Thomas Lingard’s Post

“Co-founder of the Youth Negotiators Academy Veena Balakrishnan told Concern Worldwide’s Copon event in Dublin recently that she managed to get inside the negotiating room at Cop26 in Glasgow but was struck by the dominance of white men “with the same hair colour”… “It takes time to become a leader. We need to invest in them today. I see a lot of them progressing forward, and we will [soon] have a whole generation of diplomats, negotiators, who are able to push for very different outcomes” David Robbins “encourages wider reporting to include a vision of what lies ahead once necessary actions are taken. “Reporters are very good at telling us about climate impacts, about wildfires, droughts, floods and heatwaves – all the things we want to avoid. But they often have less time and space to tell us all the good things, the co-benefits that come with climate action.” Dealing with climate change forces us to look at long-standing problems we have to examine sooner or later anyway: our energy, planning, transport and food systems, he adds. “Even without the imperative to reduce emissions, these systems are not sustainable in the long term….” “Politicians and corporate leaders, however, tend to favour technological solutions over deeper value and behaviour changes, Hans Zomer says. “That approach often disregards the root causes of – and the many connections between – the various ecological crises. Tech can blind us to the fact that real solutions to the environmental crises require lifestyle changes from all of us… Businesses are not yet scaling up their climate actions to the level needed…. Many do not view climate risks as having a significant impact on their business..” Lots of pertinent issues - systems change, accountability, justice, technooptimism, vision - addressed in this good piece from Kevin O'Sullivan as the countdown to COP29 marches on. https://lnkd.in/eTj4xQdm

🌍 Reflection from COP29 Opening Sessions🌍 “COP29 is a moment of truth for the Paris Agreement” - Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President. Today’s opening sessions at COP29 showcased critical themes at the heart of the climate conversation: adaptation, ambition, action, and finance. Each opening remark, highlighted that we are at a turning point where our collective choices will define the future of climate resilience. One of the topics at the centre of COP29 is Carbon markets which has emerged as a key mechanism to mobilize the finance needed to achieve the Paris Agreement goals, especially through Article 6. Climate Adaptation and Ambition The call for strong climate adaptation measures resonated deeply, particularly for vulnerable nations that face heightened climate risks. The ambition shown today was encouraging, yet the gap between financial pledges and actual needs remains stark. To truly support adaptation, we must align ambition with the resources to make meaningful impacts on the ground. Carbon Finance Through Article 6 Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, provides a framework for international cooperation through carbon markets. This article is fundamental in shaping both the compliance and voluntary carbon markets by allowing countries and businesses to invest in emissions reduction projects globally. Article 6.2 allows countries to transfer mitigation outcomes to meet their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), while Article 6.4 creates a UN-led carbon market with rigorous standards. Article 6 could be transformative, offering opportunities for both governments and businesses to contribute to emissions reductions in a transparent and verifiable way. For businesses, compliance markets allow organizations to meet regulatory targets, while voluntary markets provide avenues for deeper climate action aligned with corporate goals. However, both markets need strengthened frameworks to ensure integrity, transparency, and genuine climate impact. As COP29 unfolds, we urgently need clear commitments to solidify Article 6 guidelines and bolster both compliance and voluntary markets. Achieving this will mean: 1. Establishing robust accounting standards to prevent double counting, 2. Strengthening transparency to ensure market integrity, 3. Investing in technologies (GIS remote sensing etc) and 4. Creating incentives for private sector engagement that foster innovation and sustainability. These commitments will be crucial in turning carbon markets into a powerful tool for climate finance and action. If we can get Article 6 right, COP29 could lay the foundation for transformative action across governments and industries. Let’s keep driving forward with hope and ambition. The future of our planet depends on it. Young Energy Specialists & Development Cooperation (YES-DC) #COP29 #ClimateAction #CarbonMarkets #Sustainability #Climate

“Progress may feel slow, but it’s clear that we need all hands on deck to bridge the gaps left. Civil society, businesses, FIs, via robust #accountability ecosystem, must now lead with urgency and clarity.” #naturepositive #climateaction #justtransition

🌍 3 key takeaways from COP29 and what this means for businesses 🌍 Reflecting on COP29, I had hoped for better outcomes. The two weeks were tough, revealing the stark differences in interests. COP29 faced significant challenges, including deep divisions between developed and developing nations over climate finance commitments. The negotiations also underscored the need for resilient climate strategies amidst potential policy shifts. The three key take aways and their implications for businesses: 1. Climate Finance Commitment: Developed nations have pledged to channel at least $300 billion annually into developing countries by 2035. For businesses, this means increased funding opportunities for initiatives in developing regions. Companies that align their operations with these funding streams will be well-positioned to benefit from new investments and partnerships. 2. Focus on Collaboration: The negotiations at COP29 emphasized the importance of collaboration between nations to address climate change. Businesses can play a crucial role by building strong, transparent relationships with local stakeholders and participating in collaborative efforts to achieve sustainability goals. 3. Resilient Climate Strategies: COP29 highlighted the need for resilient climate strategies that can withstand potential policy shifts. Businesses should ensure their climate strategies are robust and adaptable. Companies that proactively integrate sustainability into their core operations and long-term planning will be better equipped to handle regulatory changes and maintain their competitive edge. Overall and although all the struggling, COP29 will significantly shape the business landscape. Companies that align with new emissions standards and supply chain requirements will be better positioned to lead and thrive. The emphasis on climate finance and the transition to clean energy presents a valuable opportunity for businesses to innovate, build resilience, and make climate action a core part of their strategy. By embracing these changes, businesses can not only contribute to global climate goals but also unlock new growth opportunities and drive long-term success. #COP29 #Sustainability #ClimateAction #NetZero #PwC #BusinessModelReinvention 🔗 Check out more: https://bit.ly/3V9yq5L

The End does NOT Justify the Means. Using a flawed immoral instrument - the carbon markets - to address such a monumental problem we have as humanity, is not going to work. We cannot rehash here the 30 years long argument. Bottom line is we cannot continue to allow people to pollute and then buy their way out of it. This policy skews the system and turns any sense of emergency to a lull. You give the impression you are doing something when in reality the whole system is becoming more unstable and precarious like the tree in the picture. We need to start from the baseline, for every industry, for EVERY SINGLE PRODUCT. Reduce or completely remove negative impacts. If we cannot do it for a specific product of service the we do not produce it. Simple.  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm Vasilis, the founder of Ethical Product Management. If you need help realize a future product portfolio that's helping people and regenerating the environment get in touch. ✅Follow me and repost ✅Register to my newsletter https://lnkd.in/eid6p5ai #ESG #Sustainability #CorporateCulture #Leadership #Innovation #OrganizationalChange #IncentiveStructures #CorporateResponsibility #SustainableInnovation #TheGreatTransition #EthicalProductManagement

Pioneering Progress: New UN Carbon Market Rules Enacted at COP29 In a major stride for climate action, nations gathered at COP29 have approved new UN standards for international carbon markets. This development paves the way for countries to trade carbon credits, a critical mechanism that will help nations meet their climate targets more efficiently. By enabling the exchange of carbon credits, countries can collaborate on a global scale to reduce emissions and foster sustainable development. This milestone reflects a collective commitment to addressing climate change through innovative market-based solutions. As nations align on these standards, businesses and governments are empowered to leverage carbon trading as a viable strategy for achieving their environmental goals. This alignment underscores the power of collaboration and shared responsibility in confronting one of the most pressing issues of our time. The adoption of these new rules is not just a technical achievement; it's a call to action for individuals, companies, and governments to harness the potential of carbon markets. As we move forward, we must explore how these standards can be implemented effectively and equitably across different regions and industries. What are the opportunities and challenges you foresee in the implementation of these new carbon market rules? #COP29 #CarbonMarkets #ClimateAction #Sustainability #CarbonCredits #GlobalCollaboration P.S.: Looking for a creative outlet? Check out our creative books at www.sleepyhippie.com for inspiration and fun

"VOICES FROM THE GLOBAL SOUTH" @COP29 CARBON MARKET WIN. Simon Stiell, the UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, regarding progress made on carbon markets at COP29. The statement highlights an important milestone: the agreement on strong standards for a centralized carbon market, which has been years in the making. Carbon markets are designed to help countries meet their climate goals more efficiently by allowing them to buy and sell emission reductions. This agreement represents significant progress, but as Stiell mentions, there is still much work ahead. The goal is to accelerate action on climate change, and while halving emissions within the current decade remains a challenging target, carbon markets are seen as a tool that can help drive down emissions while also supporting economic growth. It sounds like you're looking to dive deeper into the progress made on carbon markets at COP29, and you also want to craft some effective tags for LinkedIn. Here's a breakdown that could help you both understand the development and prepare your LinkedIn post. Key Points from the Development: Centralized Carbon Markets: The agreement at COP29 outlines strong standards for a centralized carbon market. This marks a significant step in the global climate framework, aligning countries to set up a unified approach to emissions trading. Long-Term Negotiations: The standards agreed upon are the result of over a decade of negotiations, highlighting the importance of global cooperation in tackling climate change. Cost-Effective Emission Reductions: These carbon markets will allow countries to implement their climate action plans in a more affordable way by purchasing emissions reductions from other countries or entities that can reduce emissions more cheaply. Accelerating Climate Goals: While the 2030 target of halving emissions is still a challenge, the creation of a global carbon market helps nations move closer to this goal by providing a flexible and market-driven mechanism to cut emissions. Global Collaboration: This agreement represents a critical piece of the puzzle in the global effort to mitigate climate change #COP29#CarbonMarkets#ClimateAction#SustainableDevelopment#NetZero#ClimateFinance#GreenEconomy#CarbonPricing#EmissionReduction#ClimatePolicy#RenewableEnergy#ClimateChange#Sustainability#GlobalClimateAction #UNFCCC Abos-Africa

🌍 Reflecting on COP29: The need for accountability and collaboration 🌱 As COP29 concludes, the complexities of global climate negotiations are laid bare. Arguably some progress was made, but the challenges and criticisms from this year’s conference have taken centre stage. Three issues stand out: 1️⃣ Insufficient Climate Finance Commitment: The $300 billion annual target for climate finance by 2035 has been widely criticized. Developing nations need at least US$1.3 trillion annually to tackle climate impacts effectively and for many the deal and related mechanisms offer a drop in the ocean. 2️⃣ Stalled Action on Fossil Fuels: Once again, we left without concrete measures to transition away from fossil fuels. The lack of decisive steps is deeply frustrating, especially knowing how critical this transition is for a sustainable future. Geopolitical resistance, particularly from major oil-producing nations, continues to slow us down. 3️⃣ Organizational and Geopolitical Roadblocks: The extended negotiations and evident geopolitical tensions this year were a reminder of how fractured the process can be. Climate and nature action demands unity, yet we are often stuck in divisions that delay critical decisions. Despite these setbacks, we remain hopeful and determined. Progress may feel slow, but it’s clear that we need all hands on deck to bridge the gaps left. Civil society, businesses, and robust accountability ecosystem must now lead with urgency and clarity. Here’s what gives us hope: ✅ The Accountability Accelerator, part of the Global Commons Alliance, and our network of partners are working tirelessly to hold companies accountable and provide the resources and tools companies need to ensure commitments lead to real outcomes. ✅Collaboration across sectors - businesses innovating, civil society advocating, and communities acting - is already driving transformative change where governments hesitate. ✅Accountability mechanisms, like independent target validation and transparent reporting, are laying the groundwork for a nature-positive, climate-resilient future. While the path ahead is complex, we believe in the power of collective action and accountability. Together, we can ensure that pledges transform into progress and that hope turns into action. #COP29 #ClimateAction #Accountability #Collaboration #NaturePositive #NetZero #Sustainability Natasha Milan Matic, Ph.D. Natasha Tariq Seema Joshi Randall Krantz Mariana Cascardo Michael Dean Cambridge Paola D. Luna Sarah Savage Heidi Lampén Kathryn Oldfield Photo by Matthew TenBruggencate

The eleventh-hour climate finance deal to conclude #COP29 was by no means satisfactory and I share in the disappointment I see among those in my network. The meagre progress on mitigation commitments, particularly as it relates to #FossilFuels, were significantly short of what climate science is saying we need.   However, what it did accomplish is the one thing only COP can achieve: a reinvigorated spirt of collaboration, across sectors, geographies and expertise.    I have no doubt the other actors – private sector bodies, financiers, innovators, and other leaders – will mobilize to meet the climate finance gap left by the negotiating Parties at the end of COP29.   Even during the Conference as a successful outcome was looking less and less possible, we saw accelerated progress on the foundations that will bring forward the mitigation of industrial emissions, especially for greening key industries for sustainable economies like #GreenSteel.   One of the big wins for green steel was The Breakthrough Agenda aligning priorities for the Steel Breakthrough for 2025, giving the industry and its partners actionable targets, spanning standards, demand, R&D, trade, investment, and coordination.   We also saw the Climate Club – co-hosted by the OECD - OCDE and International Energy Agency (IEA) – push out new principles for low-emission and near-zero emission steel and cement, helping ensure transparency, accountability and cooperation across industrial decarbonization.   Despite a lowball on #climatefinance and rollback on mitigation commitments, it is clear that countries and actors will use this collaborative and solution-oriented spirit to continue forward progress on assigning solutions to environmental problems.   We look forward to carrying the successes from this year’s COP to advance the global agenda of greening global economies and preparing for a more sustainable future.   #COP29 #climateaction #lowcarbonsteel #greensteel

If you wish to learn more about Article 6, please join us in this webinar