European Youth Reaction to the Outcomes of COP28

The outcomes of COP28 do not respond to our demands or deliver what the world needs: a full, fast, fair, feminist and funded fossil fuel phase-out.

A full, fast, fair, feminist and funded phase-out of all fossil fuels was and still is our demand. Failing to deliver this phase-out is our red line. 

This COP undermines the rights of the youngest and future generations. Holding global warming to within 1.5 °C is critical for the lives of the young people and children of today and tomorrow, as well as others in vulnerable regions and communities, especially the Small Island States. The 1.5° limit is being increasingly threatened and risks being jeopardised. Science should be at the forefront of international climate policy, but instead, the agreed text on the Global Stocktake (GST) creates loopholes in getting to the phase-out we need. The GST text opens the door to the promotion of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and nuclear, although these are mostly dangerous distractions and false solutions.

Transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems and the tripling of renewable energies are small but important steps in the right direction, which must be followed above all by equitable financial contributions and ambitious and binding national actions (in the nationally determined contributions – NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

While we welcome EU leadership in demanding a fossil fuel phase-out, we cannot ignore the hypocrisy represented by the presence of fossil fuel lobbyists in the EU delegation and the EU incoherence in increasing military spending, including on the military management of the climate crisis, which is largely contributing in destroying our planet. In addition, the EU’s woeful lack of support towards finance and loss and damage is problematic. It is unacceptable that the EU’s political promises were not backed by any financial commitment to ensure that the needed transition, including adaptation, will be just, and that Loss and Damage (L&D) will be secured in the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG). This, in addition to the accreditation of fossil fuel lobbyists amongst its delegation, tainted the legitimacy of the EU’s positions.

Furthermore, the negotiation of these outcomes behind closed doors, particularly the exclusion of civil society from the discussion, displays a lack of transparency. This is likewise reflected in the removal of references to human rights from the adopted texts.

The fact that these necessary matters and non-negotiable principles are not part of the COP outcomes is not only due to blocking by oil-exporting countries such as Saudi Arabia, but also to the inadequate commitments made by historically responsible parties such as the USA and the EU. As European youth, we demanded the EU to foster its leadership position in climate action worldwide, recognising the responsibility for the colonial history and historic emissions of many of its member states. The many lacunas in EU action at COP made it clear that the effort put into defending the phasing out of fossil fuels was too weak – and there is no time for weak commitments. 

Moreover, the EU’s lack of commitment in promoting public participation of its citizens during COP is concerning. The result was that, among others, many of our colleagues from the LGBTQ+ community and political activists were too intimidated to attend. We deem it crucial to ensure that EU values are respected in international fora, which requires the EU not to turn a blind eye on the challenges presented by the host country, but instead to take a solid stand when the decision on where to host the next COP is being made.

Looking towards COP29, as young Europeans, we demand that democratic representation and the active involvement of civil society prior to, during and after decisions are taken. We look forward to continued partnership with the EU delegation, and to taking a more active role in shaping EU positions within negotiation processes at upcoming COPs and throughout the year. Continuous engagement with civil society, including youth, is imperative to uphold participatory rights. 

Ensuring that the transition away from fossil fuels is fully funded and that the means of implementation are fair and equitable remain our priorities for COP29, and we are looking forward to collaborating further towards ensuring that the EU remains at the forefront of a just green transition.

As we leave the UAE, we stand in solidarity with Palestinian, Israeli and all families who have lost loved ones in this latest conflict. We demand our leaders and representatives do the same. There is no climate justice without human rights.