With the UAE taking the spotlight as the host of COP28, the conference faced a rocky start. The president, who also serves as the CEO of ADNOC, one of the world’s largest fossil fuel and natural gas companies, triggered widespread concern. Media reports suggest that the president may be leveraging COP28 to push for fossil fuel contracts in Mozambique, Canada, and Australia. This has understandably stirred anger among many, as they believe COP should be a platform promoting the gradual phasing out of fossil fuels. Such allegations cast doubt on the credibility of COP, raising more worries than before.
For those tirelessly championing climate progress, this negative press threatens to overshadow their hard-won successes. Instead of celebrating the strides made during this period, headlines are dominated by the perceived wrongdoings of leaders.
Despite these challenges, there are positive developments to acknowledge. Rich nations, including Germany, the UK, UAE, USA, and Japan, have collectively pledged over $700 million to the Climate Damage fund. This fund aims to support poorer nations already grappling with the effects of climate change. It marks a crucial step toward achieving climate justice on a global scale.
Another bright spot was World Soil Day on 05/12/2023, which generated enthusiasm among attendees and observers. The Save Soil campaign underscores the significance of healthy, high-quality soil in absorbing and reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, potentially restoring it to pre-Industrialization levels (1850s) (Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 2021).
Additionally, the Greening Education Partnership will highlight the importance of nature and outdoor play for children in education. Raising the next generation of eco-warriors to care and protect our Earth. Acknowledgement that the work we do for Creative Learning at ecobirmingham is worthwhile will encourage support from all angles.
What can you do at home?
- Compost Your Waste: By composting your food and garden waste, you not only generate high-quality soil for free but also contribute to the health and diversity of plants in your garden. If you have surplus soil, consider donating it to a local community garden. Christmas time is often decadent and wasteful, this is a good time to get into the habit of composting!
- Support Environmental Organisations and Campaigners: Shed light on the essential work of environmental campaigners and organizations that continue to make a positive impact. Share their achievements on your social media platforms, discuss them with friends and family, or consider donating to local environmental causes. Maintaining a positive outlook in the sustainability space is crucial! Donating to organisations such as ours, which aim to progress grassroots sustainability forward is fuss-free way of contributing.
- Traveling by foot or bike more often: Trying to leave the car at home for just one journey a week can make a huge difference. You’d be surprised how good it can make you feel, for such a simple activity. Whether its grabbing a coffee with a friend or popping to the post office, just try not to use your car! Take a look at our walking and cycling resources, find a local traffic free route or join an up-coming event here.