Ensuring a just and sustainable transition - amplifying the voice of EU civil society at COP16 and COP29 

Following our participation in UNFCCC COP29 held in Azerbaijan and in the UN CBD COP16 held in Colombia, we have much to reflect upon as we pave the way forward. Climate change is not just an environmental crisis – it is also a crisis of civilisation. It impacts everyone, but the most vulnerable communities bear the heaviest burden. The focus now lies on aligning biodiversity and climate action, raising and securing proper finance and implementing emissions reductions in a just and equitable way. 

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🌍 Highlights from COP29 - Climate

COP29 wrapped up with limited progress and no clear fossil fuel phaseout. Yet, a decision was reached on the new collective quantified goal for climate finance towards developing countries. Eyes are now on COP30 to ensure proper climate finance, a just transition, sustainable agri-food systems and aligning climate and biodiversity action. The EESC will continue amplifying the voice of civil society and youth. 🔎More on our website

🌊 Highlights from COP16 - Biodiversity

COP16 elevated biodiversity alongside decarbonisation. It achieved a marine protection agreement, a permanent body for indigenous peoples, and record engagement with 900,000+ visitors. Yet, much remains to be done in terms of financial mobilisation. The EESC will continue to advocate for a more sustainable global financial architecture and for the redirection of public money towards sustainable practices and nature-based solutions. 🔎More on our website

🌍Together against natural disasters

In the run-up to COP29 in Azerbaijan, our members shared their personal experiences with natural disasters. 💔Their heartfelt stories help us to understand the challenges faced by those on the front lines of climate change in Europe.🎬Watch video

🌍The EESC calls for building synergies between the two COPs📣If we want a sustainable and just transition then we have to think of biodiversity loss & climate change together.🎬 Watch video

EESC Youth Delegate to COP - Applications opening soon!
The EESC, in cooperation with European Youth Forum and Generation Climate Europe, will soon launch a call for applications for the next EESC youth delegate to COP. The youth delegate has a mandate of two years and actively participates in the strategic work of the EESC on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The youth delegate will be supported by a youth task force and be a full member of the EESC delegation at the UNFCCC COP. 🔎More info

EESC event | A global perspective towards fostering a just transition in the agri-food sector: bridging generations for sustainable change
On 18 November, the EESC hosted an event with the aim to develop a just transition framework for agri-food systems, balancing environmental and social priorities. It promoted collaboration between civil society and policy experts to create low-carbon, sustainable food systems that are equitable, inclusive, and considerate of farmers, workers, future generations, and Global South perspectives in climate adaptation and mitigation.  🎬Info & video recording 

EESC event | From Growth to Sufficiency: The Role of 'Cap and Share' and Other Policy Pathways for Justice and Sustainability in Climate Action
On 18 November, the EESC co-hosted an event to explore how economic systems impact climate change and social justice, and discuss sustainable alternatives to growth and consumption. The event also discussed the "Cap and Share" strategy, a collaborative climate approach between the Global North and South, aimed at enabling the Global South to develop sustainably while strengthening cooperation and economic stability in the Global North. 📄 More info

EESC event | Mainstreaming biodiversity in climate action: the role of nature-based solutions 
On 27 October, the EESC hosted an event to explore and promote nature-based solutions which simultaneously tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, addressing the urgent need to increase synergies between UN CBD and UNFCCC processes. The event also stressed the importance of multi-stakeholders' governance at all levels, including the systematic, deliberative, early and consistent participation of local communities and civil society organisations in the drafting, implementation and monitoring processes of new and existing policies. 🎬Info & video recording  

EESC event | Towards a circular economy in harmony with nature 
On 1 November, the EESC co-hosted an event to explore the opportunities and benefits of using circular economy as a tool to mainstream biodiversity in economic sectors. The event highlighted and discussed insights from key publications on the nexus between biodiversity, climate and circular economy while also presenting good practices from the EU and beyond, showcasing how the circular economy can contribute – and is already contributing – to biodiversity goals.  

🎬Info & video recording  

EESC event | Women and the triple planetary crisis: challenges and opportunities
On 13 November, the EESC held a thematic debate to reflect on the disproportionate impact of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss on women and girls, and the critical role they play in advocating for solutions. The event gathered insights from women across various sectors and continents on the challenges and opportunities they encounter in the sustainability transition, and discussed how solutions can be integrated across all policy areas comprehensively. 🎬Info & video recording  

EESC event | Organic food: good for farmers, workers, climate, and the environment
On 15 November, the EESC hosted an event organised in partnership by Organic Cities Network Europe and the Associazione per l’agricultura biodinamica on the benefits of organic food and the critical role of public procurement in advancing sustainable practices. The event highlighted the positive impact of organic food for various stakeholders, including farmers, workers, the climate, and the environment and served as a platform for European cities and institutions to engage in a dialogue around organic territorial strategies, with a focus on public procurement. Discussions also covered recent successful healthy food initiatives across Europe. 🎬Info & video recording 

EESC event | Climate migration: where to next
Key takeways from the second meeting of the EU's Permanent Group on Immigration and Integration held last 10 September are now available. The event focused on climate-induced migration and experts discussed the role of climate change in driving human mobility, the need for coherent EU policies, and strategies to build resilience in affected regions. Key themes included the importance of accurate data, empowering youth as change agents, and framing migration as adaptation rather than a security issue.📄Read the report

EESC news | EΕSC urges the EU to lead with a coherent and sustainable bioeconomy
In its recent opinion, the EESC outlines how a strong bioeconomy strategy can amplify Europe’s economic and ecological benefits, strengthen resilience, and support a fair transition for all. With strategic investments in cross-sector collaboration and community engagement, the EU’s bioeconomy can become a global model of sustainable growth that respects ecological boundaries. A strong bioeconomy can also offer significant social benefits, especially in rural and remote areas. 📰Read more

EESC news | EESC proposes concrete recommendations for building a resilient and sustainable food system for the future
In its recently adopted opinion, requested by the Hungarian presidency, the EESC envisions a food system that is competitive, crisis-proof, and aligned with EU environmental and social objectives. Key proposals include, amongst others, strengthening farmers' bargaining position when it comes to price negotiations, ensuring future trade agreements incorporate the Green Deal and Farm to Fork standards and promoting generational renewal, in particular, by targeting young people and women. 📰Read more

The Club of Rome | Open letter on COP reform
On 15 November 2024, the Club of Rome published an open letter calling for a fundamental overhaul of the COP and arguing that its current structure simply cannot deliver the change at exponential speed and scale which is essential to ensure a safe climate landing for humanity. A shift is needed from negotiation to implementation, enabling the COP to deliver on agreed commitments and ensure the urgent energy transition and phase-out of fossil energy. ✉ Read the letter

FAO | Publication: The unjust climate - Measuring the impacts of climate change on rural poor, women and youth 
This report summarises the key messages and findings relating to an impressive set of data from 24 low- and middle-income countries in five world regions to measure the effects of climate change on rural women, youths and people living in poverty. The data enable us to disentangle how different types of climate stressors affect people’s on-farm, off-farm and total incomes, labour allocations and adaptive actions, depending on their wealth, gender and age characteristics.
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OXFAM | Briefing report: Carbon Inequality Kills: Why curbing the excessive emissions of an elite few can create a sustainable planet for all
A recent briefing paper by OXFAM reports that the emissions of the world’s super-rich 1% are accelerating the climate crisis and causing economic losses of trillions of dollars while also contributing to huge crop losses and leading to millions of excess deaths. According to the report, radically reducing inequality is the only way to beat climate breakdown and deliver social justice so it's important to act now to curb the emissions of the super-rich and apply the polluter pays principle. 📄Read more 

FAO | Publication: Supporting countries in their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans for the agrifood sectors
Supporting countries in their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) for the agrifood sectors is an initiative dedicated to advancing the integration of biodiversity into agrifood systems. By aligning national strategies with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the initiative promotes biodiversity conservation while ensuring sustainable food security and nutrition. It serves as a key platform to support countries in achieving global biodiversity targets through biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices. 

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