The inextricable link between energy consumption and climate will be one of the major topics of discussions at this year’s COP. These discussions will explore renewable energy, smart grids, energy storage and energy efficiency, all of which need to be encompassed in the evolution of existing energy infrastructures. This is of particular interest to island communities, as the benefits of renewables and implementation of energy efficiency measures are crucial for reducing reliance on external energy imports and fossil fuels. According to the United Nations, international financial flows to developing countries for investment in renewables had declined, and progress in energy efficiency needs to be speeded up if we are to achieve global climate goals.
Energy Day will also focus on just transition in the energy sector, a focus rooted in the sentiments expressed in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG7, which seeks to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. Indeed, boosting the resilience of energy systems will help to ensure energy affordability, which is a crucial aspect of a just transition. According to the World Economic Forum, a just energy transition will require the domestic development of new skills, capacities, and expertise to support transformational processes and technologies.
One of the more positive outcomes of COP26 was a heightened commitment to phase out reliance on fossil fuels in the ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. COP27 therefore presents an opportunity to implement this commitment, and to highlight the voices of the Global South.
Live from COP27
On Saturday, our partners, including GLISPA and the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF), organized The Island Bright Spots Event Series: Fostering island-led local action into global coalitions. Episode 6: Spotlight on Climate Adaptation. Island experts from around the world shared successful projects and initiatives related to the protection of marine resources for a more resilient ocean.
News and key insights
- COP27: African youth issue list of demands
- Pacific Islanders Present Historic Declaration To Leaders At COP27
- COP27 What to Watch: Climate Progress Hinges on Crucial Week Two
- IDB, Green Climate Fund Endorsed Program to Promote E-Mobility in Latin America, Caribbean
- ‘Big message’: Northern delegates bring Indigenous, youth perspective to COP27
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Today's island-related events
Date & Time: 15 November, 3:00 – 4:00 PM (Egypt)
Location: CARICOM Pavilion, Blue Zone | Organization: Caribbean Climate Smart Accelerator (CCSA)
Location: Room 1, Akhenaten | Area B/13, more information here and here
Organization: Government of Seychelles, ClimateNet
Date & Time: 15 – 17 November (Egypt)
Location: Exhibit 15, Blue Zone
Organization: Peace Boat, Global Kids
Date & Time: 15 November, 1:30 – 2:30 PM (Egypt)
Location: Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) Pavilion
Organization: Climate Analytics Caribbean
Date & Time: 15 November, 1:15 – 2:45 PM (Egypt)
Location: Osiris (300) and online
Organization: International Water Resources Association (IWRA), Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO), Union for the Mediterranean (UfM)
Location: Thebes (150)
Organization: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), World Resources Institute (WRI)
Date & Time: 15 November, 4:00 – 5:00 PM (Egypt)
Location: Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion
Organization: Rare
Date & Time: 15 November, 4:45 – 6:15 PM (Egypt)
Location: ROOM 5, Blue Zone
Organization: UNDP Pacific Office, Plymouth Marine Laboratory
