The Fossil of the day Daily count for COP29. The best of the worst....
| Day | Gold | Silver
| Bronze | Dishonourable Mention | Solidarity Award |
| Nov15 | G7: United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom |
|
| | |
| Nov 16 | Italy | | |
| |
| Nov 18 | South Korea |
|
| Finland | Palestinian People |
| Nov 19 | Russia | |
| Costa Rica | |
| Nov 20 | Europe |
| | Switzerland | Ukraine |
| Nov 21 | USA | | | | |
| Nov 22 | Azerbaijan | | |
| Ray of the COP
Columbia |
|
| | | | |
| Colossal Fossil | Annex 2 Countries
(Developed Countries)
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, European Commission, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America | | |
|
|
The Fossil of the Day awards were first presented at the climate talks in 1999, in Bonn, initiated by the German NGO Forum. During United Nations climate change negotiations members of the Climate Action Network (CAN), nominate and vote for countries judged to have done their ‘best’ to block progress in the negotiations in the talks, or in a wider context for actions in their own country at odds with implementing climate action n alignment with the Paris Agreement and its targets..
Below are the CAN International Medias Releases for all the Fossil Awards, available
November 22 - Fossil of the Day presented to Azerbaijan, Colossal Fossil Goes to Annex 2, Ray of the COP goes to Colombia
Fossil of the Day: Azerbaijan
Today’s fossil goes to a country that doesn’t understand the gravity of the Presidency, or for that matter the value of civil society. Azerbaijan has fallen short, way short of the leadership needed here, which shouldn’t be that hard given the previous two COPs were hosted by the fossil fuel industry.
The tone they chose to set on the opening days by praising fossil fuels as “gifts from God” and lashed out at civil society did not bode well for the collaborative and diplomatic work needed over the two weeks.
This COP was anticipated for its crucial focus on finance. If an agreement is not reached on a justice-based finance deal, then it will be people all over the world who will suffer from the lack of ambition, adaptation and ability to recover.
Their take-it-or-leave-it approach is putting at risk not only the climate finance goal, but also other crucial topics failing to advance human rights-based climate action, such as the Just Transition & Gender Work Programmes.
In these decisive hours, the COP29 Presidency must use every chance to bring negotiators back to the table and to secure the transformative outcomes that it had the mandate, and responsibility, to deliver. There is no hope without climate finance, we must move forward here before we reach Belém.
Colossal Fossil: Annex Two Countries – Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, European Commission, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America
The biggest and baddest fossil of COP29 goes unsurprisingly to those most responsible for causing the climate crisis. They are trying to escape their legal obligations to pay the finance necessary for the world to meet the 1.5ºC goal.
How do they sleep at night, delaying, obstructing, and minimising their obligations all while people are dying in the Philippines – 171 people have died from 6 tropical storms hitting their coast during these 11 days at COP29.
These countries seem to only be able to talk out of both sides of their mouth, saying they have no money here and at the same funnelling hundreds of billions in subsidies and public finance for fossil fuels. Their continued attempt to pedal new forms of colonialism makes us realise a leopard never changes its spots. Touting market-based approaches and private sector solutions as ‘climate finance’ only fuels their greedy agenda, pushing their profits to new heights whilst keeping the Global South locked into debt traps, ensuring they remain at the bottom of the equity ladder and making them more vulnerable to climate change impacts.
These Colossal Fossils continue to ramp up their pollution and fossil fuel extraction, far surpassing their fair share, inflicting untold suffering on billions of people across the Global North and Global South, and they have the cheek to lowball our numbers. If only these governments listened to their people. If this is delayed further, it is those poorest across the world that will pay the cost of rich countries falling short.
Ray of the COP: Colombia
The Ray of the COP is sadly not an award often seen in these halls despite the desperate cries for ambition, but we are proud to call on COP28’s Ray of the COP to return to the podium. Colombia has joined civil society in calling for countries to mobilise $1.3 trillion annually for climate finance in their press conference yesterday. Colombia also emphasised the importance that this cannot contribute to the already crippling debt crisis faced by too many countries.
They have been trail blazers, deploying innovative strategies to breach the finance gap, turning to redirecting fossil fuel subsidies and calling on negotiators to work together on a roadmap to make it happen.
Their bold steps and strong voice in a sea of wallflowers, pushes for the finance needed to realise a just energy transition. We rally around their post-fossil fuel plan, showing leadership on the transition to a greener, fairer world.
As the only major oil producing country supporting the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-proliferation Treaty they demonstrate to the rest of us another world is possible.
Reference: https://climatenetwork.org/resource/press-release-fossil-of-the-day-presented-to-azerbaijan-colossal-fossil-goes-to-annex-2-ray-of-the-cop-goes-to-colombia/
November 21 - Fossil of the Day presented to United States
The audacity of the USA to come here and stand in the way of a climate finance goal, whilst pushing trillions for nuclear energy and billions for carbon capture, demonstrates once again their inability to read the room
Fossil of the Day: United States of America
Today’s Fossil goes to a country who is usually known for being the loudest in the room, restaurant, hotel, bus, basically anywhere. But here in Baku they have been very quiet, especially when it comes to climate finance.
When we call for climate finance we are not calling to expand the contributor base, but sadly the United States isn’t on the same page. When they do speak up, they continue to push for private finance, credits and loans to mobilise funds. They seem to be muddled on what counts as climate finance. The United States has never been very good at history, still they continue to peddle ‘trickle down economics’ and further privatisation as ‘credible’ solutions, but time has proven to us these only work for the 1%.
The audacity of the US to come here and stand in the way of a climate finance goal, whilst pushing trillions for nuclear energy and billions for carbon capture, demonstrates once again their inability to read the room. With a history of leading the race to mediocrity, President Biden’s legacy is on the line here at COP29. He’s had 11 days to show some form of leadership, but has offered nothing more than obstruction and false solutions.
Biden is on the path to end his presidential term by ensuring that COP29 fails to deliver the kind of climate finance needed, failing to repay their debt owed to the Global South. Trump and his climate denying cronies will welcome this legacy with open arms. The US has proven they are incapable of lasting commitments and are not true global leaders on such a crucial issue for humanity. Short of a 180 change in the next 24 hours, Biden’s presidency and climate legacy will end with a parched whimper. At least get out of the way and let the rest of the world move forward.
Reference: https://climatenetwork.org/resource/fossil-of-the-day-award-presented-to-the-united-states/
November 20 - Fossil of the Day award presented to the European Union
Fossil of the Day: European Union
Today’s Fossil is awarded to a group of countries that don’t understand the concept of inflation and feign deafness to the calls for ambition. Despite their deep pockets, they are not flashing the cash.
The EU’s high historical emissions and the concept of common but differentiated responsibility means they should be leading with ambition. But word on the street is that EU negotiators are floating a seriously underwhelming quantum of $200-300 billion annually. To put into context, when accounting for inflation, this would mean no additional public finance compared to the $100 billion goal set 15 years ago.
To make matters worse, the EU wants to rely on the private sector to move the trillions, but it’s been proven time and time again that private finance cannot be relied on. The EU likes to pat themselves on the back as the largest provider of international climate finance and for doing their fair share to support vulnerable countries. Yet over half of the EU’s international climate finance is mobilised through non-grant instruments, it’s no wonder many developing countries are facing the worst debt crises since records began.
Yes, we need new sources for climate finance but there are such things as bad ideas. The EU is going rogue – Sweden and Hungary are blurring the lines between carbon markets and climate finance for developing countries but we see through these attempts to spread climate colonialism.
The EU’s objection for the climate finance goal to include clear sub-goals for adaptation and loss and damage is standing in the way of finance reaching those who need it most. We won’t stand for the alternate reality the EU is pushing, they owe a climate debt to the Global South and its time to pay up.
Dishonourable mention: Switzerland
Today’s dishonourable mention goes to Switzerland, a country known for its beautiful landscapes, banks, and high standard of living. Now it is also known for being one of the richest countries globally and the only country that has watered down its commitment to the Glasgow statement signed at COP26.
While their strong engagement on mitigation and gender merits some recognition in the negotiations at this COP, it is their silence on finance which earns them this dishonourable mention. The famed Swiss francs are missing from the Loss and Damage fund and their negotiators are missing in the key discussions around the quantum in NCQG. To round it all off, Switzerland, like the EU, is against sub-targets for mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage.
It’s time to make polluters pay and the Swiss financial sector is responsible for emissions 18 times higher than Switzerland’s total national emissions, if they were a country, they would rank as the sixth largest global emitter.
As one of the richest countries globally, it’s time to make them pay for the damage they are causing.
Solidarity For Justice: Ukraine
We have witnessed the extraordinary resilience, courage, and commitment of the Ukrainian people to defend their country, upholding democratic values and international human rights. They have demonstrated this strength throughout the 10 years of Russian aggression and now through the more than 1000 days of the full-scale invasion.
While Russia earns billions from fossil fuel exports to sponsor the war and destruction of our climate, the Ukrainians are working tirelessly to rebuild and recover.
Despite the difficulties, Ukrainians have put climate protection as a cornerstone of the recovery process, adopting a climate neutrality target for 2050. All that while working from bomb shelters, subway stations, and hallways, as rockets, drones, and ballistic missiles target and destroy their cities.
Since the beginning of COP29, Ukrainians experienced 435 air raid alarms, with the multiple attacks on cities killing at least 42 people and leaving more than 100 wounded.
We pay respect to climate activists who have paused their fight for climate justice and taken up arms to protect the Ukrainian nation. By standing firm against oppression, Ukrainians embody the principles of bravery and resilience. We recognise them today in their struggle and stand in solidarity with them.
Quote:
“The EU has repeatedly said they want to be the bridgebuilder at COP29. Well, if you want to build a bridge, you need to show something concrete. And on that, concrete numbers or action, it has been deafening silence.
Civil society has trusted that behind the EU’s lack of transparency, there would still be a genuine commitment to finding solutions. Now, we are left questioning whether that trust was misplaced. What is at stake here is not just multilateralism or the credibility of the EU’s international commitments—it is human lives and the health and ecosystems of our planet.
If the EU wants to lead, it must act. The world is watching, and time is running out.”
Emilia Runeberg, Climate Finance Expert from Climate Action Network Europe.
November 19 - Fossil of the Day award of COP29 presented to Russia
Fossil of the Day: Russia
Today’s Fossil goes to a country using their pavilion for fossil fuel promotion rather than fossil fuel phase-out. Since last year’s climate talks, the Russian delegation has multiplied like Russian Matryoshka dolls being unpacked. The number is record breaking – just not the kind we’re looking for.
If only the Russian delegation were here to find a path towards climate action. Instead, it contains multiple senior executives from Russian energy companies, openly promoting fossil fuels. All with the help of the Russian Pavillion.
Russia is using COP29 to broker new deals of cooperation but not the sort you’d expect at a climate change conference, as they are striking new deals on oil and gas. Let’s put the record straight: fossil gas is not the “final fuel for humankind.” Gas belongs to the fossil ages. Russia is living 20 years in the past, pledging to be carbon neutral by 2060. To add a cherry on top, Russia is counting fossil gas and nuclear as clean energy. It is all too little too late.
If it isn’t enough that Russia is the third largest historical emitter, their full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has now lasted 1,000 days, has added at least 175 million tons of CO₂ to the atmosphere – equivalent to the annual emissions of the Netherlands.
It is especially jarring in the halls of COP29 that while we look for sources of climate finance, Russia is increasing their military budget by 25% and earning over $787 billion from fossil fuel exports during their war on Ukraine. We are pretty sure there’s a long list of better uses for this money. Still, Russia claims they do not have the money to contribute to climate finance: Pinocchio, your nose is growing.
Dishonourable mention: Costa Rica
Costa Rica has been awarded a dishonourable mention for not being true to its word. Previously at home with white doves and olive branches, their longstanding policy on peacebuilding is being violated by their strengthening friendship with Israel.
Thousands of people have died due to the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and by Costa Rica signing deals with Israel, they are demonstrating their true colours, while undermining peace, human rights, and international law. Here at COP29, as we show solidarity with Palestinians, Costa Rica is signing environmental agreements with Israel, a state that is inflicting ecocide on Palestine (UN Human Rights Special Procedures office).
In 2008, Costa Rica recognised the State of Palestine. Today, instead of isolating themselves from the state inflicting extreme violence, they are allied with it.
November 18 - Fossil of the Day award of COP29 presented to South Korea, New Solidarity for Justice Award goes to the Palestinian people
Fossil of the Day: South Korea
This is the Finance COP. Let’s say that again because clearly, the message is not getting through to countries: this is the Finance COP. Therefore, today’s Fossil award goes to a country that has its finance all backwards.
South Korea is currently blocking the long overdue deal for OECD countries to end their $41 billion in annual subsidies for oil and gas from export credit agencies. A leaked government document in September showed how the government is taking an unconstructive negotiating position. The EU, Canada, UK, Norway, Australia, and New Zealand are now all in favour of a deal. South Korea’s last hope of someone to hide behind, the US, also seems to be shifting in favour of a deal.
Public finance is the linchpin to progress across all the negotiation paths in Baku, and with an increasing number of deadly floods, storms and heatwaves globally. This is not the time to use public money to prop up the fossil fuel industry.
This is just another example of governments backing a dying industry instead of truly bankrolling climate action. The elimination of the $41 billion annually in export finance from OECD countries would be a strong signal that we are finally shifting our priorities in the right direction – public money for climate finance. As the world’s largest remaining provider of international public finance that has yet to make a commitment to stop these egregious subsidies, it is time for South Korea to shift the finance and to stop acting like they don’t know where to source the money for climate action.
With things like BTS, Samsung, and Korean BBQ, South Korea may be a trendsetter, but their finance of fossil fuels puts them firmly in the ‘has been’ category.
Dishonourable mention: Finland
We include a dishonourable mention for Finland today, whose technofixes attempt to hide their backsliding into climate laggards. At a time when the world needs to be scaling up their climate finance, Finland is scaling back. Making cuts in the hundreds of millions and covering this up by fudging their numbers, counting market-based loans as climate finance. We’ve seen this before with the $100 Billion goal – there is no place for this in the new Climate Finance Goal (NCQG).
Finland has pledged a mere 8.6% of what their neighbour Sweden pledged to the Green Climate Fund. They are using the same stale tricks, cutting old pledges to the Systematic Observations Financing Facility then making ‘new’ pledges at COP29, but in reality are just undoing their previous cuts.
And it is not just in the finance arena where they are slipping. Their carbon neutrality is falling by the wayside, with carbon sinks collapsing across the country, and inaction on agricultural emissions and transport all contributing to them being way off track for their 2035 deadline.
Reality is catching up with them, being sued for disregarding their own climate laws, and bringing the rest of the EU’s targets down with them. And now with this dishonourable mention on top of it all, It’s time for Finland to step up, pay up for climate finance.
Solidarity for Justice Award
This year at COP29, Climate Action Network is introducing an award to recognise the struggles taking place across the world and the need to support and stand in solidarity with those most discriminated against.
We are honoured to stand with the Palestinian people and award them the inaugural “Solidarity for Justice” Award. This is presented in recognition of the resilience and resistance by Palestinians for over 75 years of Occupation, the ongoing oppression over decades, and the genocide currently unfolding in Gaza. The just and righteous struggle for self-determination by Palestinians and their endurance against the most horrific atrocities for over 400 days of genocide, has been met with global solidarity at a scale not witnessed before. Millions of people are taking to the streets in cities across the world, students occupying campuses, workers striking in solidarity against the shipment of arms, and activists taking direct action against arms sales, all demanding a ceasefire, an arms and energy embargo and an end to the occupation.
Fossil of the Day award of COP29 presented to Italy - 16 November 2024
Today’s Fossil of the Day goes to a country with a colonial legacy it seems reluctant to leave behind. Pushing fossil fuel expansion beyond their shores and into Africa, through their state-controlled company – Eni.
Today Italy has been awarded the infamous Fossil for being ranked the second largest importers of gas in Europe (2023) and for its special relationship with the COP29 host, Azerbaijan. The two countries trade fossil fuels like Pokemon cards, with Azerbaijan being Italy’s second largest fossil gas supplier. When Italy’s barrels are empty, the first number on their speed dial is Azerbaijan – purchasing 57% of Azerbaijan’s total oil exports.
In recent years this special friendship has blossomed, with Azerbaijan’s gas exports to Italy increasing from 11 million cubic metres in 2020 to 10 BILLION in 2023, thanks to the Trans Adriatic pipeline. That’s almost a thousand-fold increase!
It was even rumoured that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attended the signing of a fossil gas deal between Italgas and SOCAR (State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic) on day two of COP29. Their special friendship is shared across Italy’s fossil fuel companies with Azerbaijani COP29 party invites handed to Eni’s CEO, Claudio Descalzi.
Meloni seems to be stuck in Roman times, believing that “currently there is no single alternative to fossil fuel supply.” Did she not do her homework, or at least follow COP28? Countries across the world are already transitioning to renewable energy. Italy needs to get with the times or risk being left behind in the oil age.
Instagram link
First Fossil of the Day award of COP29 to the G7
The first Fossil of the Day at COP29 in Baku has been collectively awarded to the countries of the Group of Seven: United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The G7 have received the award for spending the past 20 years dodging, skirting, and running away from their fiscal responsibility to pay up for their growing climate finance debt.
The G7 countries think they can hide behind each other but civil society sees right through their strategy. They have come to COP29 without putting forward any proposed figure for the Climate Finance Goal (NCQG). While these countries may not be a voting bloc in these halls, they have certainly been able to BLOCK progress here. This exclusive club, whose members are among the top 10 historical emitters, wants everyone else to have equal responsibility for fixing the climate crisis they majorly contributed to – where is the accountability for their actions?
Just the other day, the US was pushing forward an ‘onion approach’ to finance, sneaking in profits for its friends through private finance, within ‘multiple layers of investments’, when public finance is what’s needed – and available – for the climate finance goal.
Even with the increasing impacts of climate change coming to their shores doesn’t seem to make the G7 countries realise what is needed. Halfway through the critical decade of climate action (2020-30), the G7 is still standing in the way of delivering much-needed progress to meet the 1.5ºC goal and prevent us from joining the dinosaurs and becoming extinct. Meanwhile, Japan has to reduce their emissions by 81% by 2035 from 2013 levels to be in line with the Paris 1.5ºC goal.
References
CAN Fossil of the Day COP29 media Releases https://climatenetwork.org/updates-event-portal-cop-28-fossil-of-the-day-at-cop28/
No comments:
Post a Comment