A few days ago, the 11th CEMS Model UNFCCC came to an end at the University of Cologne, COP25 Cologne for short. EWI Director Prof. Dr. Marc Oliver Bettzüge hosted the climate negotiations, which attracted more than 150 students from 9 European universities. After two labor-intensive days with plenary sessions, working groups and unofficial negotiations, the 48 visiting delegations decided on the “Cologne Agreement” (see here for download). Compared with the Paris Agreement, the CO2 reduction targets are even more ambitious. Global emissions are expected to reach their peak in 2025 at the latest. Furthermore, global warming is expected to rise to a maximum of 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Nevertheless, how these goals can be achieved remains unclear in the model negotiations. For example, the delegates included CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) technologies in the Sustainable Development Mechanism (SDM). Also, technology transfers to developing countries should be expanded. However, the delegates could not agree on other important issues. Challenges such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation and maritime transport, the financing of the Green Climate Fund or the development of a global compliance mechanism remained unsolved.
