Negotiators and Scientists from over 200 countries were in Marrakech last week for the latest UN Climate Change conference, COP22, the first meeting since the signing of the historic Paris Agreement. Gibraltar Government Scientists Dr Liesl Mesilio-Torres and Stephen Warr from the Department of the Environment and Climate Change represented Gibraltar at the meeting, which was also attended by Prof. Daniella Tilbury of the University of Gibraltar.

It was an opportunity for public and private sectors to showcase progress and start the process of turning the Paris agreement into a blueprint for action.

The conference attracted over 50,000 participants. In addition to the “Marrakech Action Proclamation For Our Climate And Sustainable Development,” that was arrived at through the involvement of more than 70 Heads of State, the conference produced a multitude of declarations, initiatives, MoUs, agreements and an unstoppable wave of positive momentum in the fight against climate change.

Amongst the key outcomes was the delivery by the UK and Australia of the $100 billion dollar annual climate finance roadmap by 2020. More than 110 Parties have now ratified the Paris Agreement providing a key political signal towards global commitment to climate action. For the first time in COP history a meeting will take place this upcoming January between the COP22 Presidency and civil society to take stock and chart a roadmap for collaboration over the next year.

Gibraltar was once again engaging at an international level on these vitally important issues.