Finding good practice at COP27.

[top left clockwise] Carl Wright, sessions at COP27, indigenous peoples protest, climate reparations protest. [photos by Carl Wright]

There are literally dozens of interesting sessions to attend at COP27 taking place at Sharm-El-Sheikh in Egypt.

There are many varied experiences from around the world. I’m attending with a small delegation from the Canterbury Climate Action Partnership as well as representing the Commonwealth Local Government Forum. I have listened to mayors from Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and elsewhere detailing what practical climate action they were doing in their own communities.

The 15th of November put the focus on energy transition with special attention on addressing needs of poorer people, not least in developing countries.

As rich nations haggle over climate solutions, storm-ravaged Caribbean is taking matters into its own hands – CNN
Renewable energy will need more investment, or Africa will stay dependent on fossil fuels – The Conversation Africa
Tuvalu turns to the metaverse as rising seas threaten existence – Reuters
Sticking points slow deal-making at COP27 talks – Reuters

I heard some unexpected examples of good practice. Like the city of Austin in Texas, a fastest growing US city where the mayor has made great innovations to help the poorest in energy transition, even locating mass transit stations in low income areas to allow easy access to public transport and to reduce reliance on private transport.

COP27 opening ceremony speeches:
[UN Secretary-General at 22 mins 15 secs into video, African Union President at 53 mins in, 28 secs, Mia Mottley at 1 hour, 40 mins in]

Around the conference centre you hear the sound of demonstrations from indigenous peoples and other activists calling for climate justice and reparations for loss and damage. Inside there is the buzz of the 33,000 delegates and observers busy discussing and networking – and often getting lost in the confusing maze of rooms and corridors!

This week will determine if the COP27 has been a success.

However, whatever happens in Sharm-El-Sheikh, there is much real implementation of concrete climate action on the ground around the world, which is heartening.

Clearly there is much we can learn from each other and COP27 is a great opportunity to do this.

Carl Wright of a member of the Round Table editorial board and Secretary-General emeritus of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum.