Necessary outcomes discussed ahead of COP28
- Eco News
The findings of a recent report on climate change set the tone for a COP28 Warm Up event at St George's on Wednesday, 15th November.
Guest speaker Dr Andrew Ferrone, who leads Luxembourg’s delegation on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and is the Head of the Meteorological Department at ASTA, presented the key findings of the IPPC’s Sixth Assessment Report, which concludes that “there is a rapidly closing window of opportunity to limit global warming to 1.5°C to ensure a liveable and sustainable future for all”.
Dr Ferrone highlighted the immediate effects of climate change, presented projected changes in decades to come, and discussed the benefits of reducing global emissions at the COP28 Warm Up event hosted by St George’s International School and the British Chamber of Commerce for Luxembourg.
“COP28 presents a unique opportunity for a fundamental course correction at the global level in the common flight against climate change,” he said.
The event also included a panel discussion on the outcomes that are needed from the United Nations conference in Dubai from 30th November to 12th December for urgent action on climate change to be delivered.
Joining Dr Ferrone on the panel were Dr Claudia Hitaj, advisor at the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development, who highlighted human rights and the engagement of civil society, and Tobi Oladiran, doctorate researcher for sustainable finance at the University of Luxembourg, who addressed planning for the Loss and Damage Fund created after COP27.
St George’s Sustainability Coordinator Anne-Marie McHugh said the well-attended event gave the audience much to think about. “2023 looks likely to be the hottest year on record. Global boiling is here, but we have the power to make a difference. The IPCC report taught us that behaviour change can dramatically reduce global emissions by 40-50%. Our students were reminded of how they can have a voice at COP28,” Ms McHugh said.
Sarah Battey, Vice-Chair of the Chamber and Chair of the BCC’s Sustainability Working Group, said it was important for the organisation to be part of such events. “As a business chamber we have a clear responsibility to raise awareness and help our members progress in all areas of sustainability. This event was a fantastic opportunity to highlight environmental issues and show how businesses and individuals across all generations can do their part.”
At the end of the evening, a collection of postcards designed by students at St George’s and containing their messages of hope for the future was presented to Dr Hitaj to pass on to policy makers at COP28.
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Panellists at the COP28 Warm Up event, hosted by St George’s International School and the British Chamber of Commerce for Luxembourg, included, from left, Dr Andrew Ferrone, who leads Luxembourg’s delegation on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC); Dr Claudia Hitaj, advisor to the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development; and Tobi Oladiran, doctorate researcher for sustainable finance at the University of Luxembourg. The event was chaired by St George’s Sustainability Coordinator Anne-Marie McHugh. Photo credit: Steve Eastwood.
