COP27: breakthrough on compensation; frustration on emissions

Fraught negotiations at the COP27 in Egypt produced a landmark deal. This should see vulnerable countries compensated for the acute damage caused by climate change. Under the new framework agreement, richer countries will pay into a “loss and damage” fund, which poorer countries suffering some of the worst effects of climate change will be able to draw on. This could help tiny islands where rising sea levels pose an existential threat or countries facing more severe weather events.

Who pays?

It is hoped the new fund will be launched during 2023. Key details are still to be agreed, including who precisely foots the bill and which countries are defined as vulnerable. A critical point of contention is that developed countries want China, currently the world’s biggest carbon polluter, to pay into the fund.

No fossil fuel ban

Despite this landmark agreement, many will remember COP27 for its lack of progress on fighting the causes of global warming. India pushed a plan to end the use of all fossil fuels, but this was blocked by strong opposition from oil producers such as Saudi Arabia and Russia. 

Keeping 1.5°C alive

Scientists warned that the world is currently significantly behind where it needs to be, if the goal of limiting global warming to no more than 1.5°C is to be reached. It would require a 45% cut to emissions before 2030, in order to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The can has been kicked down the road to COP28 in Dubai next year. And nations might have to commit to more ambitious reductions in emissions if the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement is to be kept alive.