To be held in the Egyptian coastal city of Sharm el-Sheikh, the 27th COP (Conference of the Parties) to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) will build on the outcomes of COP26 to deliver action on an array of issues critical to tackling the climate emergency from urgently reducing greenhouse gas emissions, building resilience and adapting to the inevitable impacts of climate change, to delivering on the commitments to finance climate action in developing countries.
World governments, heads of state, ministers and negotiators, along with climate activists, mayors, civil society representatives and CEOs will attend this summit to refocus efforts on reducing emissions and managing climate change.
How sustainable is the venue for COP 27?
The venue is located in the heart of the green city of Sharm el-Sheikh. It offers sustainability a front seat throughout the logistical preparation process of COP27. Delivering a sustainable carbon-neutral conference by prioritizing sustainability principles and features can be recognized across the venue and within Sharm el-Sheikh through the use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, e-mobility, water reuse and conservation and adopting a proper waste management process is their utmost priority to demonstrate ambitious aspiration toward climate action.
The Egyptian government insists to use renewable energy during COP27 and developed the systems needed to rationalize energy consumption in both Cairo and Sharm el-Sheikh airports, International Conference Center, as well as in hotels.
Egypt also seeks to provide sustainable transport for COP27 participants by providing 260 electric and natural gas buses, in addition to providing all the requirements for implementing a sustainable and smart transportation system.
Why COP27 is scheduled to be held in Sharm el-Sheikh?
The city was built on the shores of the Red Sea, and houses one of the world’s most unique marine ecosystems. Local conservationists and activists during media interviews claimed, it is under threat which makes Sharm el-Sheikh a relevant location to have a climate conference in the city because it represents one of Egypt’s most pressing environmental crises.
Also, the coastal city is no stranger to hosting international conferences, having been the venue for the World Economic Forum twice, once in 2006 and again in 2008. It has also hosted a long list of peace summits, including a 1999 meeting where an agreement to restore Palestinian autonomy over the Gaza Strip was signed, and a number of other meetings related to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
The prevalence of such conferences has shaped the city’s infrastructure to accommodate such events, making it easy to secure and navigate for such events.
What is the programme for COP27?
The programme for the conference will feature events taking place in two zones. In the Blue Zone, the majority of the policy-related meetings and talks by world leaders and government officials will be held. The Green Zone will see events involving private sector organisations, civil society and NGOs, artists and fashion designers. The Green Zone promotes dialogue, awareness, education, and commitment via events, exhibitions, workshops, cultural performances, and talk
COP26 held in Glasgow, Scotland, culminated in the Glasgow Pact which was signed by all participating parties and involved commitments related to carbon emissions. An agreement was also signed by 141 leaders to mitigate forest loss. According to a media report, similar agreements are expected to be signed at COP27.
What are the priorities?
The primary objective of COP27 is to operationalize the 2015 Paris Agreement and accelerate climate action to meet its goals. The conference’s presidency has chosen to focus on four areas of the climate crisis: mitigation, adaptation, finance and collaboration.
Finance will be key because an emphasis on Africa is expected at COP27. It will help the world’s poorest continent combat climate change are essential. During a press conference at the Petersberg Climate Dialogue, Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry stated, collaboration is also going to be an essential aspect of the conference.
The expertise of richer nations will be instrumental in helping poorer countries fight against environmental disasters, he also added.
What makes COP27 so important?
In 2022, some of the most severe climate disasters for years hit many parts of the world, events which have underscored the need to tackle a growing issue.
With wildfires and droughts breaking out all over Europe and a third of Pakistan under water following the melting of glaciers, climate change activists are more anxious than ever to make more meaningful progress.
Additionally, it will be the first time that an international climate change conference is held in an Arab state. The conference is significant because it will mark the halfway point for achieving the goals set in the 2015 Paris Agreement.
