abusesaffiliationarrow-downarrow-leftarrow-rightarrow-upattack-typeburgerchevron-downchevron-leftchevron-rightchevron-upClock iconclosedeletedevelopment-povertydiscriminationdollardownloademailenvironmentexternal-linkfacebookfiltergenderglobegroupshealthC4067174-3DD9-4B9E-AD64-284FDAAE6338@1xinformation-outlineinformationinstagraminvestment-trade-globalisationissueslabourlanguagesShapeCombined Shapeline, chart, up, arrow, graphLinkedInlocationmap-pinminusnewsorganisationotheroverviewpluspreviewArtboard 185profilerefreshIconnewssearchsecurityPathStock downStock steadyStock uptagticktooltiptwitteruniversalityweb
Article

4 Dec 2017

Author:
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

COP23 side event ”Climate Change – Extractive Industries – Resource Efficiency” highlights need to address human rights risks

The overall topic discussed, was the connection between climate change and mining and how to reduce resource intensity in our economies. The central question [...] was whether we can or rather should “Leave it [extractive resources] in the Ground?”... [C]ertain mineral and metal resources are essential buildings blocks for green technologies such as renewable energies and electric mobility... [I]t will be difficult to “leave them in the ground” until reliable technological options are available. When coming to this conclusion, it is essential to address [...] human rights and environmental risks... [F]ossil resources contribute heavily to global warming when they are extracted and when they are burned. Therefore, coal, oil and natural gas need to be “left in the ground” in order to contribute to the long-term goal to decarbonize the global economy... There is still a huge gap between the ambition to reach the 2°C / 1,5°C goal and the measures foreseen in the (I)NDCs submitted by the different countries for COP21 in Paris... [R]esource efficiency [...] can contribute to [...] mitigat[ing] global climate change. At the same time, a more efficient use of raw materials in production can contribute to enhancing competitiveness of companies and securing jobs.

Timeline