Sumedha Basu

Name:

Sumeha Basu

Job title:

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Area of work: 

My research focuses on urban energy governance and capacity building of parliamentarians. Both areas are important because of their profound role in addressing climate change mitigation in a democratic and fair manner.

What will you be doing at COP27? 

I will be joining a side event coordinated by Climate Parliament on 9 November as an external expert. I will also be involved in a meeting that will be organised in parallel to COP27 itself. 

What are the big issues that COP27 needs to address? What are your hopes for the negotiations?

One of the most significant issues that needs to be confronted at COP27 is the issue of accountability. Firstly, accountability for the emissions commitments made during COP26. This is particularly relevant for the developed countries revisiting national energy strategies to address the recent energy crisis. However, some of the strategies on the table risk locking in fossil fuel consumption for several decades, undermining global climate commitments. Secondly, accountability for climate finance commitments and past shortfalls by developed nations is going to be another key area of discussion. Lastly, accountability for prioritising adaptation requirements and incorporating loss and damage in a fair and just manner will be critical but contentious too. 

What’s your message for world leaders at COP27?

It is time to walk the talk. Climate change is here and now. It is affecting daily lives. Leaders need to forge a multidimensional, human centric, just strategy for implementing their climate change commitments immediately.