COP28: Protecting the planet means prioritization
“There are massive opportunities in many areas. In energy production, the technology is there for new markets to emerge – green hydrogen production in Australia, for example. There is also potential for renewable energy generation in Africa and the Middle East.”
The technology is ready to reduce carbon and drive resilience, major projects are already in place… and yet the world has to really make its move.
Missing targets
George Peters, who attended COP28 in Dubai said: “It really struck me that as a global community we have missed all targets set during previous COPs. Yet still I felt a sense of optimism across COP28 that we can still make the change and reduce the impact of climate change.“We need to focus on adaptation, move into action mode and ensure implementation. The Loss and Damage Fund announced in Sharm-el-Sheikh last year is in itself a very important development, but it isn’t in full swing. Likewise, an Early Warning System for every country globally is crucial for making people and societies climate resilient. These technologies are in place for 30% of countries – but 134 nations are yet to adopt it.
“Yet countries have strengthened their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted under the Paris Agreement in 2015 and have stepped up ambitions. Further progress has been made progress in establishing a global carbon market.
Overall, COP28 very much flagged the importance of adaptation measures and nature-based solutions. A lot of these things are not on track, but they are achievable. It’s about actionizing and prioritization.
Waiting for the first move
Jacco reports a similar situation in clean energy. Haskoning has been working on major projects in Europe, Asian Pacific region and Africa, providing early phase feasibility work, gaining consent up to design and engineering. A lot of these projects are hampering due to a negative business case, complex legislative frameworks, or insufficient uptake.
He says: “Governments really need to sharpen their guidance and support, as well as funding, enabling is needed for projects to gain momentum. It is really about setting priorities and taking the long view.
“Major investors at COP28 and New York Water Week confirmed that billions are available to invest in sustainability projects and adaptation measures, although not to the levels promised during previous COPs. Both public and private sectors must play their roles to actionize the climate adaptation agenda.
Jacco concludes: “We’re all waiting for action. Those global climate goals are achievable. Someone just needs to make the first move.”
The threat is as real as ever
And the need to act is undebatable. For George, one of the strongest messages from COP28 came from Johan Rockstrom, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. Rockstrom made it clear that even if the world were to achieve Net Zero by 2050, without similar efforts to improve water quality and biodiversity, the planet will still be uninhabitable.
George responded: “But what gives me hope that it is achievable. We can turn this around. The knowledge and technology exist, funds are available – we don’t need to go and do lots of research. It’s about making carbon reduction, water and biodiversity preservation a global priority.”
Passion and inclusion
George also found the sheer scale and inclusivity of COP28 highly motivating: “It’s incredible to be part of an event attended by more than 80,000 passionate people from across the globe. There were people of all ages, from all ethnicities, including indigenous populations. It was energising and motivating to be able to listen and interact on such a major scale.”
Jacco celebrates a similar enthusiasm and drive among Haskoning’s clients in doing the right thing. “We work with so many organizations that want to make a difference. There’s the brewing company that’s on track to reach net zero by 2030; and a steelworks that will become a world leader in "green steel” production. We’re also working on some of the largest electrolyser projects in Europe, crucial in moving away from fossil fuels.”
There are similar trailblazers across many sectors, such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals and food production. Ports, too, are recognising the future opportunities of clean energy production and transfer.
Jacco continues: “This is where we have a key role to play. These organizations have the willingness and drive – we have the skills and capacity to turn that into action.”
George concludes: “There’s no doubt that climate change is a vast and ever-growing threat to society. But as so many organizations are already demonstrating, prioritising sustainability and innovation drives huge progress. We are heartened by the global commitment to tackle this crisis.”
