COP28: A Catalyst for Sharper Focus on Emissions Data & Transparency?

The Emissions Gap Report 2023 ([1]), titled “Broken Record – Temperatures hit new highs, yet world fails to cut emissions (again),” presents an alarming reality of the current global climate efforts. With the upcoming COP28 summit in Dubai on the horizon, the report’s revelations are particularly significant. This blog explores the implications for governments and the private sector, stressing the increasing necessity for transparent climate action.

The Emissions Gap and Accelerated Climate Change – COP28 Implications

Despite progress since the Paris Agreement, projections show a 3% rise in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, leading us toward a concerning 2.9°C temperature increase.

Emissions Gap Examples and Planetary Changes

This gap between anticipated and necessary emission reductions signals the need for rapid action evidenced by:

• Energy Sector: The stark contrast between ongoing fossil fuel projects and the pledges to reduce emissions.
• Extreme Weather: The growing severity and frequency of such events are clear indicators of accelerated climate change.

The COP28 conference is expected to emphasise the need for more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and robust climate policies. The discussions will likely focus on Carbon Dioxide Removal techniques, including nature-based solutions and technological advancements.  Globally, countries are anticipated to heighten their efforts to meet their NDCs. COP28 provides a crucial stage for nations to reassess and fortify their climate commitments.

A Push for Enhanced Transparency

This shift toward greater climate accountability will inevitably increase demands on public and private organisations for transparent emission reduction strategies.

The growing demand for transparency will drive increased investment in systems for effective data collection and analysis. Such investments are crucial to bridge the gap between current efforts and the targets needed to limit global temperature rise.

Investment in Data Analysis and Systems

This will involve:

• Data Collection: Gathering accurate emissions data.
• Analysis and Reporting: Detailed examination and open reporting of this data.
• Verification and Assessment: Ensuring the reliability and integrity of reported information.

Transparency in climate action is becoming vital, demanding honest reporting of climate actions to hold entities accountable for their promises. This extends to informed decision-making, public engagement, and efficient resource allocation.

COP28: Set to Elevate Importance of Emissions Data & Corporate Transparency

As COP28 nears, the Emissions Gap Report 2023 serves as a critical reminder of the urgency for escalated global climate action and enhanced transparency. The conference is a pivotal opportunity to align global efforts towards a sustainable, low-carbon future, striving to keep the global temperature rise within 1.5 degrees centigrade.

If COP28 leads to advancements in NDCs, we can expect a surge in the demand for transparent and effective emissions management. This shift will spotlight the role of technology suppliers, offering them a prime opportunity to innovate and not just meet, but also elevate, sustainability standards through enhanced emissions data quality and analysis.

[1] UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Emissions Gap Report 2023: “Broken Record – Temperatures hit new highs, yet world fails to cut emissions (again).” 

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