Few success stories came out of this year’s COP. Nevertheless, we’ve compiled COP29’s five (very modest) achievements and five of its most notable failures.
On November 12, 2024, the Hague Appeals Court overturned a landmark 2021 decision ordering oil giant Shell to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 45% from 2019 levels by 2030.
On October 17, 2024, Ontario’s Court of Appeal sided with a group of young climate activists in its Mathur v Ontario decision, reviving a case against the province which was previously dismissed in April 2023.
On October 9, 2024, the Canadian government announced that it will establish a “Made-in-Canada” sustainable investing taxonomy, and institute mandatory climate disclosure requirements for large, federally-incorporated private companies.
COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt was among the more disappointing COPs, with little accomplished in terms of ratcheting up countries’ emission reduction efforts. But, with some big developments in terms of “loss and damage” funding for developing nations, it was not inconsequential. Here’s a summary of the conference in 10 points covering its five greatest achievements and five most notable failures.
