It was a hot summer evening in 2019 when Maria, a young mother from rural Brazil, realized that the changing climate was affecting her community’s livelihoods. The once-reliable rains that fed their crops had stopped, and the parched soil was no longer fertile enough to grow anything. The crops withered, and the family’s only source of income was drying up. Maria’s story is not unique; millions of people around the world are facing similar struggles, as the effects of climate change are felt across the globe.
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The UN Climate Change Conference, also known as COP (Conference of the Parties), is the premier international forum where world leaders come together to discuss and agree on measures to mitigate climate change. The 32nd session, COP32, will be a crucial milestone in this global conversation. This year’s conference will bring together representatives from almost 200 countries to discuss the urgent need to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, a target set by the Paris Agreement in 2015.
The stakes are high, and the discussions at COP32 will be focused on two main areas: ambition and implementation. Governments will be asked to increase their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to present concrete plans for achieving these targets. The conference will also provide a platform for civil society, businesses, and local communities to share their experiences, best practices, and innovative solutions to the climate crisis.
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One of the critical areas of discussion will be the role of non-state actors, including cities, companies, and civil society organizations, in driving climate action. Maria’s story highlights the importance of community-based initiatives in addressing climate change. In Brazil, local communities are already taking action, implementing sustainable agricultural practices, and restoring degraded lands. Similarly, cities around the world are adopting green infrastructure, reducing energy consumption, and promoting renewable energy sources.
However, despite these efforts, the pace of progress remains slow. The current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by countries under the Paris Agreement are insufficient to meet the 1.5°C target. The gap between the ambition required and the reality on the ground is stark. The discussions at COP32 will need to focus on bridging this gap, by increasing the level of ambition, improving the implementation of existing commitments, and exploring new ways to mobilize finance, technology, and knowledge to support climate action.
COP32 will also provide an opportunity to address some of the most pressing issues related to climate change, such as loss and damage, climate justice, and the role of human rights in the climate conversation. The conference will bring together experts, activists, and policymakers to share knowledge, build alliances, and push for concrete actions to address these critical issues.
As Maria’s story shows, the impacts of climate change are already being felt, and the clock is ticking. The discussions at COP32 will be crucial in shaping the global response to the climate crisis. It is essential that governments, businesses, and civil society come together to increase ambition, improve implementation, and explore new ways to address the climate crisis. The future of our planet depends on it.
