Centre for Ecology and Development (Malawi) on the Jesuits for Climate Justice – COP29 Campaign. We are urging delegates to prioritise three key areas: the effectiveness of the Loss and Damage Fund, climate debt cancellation, and acceleration of a just energy transition.

As part of the Jesuits for Climate Justice – COP29 Campaign campaign there will be a host of resources available including a Guide to COP. You can get involved by sending a letter to your TD or MEP using our template letter. You can keep up to date by subscribing to the JESC bulletin which will include updates from COP attendees, updates on the conference talks and in depth discussion on some of the key issues being discussed during the COP process.   

All resources can also be found on our COP29 website.

You can also follow us on Twitter @JCFJustice and Instagram jcfjustice where we will post  updates and link to articles on our website.