The year 2023 has been a busy one for nature and climate news. From COP28 and ocean treaties to extreme temperatures and polycrisis, let’s look back at some of the most important and prominent climate stories of the year.
COP28: Transitioning Away From Fossil Fuels
The recently-concluded COP28 Summit in Dubai became the first-ever UN climate conference to mention reducing the use of all fossil fuels. COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber labelled the agreement “historic”, but noted its success depends on how the global community responds.
Negotiators from almost 200 countries agreed a landmark deal at the Summit to reduce global consumption of the polluting fossil fuels, in order to keep the concerning effects of climate change at bay. The event also marked an early success on its first day itself.
Starting from November 30 at Expo City Dubai in the UAE, participants at the COP28 Summit agreed a landmark deal to operationalise the Loss and Damage Fund, in an effort to compensate countries that have been experiencing the brunt of the climate crisis.
2023: The Hottest Year On Record?
The current year is “highly likely” to become the hottest year ever recorded. The planet faced its hottest average temperatures for October, September, August and July in 2023. In fact, October temperatures were 0.85C above the 1991-2020 average for the month.
High Seas Treaty In The Limelight
The legally binding accord between member states of the UN is meant to ensure the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity areas outside national borders. For the first time in history, rules shall be in place to effectively manage the wilderness we depend so much on.
Polycrisis!
Towards the beginning of 2023, the buzzword “polycrisis” started to invade headlines across the globe. The term refers to an interrelated cluster of crises facing the planet. The phenomenon required a new descriptor to define the scale of the problems all of us are facing.
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The brutal invasion of Ukraine sent energy and food prices soaring. The resulting inflationary pressures triggered a global cost-of-living crisis which has sparked social unrest. On top of all that, emissions continue to rise as economies reopen after the lockdowns.
