Loss and Damage: Perspectives from inside and outside the UNFCCC Article While progress is continuing within the framework of the UNFCCC processes, complementary initiatives are also occurring outside of it. In the Philippines, the recent CLIMA Act is a world-first proposed bill targeting business accountability and upholding human rights, and there is also growing international collaboration and actions at national and sub-national levels. By Jameela Joy Reyes
COP27 and Southeast Asia: Loss and Damage, Fossil Fuels, and Just Transition Article Egypt hosted the Conference of Parties (COP) 27 on 6 - 20 November 2022, with the slogan “Together for Implementation”. COP27 was branded as an African COP, and was meant to foreground climate issues that are priorities for African and other developing countries. Accordingly, the main issues during the negotiations at the conference were that of financing for Loss and Damage, Fossil Fuels and Just Energy Transition Partnership. By Julian Theseira
Hope and Absurdity at COP26 Glasgow Opinion COP26 in Glasgow, postponed by one year to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, represented the first major test of the Paris Agreement. Given the significance of COP26, it was essential that it be inclusive so that the views and experiences of civil society, youth, indigenous peoples, trade unions, especially those from the Global South who are already experiencing climate impacts, be heard and considered in the negotiations and decision-making. By Julian Theseira
COP 21 and the Paris Agreement: A Force Awakened Globally, political leaders are lauding the acceptance of the global and legally binding Paris Agreement on Climate Change at COP 21 as a historical moment. It achieves a goal long believed unattainable. However, judged against the enormity of the challenge and the needs and pressure from people on the ground demanding a global deal anchored in climate justice (“system change, not climate change!”), the Paris Agreement can only be called a collective failure and disappointment. Read a critical assessment by hbs colleagues from around the world. By Lili Fuhr