From 30 November 2023 to 12 December 2023, the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – UNFCCC COP28 – met in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Priorities included delivering action on a variety of issues critical to tackling the climate emergency, from urgently reducing greenhouse gas emissions, building resilience, and adapting to the inevitable impacts of climate change, to delivering on the commitments to finance climate action in developing countries. 

Research by the International Resource Panel (IRP) has found that the unsustainable use of natural resources, in particular by high-income countries, lies at the heart of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution and waste. Resource efficiency and circular economy solutions are therefore central to solutions for the triple planetary crisis. Climate goals cannot be achieved without urgent action to transform how we use and manage natural resources to deliver well-being. 

The IRP Co-Chairs, Janez Potočnik and Izabella Teixeira, and IRP Panel Member Hans Bruyninckx, took this message to the UNFCCC COP 28 at several side events. 

IRP Co-Organized Side events:  

“Global Resource Outlook 2024: Tackling the triple planetary crises through sustainable resource use”  

High-level side event at the Benelux Pavilion 
06 December 2023 | 15:30-17:00 (UAE)  

  • Organizers: Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management; International Resource Panel (IRP)  

  • For more information, click here 

  • To watch the event, click here. 

Session description:   

Biomass cultivation, mineral and fossil resource extraction, and processing of materials, fuels and food accounted for more than 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 and more than 60% of greenhouse gas emissions from land-use change are considered. The emissions related to these processes have increased when compared to 2015 when the Paris Agreement was signed, demonstrating that climate mitigation efforts have so far focused too little on resource-related impacts.   

This session elaborated on why solutions based on the sustainable management of natural resources can be some of the most effective in delivering on the Paris Agreement and must be considered as countries ramp up ambitions for action.   

Preliminary findings from the International Resource Panel’s Global Resources Outlook (forthcoming, UNEA-6) identify that resource management strategies including sustainable consumption and production, circular economy and resource efficiency can help to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 80 per cent by 2060 while still delivering wellbeing and economic growth for all. Strategies for action across housing, mobility, energy and food systems, as well as a central focus on justice and equity, were discussed based on the findings of the report.   

Speakers:   

Moderator: Shereen Zorba, Head Science-Business-Policy Forum (UNEP)  

Vivianne Heijnen, Minister of Environment, Netherlands  

 H.E. Ms Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development of Morocco

Dr. Alue Dohong, Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Republic of Indonesia  

Ms. Cecilia Nicolini, Secretary for Climate Change, Sustainable Development and Innovation, Argentina  

Ilka Hirt, Deputy DG for International Affairs at the German Ministry for the Environment 

Hans Bruyninckx, Lead Author of the Global Resources Outlook 2024, IRP Panel Member and Former Director of the European Environment Agency  

“Time to act – Raising ambition in climate change migration through resource efficiency and the circular economy”   

High-level side event at the German pavilion  
10 December 2023 | 12:30-14:00 (UAE) 

  • Organizers: Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV); International Resource Panel (IRP)  

  • For more information, click here  

  • To watch the event, click here 

Session description:   

With the devastating effects of climate change becoming increasingly evident, curbing emissions fast and drastically is imperative to ensure human well-being. However, current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement fall short of achieving the global climate targets. A powerful lever to reduce GHG emissions is largely missing from many Nationally Determined Contributions and climate policies: the sustainable and circular use of the resources of our common home – planet Earth.  

The research of the IRP has shown that resource use drives all aspects of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Similarly, the climate impact of resource use and the crucial importance of resource efficiency and circular economy is progressively finding its way into climate science: In its sixth reporting cycle on climate mitigation, the IPCC focussed considerably more on the climate mitigation effect of material efficiency and the circular economy. Particular attention was given to this topic in the chapters on industry and the social dimension of mitigation.

Science and solutions took centre stage in this joint event of BMUV, IRP and the One Planet Network, which was opened by high-level political keynote speakers - including German Minister for the Environment Steffi Lemke.

Speakers:   

Moderator: Miranda Schnitger, Climate lead, Ellen MacArthur Foundation 

Steffi Lemke, Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, BMUV, Germany 

Adalberto Maluf, National Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Brazil

Jim Skea, Professor of Sustainable Energy, Imperial College London and Co-Chair of IPCC Working Group III 

Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair, International Resource Panel

Miranda Schnitger, Climate Lead, Ellen MacArthur Foundation 

Romeo Bertolini, Deputy Director, NDC Partnership 

Cassie Flynn, Global Director of Climate Change, UNDP 

 

“Towards sustainable resource management and decent lives for all: science and solutions from Global Resources Outlook 2024” 

Side event at the UN Climate Change Pavilion 
09 December 2023 | 10:00-11:00 (UAE) 

  • Organizers: UN Climate Change Global Innovation Hub (UGIH); International Resource Panel (IRP)  

  • For more information, click here

  • To watch the event, click here 

Session description:   

​​In line with the objectives of the UGIH, this session focused on a system-thinking approach to resource management, exploring solutions proposed by GRO24 for meeting human needs and raising well-being, while decoupling from resource use, enabling a Just Transition, and achieving decent lives for all. The session was a panel discussion: with GRO24 authors explaining novel scientific findings, and policy-makers and the business community on operationalising the recommendations. Short talks were followed by Q&A.​  

Speakers:   

Moderator: Massamba Thioye, Director, UNFCCC Global Innovation Hub 

Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair, International Resource Panel and former Commissioner of the Environment, European Commission 

Izabella Teixeira, Co-Chair, International Resource Panel and former Minister of Environment Brazil 

Maarten Kapelle, Head, Thematic Scientific Assessments of the Early Warning and Assessment Division, UNEP 

Ramona Liberoff, Executive Director, Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE) (Virtual) 

Quentin Drewell, Director of Products and Materials Pathway, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)(tbc) 

Events with IRP participation:  

“High-level session on systems change and innovation for climate and sustainability action”  

High-level side event at the UN Climate Change Pavilion 
30 November 2023 | 13:00 - 14:00 (UAE) 

  • Organizers: UN Climate Change Global Innovation Hub (UGIH)  

  • For more information, click here

  • To watch the event, click here

Session description:   

​​This high-level session featured high-level speakers and will lead discussions on how a need-based and solution-oriented approach to climate and sustainability innovation combined with moonshot mindsets and systems thinking can serve the many people and the planet, enabling climate and sustainability solution providers to do the right thing and to do it rightly. The panellists deliberated and shared ideas and experiences that can facilitate the identification, development and upscaled deployment of transformative and ambitious climate and sustainability solutions, aligned with the 1.5-degree goal and that can help in the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals. These can include a combination of innovative technologies, policies, financial instruments, and business models as well as cooperative approaches and products from the culture and creative industries. 

Speakers:   

Moderator: Dr. Kirsten Dunlop, the CEO of Climate KIC 

Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair of the International Resource Panel  

John McCalla-Leacy, Head of Global Environmental, Social and Governance KPMG International  

Fanglu Wang, Managing Director, Citi Capital 

Darian Stibbe, Executive Director, The Partnering Initiative

"Unlocking the Potential of Circular Economy and Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) for Heightened Climate Ambition in Central Asia"

Side event at the Central Asia Pavilion 
06 December 2023 | 13:00-14:45 (UAE) 

  • Organizers: EU Switch Asia and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) 

  •  For more information, click here

  • To watch the event, click here

Session description: 

The proposed side event was designed to explore the opportunities to integrate SCP/CE into climate actions in Central Asia based on regional and global experiences. It aimed to identify the potentials, opportunities and challenges in integrating SCP/CE aspects within the NDCs and broader climate actions.  

Speakers:

Moderator: CAREC

Zafar Makhmudov, Executive Director, The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC)

Dr. Zinaida Fadeeva, Team Leader, SWITCH-Asia PSC

Hans Bruyninckx, Lead Author of the Global Resources Outlook 2024, IRP Panel Member and Former Director of the European Environment Agency

Ranga Pallawala, Key Expert, EU SWITCH-Asia PSC

Dr. Achala Abeysinghe, Asia Regional Director, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)

Mr. Olzhas Agabekov, CEO IGTIC, Chairman of the Management Board of the International Green Technologies and Investment Projects Center

“Global Cooperation on Clean Energy Innovation: The Role of Critical Raw Materials”  

Side event at the European Commission Pavilion 
06 December 2023 | 17:45-18:30 (UAE) 

  • Organizers: European Commission Pavilion 

  •  For more information, click here 

  • To watch the event, click here

Session description: 

This event provided a distinctive forum for key stakeholders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the paramount importance of securing and sustainably managing the supply of critical raw materials, emphasising the need for international collaboration, technological innovation, and effective regulatory initiatives to secure a sustainable supply chain and advance the global energy transition.   

​Speakers:   

Moderator: Rosalinde van der Vlies, Vice-chair of the Mission Innovation Steering Committee and Clean Planet Director, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission 

Piotr Szymański, Director of Energy, Mobility and Climate Directorate, Joint Research Centre, European Commission 

Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair, the International Resource Panel and former Commissioner of the Environment, European Commission 

Roland Roesch, Director, IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre  

Dr. Christine Falken-Grosser, Director, German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy  

Adel El Gammal, EERA Secretary General 

“Climate-Biodiversity-SDGs Synergistic Actions in Asia-Pacific”

Side event at the Japan Pavilion
08 December 2023 | 14:45-16:00 (UAE) 
  • Organizers: Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) and Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ)

  • For more information, click here

  • Event link available soon

​Session description:   

"The First Global Report on Climate and SDG Synergies," was unveiled in September, coinciding with the SDG Summit. The report emphasized the imperative to accumulate tangible examples that exemplify synergistic approaches and to develop specific methodologies for implementing these synergies within policy frameworks. To accelerate these essential activities, the Japanese government is planning to present a Resolution titled "Promoting Synergistic Approaches to Address the Triple Crisis of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution and Support Sustainable Development" at the 6th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), scheduled in Nairobi at the end of February next year. In addition, Japan intends to convene the Expert Group in Japan next March for further discussions. Furthermore, a parallel effort is underway to develop a similar report tailored to the Asia-Pacific Region.

This seminar, hosted at the Japan Pavilion, served as a platform for expanding partnerships with like-minded nations and international organizations. The main focus of this gathering was to engage in substantive dialogues about policy measures that can be implemented to realize synergies and promote climate action, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development at the same time, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region. Through this seminar, we aim to enhance our collective efforts in addressing global environmental challenges. 

Speakers:  

Moderator: Junichi FUJINO, Programme Principal Researcher, IGES

Kazuhiko TAKEUCHI, President, IGES

Hans Bruyninckx, Lead Author of the Global Resources Outlook 2024, IRP Panel Member and Former Director of the European Environment Agency 

Izabella Teixeira, Co-Chair, International Resource Panel

Bahareh Seyedi, Senior Sustainable Development Officer, UNDESA 

James Grabert, Director of Mitigation, UNFCCC Secretariat

Jessica Troni, Chief, Climate Change Adaptation Unit, UNEP

Sandeep Sengupta, Global Policy Lead for Climate Change, IUCN International Policy Centre

H.E. Amenatave V. YAUVOLI, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Fiji to the Republic of Indonesia; High Commissioner to Singapore; High Commissioner to Malaysia; Permanent Representative to UNESCAP in Bangkok

MATSUZAWA Yutaka, Vice Minister for Global Environmental Affairs, Ministry of the Environment, Japan   

"Methodologies to unlock the potential of the circular economy in the LAC region"

Virtual side event by the European Union
09 December 2023 | 16:30-17:30 (UAE) 
  • Organizers: European Commission

  • For more information, click here

  • To watch the event, click here

Session description: 

The Deep Demonstration mechanism is fully aligned with the EU mission and aims to generate actionable intelligence for local policy and decision-makers on how to manage system change in the current context of urgency, diversity and uncertainty. It entails the design and promotion of the circular transition of key value chains and economic sectors through a coordinated and coherent national approach based on international best practices. The aim is to achieve a cohesive transition to a resilient circular model which has been already successfully applied in some European cities and can reduce future economic, environmental, and social costs while creating local added value.

Speaker:

Moderator: Donna Gittens, Program Manager, Climate Change at Delegation of the European Union to Barbados

Janez Potocnik, IRP Co-Chair and Former Commissioner of the Environment, European Commission 

"Building a net-zero & nature-positive future: Whole life cycle approaches and circularity as key drivers for building decarbonisation"

Side event at the Business and Buildings Pavilion, Online
09 December 2023 | 10:00-11:30 (UAE) 
  • Organizers: One Planet Network and GlobalABC Materials Hub

  • For more information, click here

  • To watch the event, click here

Session description: 

The objective of the event was to call to action to consider embodied emissions of materials, and buildings, and accelerate circularity in support of climate and nature objectives. The objective was delivered through a panel discussion designed to 1) spotlight tangible solutions that are pushing for circularity and decarbonisation in the built environment, and 2) present the Global Partnerships that are amplifying these transformative efforts.

Speakers:   

Moderator: Jonathan Duwyn, GlobalABC

Dr. Vera Rodenhoff, Deputy Director General for International Climate Action and International Energy Transition in the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)

Edgar Hertwich, Panel Member (IRP), Professor, NTNU (online) 

Hind Wildman, Yale CEA  

RIBA: Duncan Baker-Brown

Prof Graeme Maidment, DESNZ

Naila Ahamed Noor, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Public Works of Bangladesh

Robert Spencer, VP of sustainable committee, FIDIC / AECOM

Dima Zogheib, Associate Director, Cities, Planning and Design team, ARUP

Yale CEA (TBC)

Argentina representative 

Indonesia representative (TBC) 

Closing remarks: Mr. Kai Mykkänen, Minister of Climate and the Environment of Finland

“Nature-based Solutions meet Circular Economy: Cascading use of biomass” 

High-level side event at the German Pavilion 
09 December 2023 | 16:30-18:00 (UAE) 

  • Organizers: Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) 

  • For more information, click here 

  • To watch the event, click here 

Session description:   

​​The side event shed light on the interface between nature-based solutions for climate and biodiversity and circular economy and the central role of how biomass is used. It focused on the current policy framework for biomass use and the implications of implementing nature-based solutions for climate and biodiversity.   

The event drew attention to current policy challenges at this interface and to Germany’s activities in both areas. It identified possible solutions for the synergetic strengthening of both areas in the context of the COP 28 negotiations and beyond, looking into the role of nature-based solutions, circular economy as well as climate reporting.  

Speakers:   

Moderator: Katie Gallus, Journalist, Moderator, Geographer 

Steffi Lemke, Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, BMUV, Germany 

Cem Özdemir, Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Germany 

Thelma Krug, IPCC Vice-Chair, former researcher at Earth Observation Coordination at the National Institute for Space Research in Brazil (tbc)  

Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair, International Resource Panel and former Commissioner of the Environment, European Commission 

Giacomo Grassi, Senior Scientific Officer at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission  

Akanksha Khatri, Head of Nature Action Agenda for World Economic Forum’s Platform for Global Public Goods, WEF (tbc) 

Prof. Philipp Misselwitz, Bauhaus Earth 

“Building Climate and Conflict Resilience through Sustainable Water and Land Management” 

High-level side event at the European Commission Pavilion 
10 December 2023 | 09:30-11:00 (UAE) 
  • Organizers: European Commission Pavilion 

  • More information available soon 

  • Watch the event live: Link available soon

Session description: 

Following up on the recent EU policy document on a comprehensive new outlook on the threats of climate change and environmental degradation on peace, security and defence, the purpose of the side-event was:  

  • To address the interlinkage between environmental crises, increasing competition for natural resources, notably water, and the risk of conflicts.  
  • To present and discuss water and land management solutions that increase local resilience capacities, mitigating social and political tensions.  
  • To promote inclusive water and land management that reduces the risk of new tensions in the green transition.  

The side event included an opening statement by the ENV Commissioner, a keynote speech presenting the framework, and a high-level discussion panel.  

Speakers:   

Moderator: Tony Agotha, Special Envoy for Climate and Environment Diplomacy, European External Action Service (EEAS) (tbc) 

Keynote speech: Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair, International Resource Panel and former Commissioner of the Environment, European Commission 

Ms Andrea MEZA MURILLO, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)   

Ms Edna KOPTOYO, PAWANKA  

Mr Ambroise FAYOLLE, Vice President of the European Investment Bank  

Ms Elizabeth CARABINE, the UNEP Climate Security Advisor to the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General to the Horn of Africa - “The transregional climate security partnership”  

Dr. Jassim Abdul Aziz AL-FALAHI, Deputy Minister of Environment, Iraq / Ms Audrey LEGAT (youth representative as well), the Water, Peace & Security (WPS) partnership “Turning water crises into opportunities for peacebuilding”