UNFCCC grants observer status to Better Cotton at COP28 UAE

The decision to admit Better Cotton as an observer organisation reflects the organisation's pivotal role in advocating for sustainable cotton farming practices and its commitment to addressing climate change holistically.

Public affairs manager Lisa Ventura, who represented Better Cotton at Conference of Parties (COP28), expressed a sense of pride in this achievement, highlighting that it will enable the organisation to participate in future COP sessions, engage in negotiation processes, and contribute to the global agenda on climate action.

Better Cotton's presence at COP28 was marked by its active engagement in various sessions and discussions. The organisation hosted a side-event on driving the adoption of climate-smart practices in global value chains, emphasising the importance of cotton farming as part of the solution to climate change, Better Cotton in a press release.

One of the key themes that emerged during the conference was the critical need for climate finance to scale existing tools and enhance climate resilience for smallholder farmers. Lisa Ventura noted that greater access to resources is essential to support small-scale farming communities and transition to sustainable crop production.

Furthermore, Better Cotton showcased its commitment to inclusive collaboration and transparency by signing the United Nations' International Trade Centre's 'Uniting Sustainable Actions' initiative, which champions the work of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in global supply chains.

While carbon markets were a central topic of discussion at COP28, government representatives did not reach an agreement on carbon trading rules, which highlighted the importance of organisations like Better Cotton in developing their own greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting systems.

Lisa Ventura emphasised the need for greater focus on the fashion industry's substantial carbon emissions. She urged stakeholders in the fashion sector to take more significant roles in COP sessions to translate ambitious commitments into actionable legislation and measurable progress.

Looking ahead, Better Cotton is already exploring new partnerships and ideas to contribute to future COP sessions and mobilise stakeholders in the cotton industry during these essential events.

For the first time, agriculture was a major focus at this year’s summit, with a full thematic day on 10 December. Given the contribution of agriculture to global emissions, this was a big step forward to finding solutions to climate change in a meaningful way.  

Governments called for the implementation of multi-sectoral solutions on climate and agriculture, such as land use management, sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems, nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based approaches. Most importantly, they recognised that these innovative and sustainable agricultural practices create economic, social and environmental benefits, improved resilience and well-being in particular.  

However, it is important to remain attentive to the focus given to food systems when COP and other climate discussions address agricultural topics. The active participation of Better Cotton is key to ensuring a balanced and integrated approach that takes into consideration all crops.  

After a lot of back and forth, there is finally an agreement to transition ‘away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner’ to avert the worst effects of climate change. This transition from fossil fuels will impact every supply chain, the release added.

At COP28, delegates also agreed to operationalise the Loss and Damage Fund, established last year at COP27, which aims to support especially vulnerable countries dealing with the effects of climate change. The decision taken in Dubai means that countries can start to pledge resources to it. This is a great starting point for the international community to find concrete means to support the livelihoods of many people, including farmers.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)