In addition to the world climate conference in Belém, Brazil, there was also a second meeting in recent days that provided much to learn about the future of climate policy: American President Trump met with representatives of Saudi Arabia at an investor conference in Washington. Given the vehemence with which Trump and members of his administration oppose renewable energy and his guests in the Gulf selling oil and gas, it is not surprising that the friendship of fossils is celebrated.
It’s no surprise that more than 190 countries spent two weeks in Belem looking for joint ways to curb climate change. But it is still a remarkable achievement. This can be seen from Russia and Ukraine supporting the same decision on the edge of the Amazon delta.
However, even beyond such animosity, common ground in climate diplomacy is quickly depleted. Some 80 countries want to end the use of fossil fuels specifically, many others do not. Therefore, the decision taken was very gentle. The importance of this lies in the realization that even oil and gas producing countries do not consider it appropriate to avoid climate conferences or sabotage them completely.
Climate diplomacy must change
Do opponents of a shift away from traditional energy structures get this luxury because they are not afraid of decisions taken at climate conferences? What works against this is how fiercely they fight for every word. Anyone comparing forecasts before the Paris Agreement in 2015 with today cannot ignore the fact that CO is in the shadow of the agreement.2-Emissions increase more slowly. This is not only the result of negotiations, but also. When countries fulfill their obligations and present national climate plans, they signal to society and companies the direction they will take.
But now more and more countries are ignoring the deadline – without many countries gathering in Belém to talk about it. This shows that “Paris” has exceeded a certain limit. Climate diplomacy must change.
So far, after the climate conference, what has not been prevented is more interesting than what states have decided to do. In the long term, this is not enough to build a UN tent city. Most importantly, it is not enough to do the job. Without the cooperation of countries, climate change will not be curtailed – humanity has long failed to prevent it.
The destruction of Europe
Therefore, in the future we must adapt more to unavoidable consequences. And also about who pays the costs. As an attractive migration destination, Europe is not interested in global destabilization, which will become more severe as average temperatures rise further. But adaptation is not the only solution. Only if emissions start falling soon will costs remain under control.
Brazilians are trying a new kind of conference in the Amazon. In fact, this is not just about new resolutions, but about strengthening existing resolutions and bringing them closer to implementation. The conversation was also confusing. It doesn’t have to be a disadvantage. 194 countries do not need to pay into the rainforest fund for it to function.
If Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva does not lay out a timetable for ending fossil fuel use wholeheartedly and perhaps without coordination with other countries, the conference’s plan of small steps could be successful. Europeans also embarrassed themselves by jumping onto trains leaving for who knows where because of the lack of other important passengers.
In the last plenary session, the EU’s objections were dismissed like those of troublemakers. India, Russia and Saudi Arabia dominated the room. China is by far the largest emitter of CO2-The issuer, rejected the opportunity to play a constructive role from a European perspective. Some say China will have a lot to gain from the roadmap as long as it remains a voluntary initiative of countries where Beijing can sell more green technologies in the future. The Chinese are clearly unwilling to commit.
This does not mean that there is no climate cooperation possible between Europe and China. There are many ideas, for example a small levy on oil and gas, which is not available in large quantities either in China or in other parts of Eurasia and must be purchased from other countries. But Europeans should no longer attend climate conferences without preparation. They don’t have many friends.
