TO: Political Office
FROM: Jael Espinoza, Anjali Kumar, Sean Malloy, Irene
Slusher, Amanda Tisdale
DATE: October 25, 2021
RE: COP26
The policies recommended in this memo are focused on achieving carbon neutrality goals through direct emission reductions as well as land and marine conservation: carbon neutrality by mid-century, conserving 30 percent of land for reforestation, and 30 percent of marine sanctuaries to help rebuild biodiversity and ecosystems that reduce carbon. Climate change is a worldwide issue that is affecting millions every day. Sea levels are rising, the ocean is acidifying, and severe weather is getting worse. As the climate changes, millions, if not billions, will be forced to become climate refugees. A headline statistic states that one billion people will be climate refugees by 2050. As a way to prevent this and further destruction of the environment, a coalition of more than 196 world leaders will meet and discuss agreements and policies at the international United Nations climate change meeting called the Conference of the Parties (COP 26). Currently on the agenda for COP26 are four goals: secure global net-zero by mid-century to keep global warming to 1.5 Celsius, adapt to protect communities and habitats, mobilize finance, and collaborate.
COP26
The overarching goal for this summit is to improve on national targets for reducing global emissions. These objectives follow from the Paris Agreement summit that occurred in 2015, in which nations pledged to keep temperature increases to 2.0 degrees and agreed to work together in limiting global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees. The conference is set to take place from October 31 to November 12, 2021 in Glasgow, UK. When looking at the services ecosystems provide it becomes apparent that one approach won’t fix all the issues with climate change. In regard to oceans, the effects of climate change include ocean acidification, warmer waters, and sea level rise. To combat these changes, we need to not only reduce the emissions that cause climate change, but reverse ecosystem degradation. Sea grass, mangrove forests, salt marshes, and coral reefs are all ecosystems that contribute to carbon sequestration, but lose their capacity to capture carbon as they become increasingly stressed and eventually fail. Preserving these valuable ecosystems will require taking immediate action. If we hope to meet the goals set by the Paris Agreement it will take international cooperation around protecting our valuable land and marine ecosystems in addition to growing renewable energy capacity.
The key objectives we hope will receive attention during COP26 are as follows:
- Reach net-zero emissions released globally by mid-21st century
- Reduce use of coal power
- Increase motivation in the use of renewables
- Reach global temperature goal of 1.5 degrees
- Create policy around protecting marine ecosystems
- Reduce the deforestation rate
- Accelerate the production and introduction of electric vehicles
- Implement greener and more resilient infrastructure and agriculture to withstand natural disasters
- Reduce the loss of homes, job opportunities, and livelihoods due to climate change.
- Increase more jobs in both public and private sectors to help achieve net-zero goal globally
- Create more significant relationships with local and national governments, NGOs, businesses, other citizen science-based groups, and the public through multi-disciplinary approaches
Pros of land and marine conservation:
- Political feasibility: Individuals from both political parties would appreciate land conservancy.
- Economic costs: Conservation of lands would provide economic growth.
- Environmental impacts: Protected ecosystems can begin rebuilding, providing more niches for biodiversity.
- Carbon sequestration: Land reforestation could reduce emissions by 25%. Forests have absorbed about 20% of anthropogenic carbon, while the oceans have reduced atmospheric levels by 30-50%. Net zero emissions will ease the burden on the ocean as the carbon diffusion into the ocean will eventually reach an equilibrium, stopping ocean acidification.
Cons of land and marine conservation:
- Political feasibility: As more areas of coastline become replanted to accommodate sea level rise, coastal communities may resist these measures.
- Economic: The costs would be greater initially in setting aside lands and waters for protection and in establishing maintenance funds. Development would be limited with restrictions on paving roads or building on the restored land.
- Equity: Protected areas may be perceived as unfairly affecting rural communities and those tied to natural resources, such as fishing.
Analysis: Protecting seagrass, mangroves, salt marshes, and coral reefs internationally will help reduce ocean acidification and sea level rise by storing carbon and protecting coastlines. Reducing pollution in waterways as well as replanting coastal vegetation also helps to reduce stresses to these ecosystems. Reseeding the coastlines so they can perform their role in capturing carbon is just one way we can provide the buffer we need for technology like renewable energy to catch up. It will take protecting ecosystems on both land and sea as well as massive shifts in how we consume energy, but oceans are very resilient, and in a short amount of time, we could see real change.
Land conservation should also be considered as an essential topic of discussion at the future COP26 conference. Currently, the forest, agriculture, and commodity trade dialogue are promoting sustainable global development; however, it is not enough to completely satisfy all needs of additional land conservation. The rationale behind this policy recommendation is that there is not enough action occurring for land conservation. Land conservation not only helps with reducing carbon emissions, but also helps wildlife, the water cycle and even increases economic growth for the surrounding cities and state-wide.
In addition, climate financing, collaborations with organizations, and detailed policy reforms are essential. These policies include: improved infrastructure to protect vulnerable communities, storm defense systems, alternatives to harmful practices such as coal power plants and unsustainable agriculture, and protection of natural habitats and ecosystems.
Virginia Angle: Virginia has already made several commitments in line with COP26 goals. For example, Virginia reduced its total carbon emissions by more than 20% between 2005-2015. During the same time period, increased investment in renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, reduced the release of more than 1.6 million metric tons of carbon. Both actions contribute to cleaner air for locals as well as job opportunities that promote clean and safe energy. In conjunction with helping to pass a proposal to cut carbon emissions and pollution by 30% between 2020-2030, Virginia created the Virginia Clean Economy Act and joined RGGI, a cap, and trade program- demonstrating their commitment to reducing GHG emissions. These policies will help Virginia in achieving the U.S. contributions to COP26 goals.
Virginia can also contribute to carbon neutrality by expanding ecosystem recovery programs and land conservation efforts. Projects for reestablishing critical ecosystems such as the Eelgrass off the Eastern Shore have proved that ecosystem recovery projects show great promise to protect the Virginia coastline and sequester carbon. Efforts should continue to be made and expanded upon to preserve the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia coastlines. In terms of land conservation efforts, there are only eight major projects in Virginia. Increasing the number of land conservation projects will help improve and maximize direct conservation efforts in Virginia, keep the air and water clean, protect wildlife, and provide economic benefits from tourism.
While Virginia has proved that they are clearly on board with COP26 objectives, some future obstacles are of concern. For example, the Virginia gubernatorial elections are coming up, the outcome of which could affect Virginia’s commitments to COP26 goals as well as efforts for marine and land conservation. Additionally, with the West Virginia senator, Joe Manchin, in charge of passing Biden’s Climate Plan there are no guarantees that the U.S. will be fully committed to COP26 goals. As a result, Virginia can serve as a leader for climate actions among the states.