Observing COP25 Chile Madrid, Where Climate Change Policies Are Wrangled

The annual Conference of the Parties (COP) is the event where states members of the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) gather to discuss and decide the most rigorous mechanisms and actions to tackle climate change. This conference is a high-level event where representatives from governments, NGO's, and climate leaders gather to deliberate actions such as the implementation of carbon market mechanisms. However, the structure of an event like COP is complex and demands an understanding of its structure and functioning.

The COP25 Chile Madrid took place between the 2nd and 13th December 2019. It had an ambitious programme, with attempts to get consensus on several key issues, including setting the Paris Agreement rulebook for mechanisms and, particularly, the controversial Art. 6 on Carbon Markets. In this context, and as a student of the MSc in Environmental Change and Management, I knew that was a unique opportunity to learn about international relations, diplomacy, public and private policies from all around the world.

During the first week, I attended as an observer of the University of Oxford, with a badge which provides entry in side-events of research centres, organizations, governments, and some, but not all, negotiations between the parties (nation delegates). Between discussions, there is space to talk and discuss ideas with attendees. Most of them shared some of my deepest concerns: how can we foster a transformative change of our global economy without risking the livelihoods of millions of people in developing countries? If we need to act faster and stronger, how and why are we spending so much time pushing against a global agreement for sustainable development?  

I made a schedule of all the side events and negotiations I wanted to attend. In particular, learning about energy solutions, social justice, economic inclusion in Latin America. I made some space to support Professor Myles Allen and presented the Figure SPM.1 of SR1.5, stylized emissions and forcing pathways to show crucial factors affecting the prospects of temperatures remaining below 1.5°C scenario. 

From left to right: Alvin Chan, Natalie Chung and Tania Risco present the Figure SPM.1 of SR1.5 at the IPCC Pavilion of the COP25 Chile Madrid. Spain 2019.

The second week was different. I joined the team of AIDESEP, the most important indigenous peoples' organization from Peru, my home country. I helped indigenous leaders in their quest to bring to light the impact of climate change in their daily lives and the effects of extractive and infrastructural projects on the fragile ecological and social systems of the Amazonian water basins. 

Days went by, and the energy was running low. Party delegates, NGO's leaders, negotiators, press, corporations and companies’ representatives, were running across the venue. I got in touch with my country’s representatives. They were under a lot of pressure and had tight schedules, but I managed to have a brief chat with the Ministry of Environment from Peru. She said one thing that impressed me: "We need to give a human face to climate action". Her words were an example of what is missing in the political debate about the climate crisis; the shared acknowledgement that human lives are at stake. Her inspiring words resonated the kind of work I want to push forward after Oxford: the sustainable and socially equitable development of Peru.

From left to right: Tania Risco and Fabiola Muñoz, Minister of the Environment from Peru. Spain 2019

At the end of COP25 Chile Madrid, we were all left with the feeling that it failed its main purpose: to put into action the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage and the regulation of Carbon Markets, among other aspects such as human rights.

Regardless the outcomes, I am still hopeful. The current global pandemic of COVID-19 is showing that we need socially disruptive actions for transformative adaptation processes, based on international collaboration and solidarity. The climate crisis demands unprecedented efforts, and it's in our hands to fight for equitable, just and sustainable economic models considering the planetary boundaries, while improving living conditions of people across the globe.