The Cop27 UN climate summit was off to a delayed start after delegates late into the wee hours Sunday morning over what should be discussed at the conference. The major disagreement surrounded the question of loss and damage, which refers to the devastating consequences of climate breakdown suffered by the poorest and most vulnerable countries, and how to help them.
Delegates could not agree on if and how loss and damage should be covered on the agenda for the two-week summit in Egypt, which 196 countries, 45,000 people and 120 world leaders will attend.
Delegates gather for the opening plenary of COP27. Photo Credit: Simon Stiel/Kiara Worth.
COP27 will focus on three main areas:
- Reducing emissions
- Helping countries to prepare for and deal with climate change
- Securing technical support and funding for developing countries for the above
Some areas not fully resolved or covered at COP26 will be picked up:
- Loss and damage finance – money to help countries recover from the effects of climate change, rather than just prepare for it
- Establishment of a global carbon market – to price the effects of emissions into products and services globally
- Strengthen the commitments to reduce coal use
There will also be themed days on issues including gender, agriculture and biodiversity. The webcast of the Opening Ceremony from November 7, 2022 can be seen here.
The program of events for the participation of Heads of State and Government on November 6-8 will include an official opening ceremony, round tables and high-level side events and delivery of national statements. The High Level Summit Schedule can be see online here.
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