The second installment of the Global Climate Innovation Coalition's COP27 review is here!
COP27 marks the Global Climate Innovation Coalition's (GCIC) first participation in the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Although a newcomer in the climate change arena, GCIC has actively engaged in key areas of the conference—namely the Blue Zone, Green Zone, and Innovation Zone—participating in vital discussions and exchanges on important topics.
In the main venue of COP27, the Blue Zone, GCIC interacted with representatives from over 190 countries, including government agencies and civil society organizations, to learn about the latest actions being taken globally to combat climate change. The African Pavilion, co-hosted by regional organizations and partners, provided a platform for African countries to voice their concerns during climate negotiations. The Atomic Energy Pavilion (#Atoms4Climate Pavilion) showcased solutions using nuclear science and technology for mitigating, adapting to, and monitoring climate change. In the Turkish Pavilion, visual artist Deniz employed "upcycling" techniques to transform various waste materials into artistic creations, advocating for "sustainable art" that breathes new life into old objects:
(Photo caption: GCIC captured this image at the COP27 Turkish Pavilion, showing both a panoramic portrait and a detailed close-up.)
n in the COP Blue Zone, the Ocean Pavilion gathered world leaders in marine science, engineering, and policy to highlight the impact and importance of marine ecosystems in addressing climate change.
(Photo source: https://oceanpavilion-cop.org/about/)
The Green Zone offered a platform for artists and local Egyptian NGOs to engage in the Climate Change Conference. True to its name, the Green Zone utilized outdoor green spaces to create innovative artworks from various recycled materials, allowing people to appreciate art while raising awareness about the importance of resource recycling and reuse.
(Photo caption: GCIC photographed a giant panda made from discarded plastic bottles and leather scraps in the Green Zone's outdoor park.)
Inside the Green Zone, local artisans crafted traditional woven items from recycled plastic, while Biosphere used interactive technology to immerse participants in the biological world, illustrating the impact of climate change on diverse species within ecosystems. Additionally, in one corner, clothing advocates piled old garments into a small mountain, reminding everyone that no one can remain unaffected by global climate change ("every person counts").
(Photo caption: GCIC captured this image in the COP27 Green Zone, featuring the small mountain of used clothing.)
The Innovation Zone, aptly named, was a hub for cutting-edge technologies. Entrepreneurs from around the globe showcased their innovative concepts and products aimed at combating climate change, while investors gathered to collaborate on funding solutions for climate warming.
(Photo caption: GCIC documented a seminar on suppliers' responses to climate change in the COP27 Innovation Zone.)
Experts and entrepreneurs offered various solutions: "Hydrogen energy is the key to solving climate issues," "We must provide developing countries with more technical and financial support to achieve net zero emissions," and "Establishing a global carbon trading market will encourage participation from everyone and every business." There are many paths to addressing climate change, but the critical point is that all individuals recognize the impact of global warming and take real action.Additionally, COP27 featured not only seminars and exhibitions but also showcased the beauty and culinary delights of Egypt.
The day and night scenes at the mosque in Sharm el-Sheikh, the conference location.
Sharm el-Sheikh is renowned as a Red Sea resort.
Enjoying traditional Egyptian vegetable salad and seafood soup. (Vegetarian options are more environmentally friendly, so it’s encouraged to eat more fruits and vegetables!)