Exciting times are underway at COP28 in Dubai, where global leaders are converging to address pressing environmental concerns and chart a sustainable course for our planet. As discussions unfold, it’s crucial to delve into the key consumer concerns that will shape the future of our world. Join me as we explore the hot topics dominating the agenda and their potential impact on our lives.

Nuclear Power Renaissance: A Game-Changer for Global Energy Prices?

The spotlight at COP28 is firmly on nuclear power, with 22 nations pledging to triple their nuclear power output by 2050. This signals a potential nuclear power renaissance, raising questions about its role as a game-changer for global energy prices. As we look towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, nuclear power’s resurgence could play a pivotal role in meeting our growing energy demands.

As the momentum builds at COP28, it’s unfortunate that some nations, including Germany, are not part of the coalition pledging to triple nuclear power output. Nevertheless, the global community’s collective efforts at the conference showcase a commitment to tackling the pressing challenges that lie ahead. The decisions made and discussions held in Dubai have the potential to shape our environmental trajectory, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.

Modern Agriculture & Genetic Engineering: Sustaining a Growing World Population

Amid concerns about food security and a burgeoning global population, modern agriculture and genetic engineering take center stage. Can these innovations sustainably feed the world, or do they present ethical and environmental challenges? COP28 provides a platform to discuss the intersection of technology, agriculture, and the imperative to ensure food security for all.

My colleague Bill Wirtz writes, “While the organic community’s resistance to genetically modified crops may often be ideological, the advantages of genetic modification have become apparent in those jurisdictions where it can legally be deployed in food production. Gene-editing allows for crops to absorb 30% more carbon dioxide without ill effects on them, makes wheat safe for people suffering from celiac disease, creates allergy-free peanuts, and produces drought-resistant rice in India. Overall, gene-edited crops grow more efficiently with less resource use (such as water), thus accelerating the speed with which agricultural efficiency advances.”

While COP28 in Dubai addresses a multitude of environmental concerns, the debate around meat consumption is a prominent and contentious topic. Advocates for restricting meat consumption argue that it is a necessary step in mitigating climate change and promoting sustainability. However, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) presents a counter-narrative, emphasizing the vital role of meat, eggs, and milk in providing essential nutrients that are not easily obtained from plant-based sources. The FAO asserts, “Meat, eggs, and milk offer crucial sources of much-needed nutrients which cannot easily be obtained from plant-based foods.” This statement underscores the nutritional significance of animal products, particularly in preventing damaging nutrient deficiencies that persist even in higher-income countries.

Critics of the movement to limit meat consumption point to the FAO’s data, challenging the widely propagated notion that livestock, particularly cows, are disproportionately contributing to climate change. The FAO’s publicly available data contradicts the notion that livestock is solely an environmental burden, revealing that they account for 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Simultaneously, livestock plays a pivotal role in providing sustenance, contributing 30% of global protein and nearly 20% of calories consumed worldwide. It is essential to consider these nuanced perspectives in the ongoing discourse, recognizing the complex interplay between dietary choices, environmental impact, and global nutrition needs. 

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF): Hype or Hope for Eco-Friendly Aviation?

With the aviation industry under scrutiny for its environmental impact, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) emerge as a potential solution. But are they merely hype, or can they genuinely make aviation more affordable and eco-friendly? The path to sustainable aviation is not without hurdles, as SAFs currently remain three to four times more expensive than conventional kerosene. Moreover, the potential increase in consumer prices adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate debate. I wrote in Parliament Magazine, “the journey towards affordable and sustainable aviation fuels demands a collaborative and global effort. The EU must abandon any protectionist views on palm oil-derived SAFs and embrace a more balanced approach. As the aviation industry takes strides toward a greener future, policymakers, regulators, and activists must shed old mantras and prioritize pragmatic solutions over ideological debates. If sustainable jet fuels should ever become an economically viable mass-market alternative, smart and pragmatic approaches are needed.” The discussions at COP28 aim to unravel the promise and potential challenges of transitioning to sustainable aviation fuels.

Prosperity without Fossil Fuels: A Global Conundrum

One of the burning questions at COP28 is whether it’s possible to create more prosperity without relying on fossil fuels. As nations grapple with the need to decarbonize their economies, striking a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability becomes paramount. Market openness will produce cheaper, cleaner, and more abundant energy in the medium to long term. The history of advancement has shown that such revolutions cannot be planned, and timelines cannot and should not be clearly defined. Just as there was no timetable for how long the car would take to replace the horse-drawn carriage or email to replace the letter, there will be no timetable to make Switzerland pollution-free; consumers, not self-described natural monopolies, can make that change.

My colleague Yael Ossowski writes, “Data from 2022 shows oil and gas represented nearly 70 percent of American energy consumption, and the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports global consumption of liquid fuels (gasoline and diesel) will remain high for the next decade.”

In the pursuit of sustainable energy, the concept of technology neutrality needs to take center stage at COP28. How important is it in ensuring energy security, and what role does it play in fostering a diverse and resilient energy landscape? As nations navigate the transition to cleaner energy sources, finding the right balance and embracing a neutral stance towards technology becomes a crucial aspect of the discussions.

Stay tuned for updates as we navigate the intricate landscape of COP28!