Sunrise over Earth. (Image credit: istock)
The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) has come to a dramatic end, with representatives from nearly 200 countries achieving a groundbreaking climate agreement offsite link, signaling a historic transition away from the use of fossil fuels in the energy sector. This unprecedented deal emerged after two weeks of intense negotiations.
The agreement is the first global climate pact that explicitly mentions a transition away from fossil fuel usage, targeting the major contributors to climate change. NOAA has emerged from the meeting with a renewed determination for the agency’s continued work to combat climate change and address its impacts.
In addition to the groundbreaking climate agreement, the following are 3 key takeaways from this global initiative to address the climate crisis:
1. Climate science must inform climate policy.
COP28 underscores the vital role of science in shaping climate policies. NOAA's invaluable contributions - on topics ranging from ocean acidification to marine protected areas and conservation to marine carbon dioxide removal - were acknowledged by the worldwide community, with an emphasis on collaborating on a global scale for a secure, sustainable future.
2. Leaders of all ages are making a difference.
Recognizing the urgency to take action in the face of the climate crisis, NOAA, alongside the White House Council on Environmental Quality, facilitated direct conversations between global youth leaders and U.S. officials at COP28.
The goal? To amplify the youth perspective and include future generations in contributing to climate solutions.
3. Data are key to a resilient, nature-based economy.
Teaming up with the International Trade Administration, NOAA highlighted the essential need for a resilient Blue Economy. By leveraging climate and ocean data (including from private sources), communities, industries and organizations can make informed decisions, foster sustainability and aid vulnerable coastal areas in adapting to climate impacts.
From protecting the ocean to championing innovative technologies and supporting youth-led initiatives, these and many other achievements mark a positive step forward in the collective effort to combat climate change. The path ahead may be challenging, but with collaborative initiatives like these, there is hope for a brighter and more sustainable future.
Learn more about NOAA’s work on climate change at climate.gov.
