COP 28: the verbalisation of an insufficient commitment
On 1 February 2024, INCIPE held the virtual event entitled COP 28: The verbalisation of an insufficient commitment, with the participation of Fernando Ferrando, president of Fundación Renovables. The meeting was presented by the ambassador and secretary general of INCIPE, Manuel Alabart. The presentation was followed by a round of questions moderated by Vicente Garrido, Director General of INCIPE.
Fernando Ferrando began his speech by stressing that we have already exceeded six of the nine limits set by the University of Stockholm for the maintenance of the earth’s health. He went on to point out that, worldwide, in seven months we consume the natural resources of an entire year, and, in the case of Spain, we consume 2,4 times more than our possibilities.
Since the 1950s and the development of the industrial phase, the acceleration in the demand for energy has multiplied eightfold, so we have a serious problem of increasing energy consumption, Ferrando points out. Energy consumption in 20 years has increased by 2,100 kWh per capita, multiplied by 1,700 million more people than in the year 2000 on a global level, a consumption that, moreover, is based on the use of fossil fuels.
Ferrando went on to point out that, in the European Union, the cost of economic losses due to extreme phenomena has been seriously increasing over the last six years; losses which, when transferred to developing countries, are even greater.
Regarding the verbalisation of the acknowledgements of the last COP 28, he recalled that the agreement reached was non-binding for the countries. Furthermore, with regard to the objectives agreed, he stressed that a commitment was made to triple global renewable capacity, but without mentioning the need to electrify demand in order to replace fossil fuels; he also pointed out that it was agreed to accelerate efforts to reduce energy production with coal, but without concrete measures; and that it was agreed to transition, rather than eradicate, in order to leave behind oil, gas and coal.
About the COP 28’s acknowledgements in terms of resources and economic support, the creation of a loss and damage fund, to be managed by the World Bank, stands out, and which, in Ferrando’s opinion, has a small commitment, bearing in mind that the needs are 400 billion, and that the fund is being endowed with 792 million.
Regarding possible solutions, Ferrando stressed that population and economic growth will continue to increase the consumption of energy and materials, and that the growth model based solely on the development of technology is not sufficient, so it is essential to consider whether it is necessary to change the model of production and consumption.
In the last part of the session, a debate took place, in which the participants asked questions on issues such as the inadequacy of the so-called Loss and Damage Fund, created as a proposal of the last COP 27; on the different methods of reducing emissions; and on the possibilities of producing renewable energies.
China and its energy consumption model were also discussed, as well as the need to reduce unsustainable activities, and the possibility of using nuclear energy. In addition, the relationship between global warming and extreme phenomena, the position of public opinion on climate change, and the future COP29 were discussed.
Elena Ferro
INCIPE
