Final days Negotiations at COP 27 spilled over into the weekend and finished more than 36 hours later than expected. Whilst agreement was met on many key issues, there were multiple points that remained contentious. These include: A resolution that peak emissions should occur in 2025 (and that after that date, world emissions should start … Read more

Release of the draft text Thursday 17 November saw the UN climate agency publish the draft text of the COP27 overarching agreement, the focus of the last week of negotiations and the document that will symbolise COP27 for years to come. The text appeared to still be in a very preliminary stage and many voiced … Read more

Day 9 – “Biodiversity Day” On Wednesday, the focus at COP 27 was on climate change’s impacts on biodiversity and endangered species, and on the link between climate change and nature and ecosystem-based solutions. Dedicated sessions and meetings discussed the need for integrated responses to climate change and biodiversity loss, as well as solutions to … Read more

Day 8 – “Civil Society” day Civil society was the focus today, with discussions on the role of civil society in shaping the global climate agenda and implementation of the pledges. Sessions were aimed to promote engagement of and with civil society, and localisation of climate action through a people-centred and all of society approach. … Read more

Decarbonisation day Friday 11 November was “decarbonisation day” and focused on solutions to reduce emissions from carbon intensive industries, such as the steel, oil and gas sectors. The day brought together policy makers, scientists and industry representatives in an effort to promote collaboration on innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions. Key events included: Renewable Hydrogen: … Read more

Day 4 – “Youth and Future Generations Day” On Thursday 10 November at COP27, the theme of discussions was science and youth and future generations. The inclusion of young people in climate discussions was considered particularly important to the COP organisers, with COP27 President H.E. Sameh Shoukry stating that, “Youth stands to be the most … Read more

Day 3- “Finance Day” Wednesday 9 November of COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt was designated as “finance day”. The day was aimed at making progress on financial action to secure the objectives of the Paris Agreement (2015) and the Glasgow Climate Pact (2021). As defined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change … Read more

There are so many ESG-related publications and developments that it is hard to keep abreast of them all. For this reason, HSF publishes a monthly tracker of ESG-related publications and developments, with a primary focus on developments that may be of most interest to or impact our clients in the Southern African Development Community, be … Read more