Everything you need to know about the 27th Conference of Parties in bite-sized form.
A whole year has passed since COP26 and WHAT a year it’s been! Biblical flooding in Pakistan, searing 40+ degree heatwaves throughout Europe and China, the worst drought in over 40 years across the Horn of Africa and a war in Ukraine that, among many things, has served to emphasise the need for a greener future.
Needless to say, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that our efforts (or lack thereof) to curtail climate change have been about as effective as Liz Truss’ calculator. Time for our world leaders to double their climate commitments and ACTUALLY implement them, right?… RIGHT!?
Well, there’s only one way to find out – read on!
COP27: A Final Summary
The loss and damage fund, a pot designed to help the most climate-impacted countries cope with the current and future consequences of global warming, is finally in place. HUZZAH!
Unfortunately, however, COP27 failed to provide stronger legislation regarding the phasing down (or preferably, phasing out) of global fossil fuel extraction and use. As such, the agreements made in Glasgow, at COP26, a year ago, remain in place. Problem is, climate scientists say that the commitments made in Glasgow will (if they are met) keep the world on track for a temperature rise of 2.7C… and that will be devastating for billions.
So, all things considered, it might just be time to start building that ark of yours… but at least you’ll get funding for it…
Day 12: Cop27 Concludes
- Loss And Damage Breakthrough
Developing countries, who are most impacted by the climate crisis, had reason to be cheerful as COP27 finally drew to a conclusion. After days of negotiation, over 200 countries have agreed to a “historic deal” detailing the financial make-up of the much-debated “loss and damage” fund.
In true COP fashion, however, talks regarding the more contentious details of the fund have been pushed back to COP28 in November 2023, where a “transitional committee” will provide recommendations based on evidence gathered over the coming year.
Furthermore, the loss and damage breakthrough has been tarnished by disappointment among many environmentalists and parties present, as a much-strengthened approach to the reduction of fossil fuel consumption wasn’t secured. As such, the COP26 language on fossil fuels remains in place and remains weak.
As a matter of fact, several countries even tried to impede and alter the target of a 1.5C rise in global temperatures, as noted by the European Commission’s Vice-President, Frans Timmermans.
“Too many parties are not ready to make more progress today in the fight against the climate crisis… There were too many attempts to roll back what we agreed in Glasgow. This deal is not enough.”
Likewise, COP26 President, Alok Sharma, shared his exasperation at having to defend the minutiae of his conference’s agreements.
“We had to fight relentlessly to hold the line… We had to battle to build on the key outcomes of Glasgow.” Moreover, in reference to COP27’s final text, he went on to state that, “Peaking emissions by 2025 is not in this text. Follow-through on the phasedown of coal is not in this text. The phasedown of all fossil fuels is not in this text… The text on energy was weakened but is at least in. 1.5C was weak, and it remains on life support.”
- Guterres Grateful For Women, Youth and Indigenous
On a lighter note, UN Secretary General, António Guterres praised the women, youth and indigenous activists present at COP who maintained pressure on world leaders to force real, positive change.
“Let’s keep up the fight for climate justice, ambition & a greener, sustainable future for all.”
Day 11: Talks Commence
- EU-Turn On Loss And Damage Fund
Early on Friday morning, European Commission Vice-President, Frans Timmermans, broke the deadlock to announce a proposal that would see the bloc agree to contribute to the much-discussed (and much-maligned) loss and damage fund.
“We were reluctant about a fund, it was not our idea to have a fund. My reluctance was because I know from experience it takes time before a fund can be established, and more time before it is filled, whereas we have existing instruments. I really believe we could move faster with existing instruments. But since they (the G77) are so attached to a fund, we have agreed.”
Good news! Hopefully, the fund won’t be as slow as he fears!
- Slow Pace Leads To Saturday
Due to the incredibly slow pace of negotiations, it has been announced that the COP will run over into Saturday 19th. Let’s hope it gives them the time to strike the deals required to succeed in our increasingly unlikely shot at 1.5C!
- Youths Hope For Heart
Yes, today, Ghanaian climate youth activist, Nakeeyat Dramani, asked delegates to “have a heart” as they try to thrash out deals to restrict global temperature rises.
- Gas Deals Struck While Green Talks Continue
As if to add further pertinence to 10-year-old Nakeeyat Dramani’s request for heart at COP, it has been reported that numerous gas deals have been struck at the conference. Hmm…
Day 10: Solutions for Sustainability
- Slow Progress Worries Cop President
Egyptian Foreign Minister and President of COP27, Sameh Shoukry, raised concerns about the lack of progress made thus far in his home COP.
“While some of the discussions (have been) constructive and positive, others did not reflect the need to move collectively to address the gravity and urgency of the climate crisis,”
- UN Secretary General Laments Snail’s Pace
António Guterres shared the COP president’s view on the conference’s painfully slow pace of negotiation.
“The climate clock is ticking, and trust keeps eroding,” he stressed at this week’s G20 meet in Bali. “There is clearly a breakdown in trust north and south, and between developed and emerging economies… This is no time for finger-pointing. The blame game is a recipe for mutually assured destruction.”
- Lula Stands With Indigenous
Brazil’s President-Elect, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, recognised that those most affected by the climate crisis are not represented at the COP. His announcement came after a meeting with Indigenous leaders earlier today.
“Poor people don’t exist on the agenda, do not exist on their agenda … Indigenous communities, black communities … trade unions,”
- Developing Nations Demand Agreement
Representatives from the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries are demanding that an agreement is reached in regard to the proposed loss and damage fund. Pakistan’s Climate Change Minister, Sherry Rehman, asked to be given a “.. political message that we are all willing to take forward as a community of nations.”
- Flawed COP Draft Labelled “Shopping List”
The headline news today is that a cover text draft was published. However, many in attendance, including the UK’s COP26 President, Alok Sharma, claim its proposals are too lightweight, with some even going as far to say it represents more of a “shopping list” than a realistic cover text.
- Electric Cars Sales On The Up
On a more positive note, a report from BloomburgNEF at COP revealed that annual sales of electric cars are expected to surpass 10 million by the end of 2022. That includes over 13% of new car sales made globally in the first 6 months of the year.
Day 9: Biodiversity
- Brazil Bounces Back
Incoming Brazilian president, Lula, vowed to the COP that he will halt his country’s deforestation of the Amazon and reverse the environmental destruction reaped by his predecessor.
“Today, I am here to say that Brazil is ready to join once again [the] effort to build a healthier planet. Brazil has just ended elections, one of the most decisive in its history. It was followed in an unprecedented way by other countries. It could help control the rise of the authoritarian right and climate deniers around the world,”
The president-elect also revealed that Norway and Germany will reopen the Amazon fund, said he intends to found a ministry for Indigenous people and called for COP30 to be staged in the Amazon rainforest itself… it’s unknown whether Ant and Dec will host…
I can’t help but feel a song coming on…
- Costa Rica Gets Cold Feet
In other news, Costa Rica, the eco-tourism capital of the world and global authority on successful rainforest restoration… has stepped back from the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance which it co-founded at COP26 with a view to phasing out the use of fossil fuels. This shift comes following a change in the country’s government earlier in 2022.
- Interest In Fossil Fuel Phase Down Grows
Global interest in the phasing down of all fossil fuels is gathering pace. That includes support from the US which, until now, has been vague in its approach.
It’s important to note the phrasing of the term “phasing down” fossil fuels which infers a gradual reduction over a number of decades rather than the more urgent reduction in use that the majority of climate scientists suggest is needed.
Interest in a proposal to “phase down all fossil fuels” is growing, with even the US now giving (extremely qualified) support.
- Big Anxiety For Small Islands
The Alliance of Small Island States, which is an umbrella lobby that represents low-lying island states at UN-level negotiations, has cited anxiety that numerous countries are attempting to dilute their climate commitments.
Day 8: Ace, Civil Society and Energy
- UK Climate Minister Frightened Of 11 Year Old
Yes, on this hallowed day, Britain’s Minister for Climate “ran away” when 11-year-old activist Licypriya Kangujam asked him when he plans to release those arrested in the UK for protesting against new oil and gas licenses in the country.
This feels like a rather appropriate metaphor for the wider climate crisis.
- Indonesia Get Cash To Shut Up Shop
Finally, some good news coming out of the COP. Indonesia is to receive £17 billion to help close its coal production down. The country is the 5th biggest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world and should this plan come to fruition, it should bring the date of its peak emissions forward by seven years (to 2030).
- Mongolian Batman Requests More Money
B Bat-Erdene, Mongolia’s Minister of Environment and Tourism, requested “urgent green finance” for his country.
“As a nation which is proud of our nomadic heritage, a key focus for Mongolia at Cop27 is ensuring that we practice nature-based solutions in adapting to climate change while maintaining our traditional livelihoods and working patterns, for example in the agricultural sector, animal husbandry and crop production.”
- Russia’s COP Event Goes Off Piste
The Russian Federation’s COP27 event didn’t involve a single discussion about oil and gas despite the country being the second biggest exporter of the fossil fuels in the world. Arguably, the process wasn’t helped by the early interruption of protestors, who repeatedly shouted “You are war criminals!” before being removed.
Admittedly, these agreeable sentiments for the majority, however, the event’s chair did make an interesting point in response…
“The event is about the climate agenda, not the political agenda,”
Day 7: Gender and Water
- COP26 President Take Alok at 1.5C
Alok Sharma, the former cabinet minister who hosted COP26 on behalf of the UK last year, opened the second week of COP27 with a stark warning.
“We’ll either leave Egypt having kept 1.5C alive, or this will be the COP where we lose 1.5C… We are already at 1.1C of global warming, and I know I don’t have to remind all of you the impact of that around the world. Even at 1.5C we are still going to have devastating outcomes for many millions … 1.5C needs to be a red line. And this cannot be the COP where we lose 1.5C… We’ve got to fight for this, and every fraction of a degree absolutely makes a difference. It’s the difference … between a tolerable existence and an impossible future.”
- Post-Bolsonaro Brazil Wants To COP In 2025
Brazil’s former environment minister (ally of the incoming president, Lula) Marina Silva, today said that Brazil would love to host COP in 2025. What a difference a president makes. In contrast, the incumbent president, Jair Bolsonaro increased the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest by 75% during his tenure.
- Stiell To Build Bridges
United Nations climate chief, Simon Stiell, called for delegates to use their remaining time at COP to “build the bridge needed” in order to reach their collective target of 1.5C. Regrettably, however, it’s thought that talks are slow going and, thus, the COP is unlikely to finish on time.
- Indigenous Amazonian Women Call Out Crimes Against Land And Bodies
Ecuadorian Indigenous youth climate leader, Helena Gualinga (Kichwa) made a powerful speech about the physical violations Amazonian women are experiencing.
“In both cases we are talking about consent and violations of our right to decide… We are the main custodians of the untouched forests. If women are protected, we will also protect the territories and ecosystems essential to climate mitigation.”
- Rainforest Giants Step Forward Together
Brazil, Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have all signed a partnership designed to coordinate and intensify their rainforest conservation efforts. Collectively, the three nations are home to 52% of the world’s primary rainforest, so this is quite literally a big deal!
- Proof Of Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s Life Given
Jailed British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s family have finally received proof of life via means of a handwritten letter.
- Aussie Climate Progress Worst Of The Rich
Australia, one of the biggest exporters of coal in the world, is still lagging behind other developed countries in its efforts to combat the climate crisis. This is due, in part, to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s approval of further fossil fuel developments. However, it’s also widely agreed that the country’s emissions reduction targets (a 43% cut by 2030) aren’t sufficient.
This lack of action follows a series of devastating climate-enhanced bushfires that have swept across the country, destroying homes and killing people and animals in droves.
Day 6: Food, Agriculture and Adaptation
- Indigenous Protestors’ Given The Boot
Youth activists who interrupted Joe Biden’s speech on Friday have had their right to attend the COP revoked. The four indigenous US protestors crashed the president’s speech with a banner reading “People VS. Fossil Fuels” and were quickly removed.
- Mexico Turns Up Heat On Cooling Down
Mexican Foreign Minister, Marcelo Ebrard, announced improved ambitions to cut his country’s greenhouse gas emissions and boost its renewable energy programme. Mr Ebrard hopes to reduce emissions by 35%, a 13% improvement on pledges made in 2020.
However, even with these improved green ambitions, Mexico is still thought to fall short of what is required.
- Oligarchs And Sanctioned Lobbyists Hiding In Plain Sight
Gas giant Gazprom has six delegates present at COP27 alongside lobbyists from mining company Severstal, Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works and Lukoil. All are under sanctions from either the EU or US.
- Kerry Claims US Open To Loss And Damage Fund
US delegate John Kerry took to the stage to inform the COP that the US is “totally Supportive” and “100% ready” to engage in talks regarding the climate loss and damage fund.
“We are 100% ready, [President Joe Biden] has said, to discuss the issue of loss and damage. That’s why it’s on the agenda. We want to come to closure.”
- Kiribati Seek Raise
Taneti Maamau, the president of Kiribati, requested financial aid to help physically raise his low-lying island nation up and away from ever-rising sea levels. Speaking of developed, rich nations who have promised climate funding, he said,
“They should act, because time is short for us… Some prefer to negotiate but we say no, it’s time for action. We demand action now. For too long we have waited and waited. It’s not fair.”
Day 5: Decarbonisation
- Gas Giants Try To Rebrand Fossil Fuel As Transitional Fuel
Egypt and its gas-producing fellows are trying to sell gas as a transitional fuel instead of a fossil one. The argument is that, coupled with carbon capture, it is a realistically scalable solution as we look to transfer to greener economies. Craig Golinowsky, from Carbon Infrastructure Partners, no less, said…
“The opportunity for this Cop is to have the discussion openly that natural gas, and in particular when combined with carbon capture, is a scalable energy solution allowing us to meet the needs of 8 billion people while still meeting our climate goals,”
Needless to say, environmentalists are thoroughly underwhelmed as carbon capture technology cannot currently remove nearly enough carbon from the atmosphere to offset its release from gas.
- Medics Raise Alarm Over World’s Failing Life Support
Scientists, nurses, doctors, medical students and pharmacists from all over the world enacted protests to highlight the deadly effect climate change is having on their patients.
“Our prescription is 1.5C to stay alive.” said healthcare workers whose patients are dying at the hands of the climate crisis.
- Hollub Causes Hullabaloo
Fossil fuel CEO Vicki Hollub said that everyone is personally responsible for climate change, not just the oil and gas industry.
“People who run round saying ‘oil and gas needs to go away’ have no clue what that would mean. I’m saying the world is responsible … Don’t ask me about oil and gas without taking some responsibility yourself and helping others understand. You have a way to help others understand that if you don’t step up.”
She went on to say that a more thoughtfully designed transition away from fossil fuels must be sought rather than an immediate stop.
- Pelosi Praises Big Joe
Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, was quick to praise Joe Biden’s climate agenda.
“We have left incrementalism in the dust, this is about transformation,” she said, before stating that she hoped COP27 would “help save the world for the children.”
- Speaking of Joe Biden…
Joe Biden flew into Sharm el Sheike today and quickly took the opportunity to apologise that the US “ever pulled out of…” the Paris climate agreement.
He then announced $100 million towards African climate adaptation, including early warning systems, strengthened food security and a renewables training centre in Egypt designed to help ease the green transition for the entire continent. Next, he comments on the trials of the last year and the impact of the war in Ukraine.
“I know this has been a difficult few years. The interconnected challenges we face seem all-consuming… Against this backdrop, it’s more important than ever to double down on our climate commitments… Let’s build on global climate progress. The science is devastatingly clear, we need to make vital progress by the end of this decade.”
He also unveiled a barrage of new measures such as a deal to back wind and solar development in Egypt in exchange for the decommissioning of gas power plants, and a plan to slash US methane emissions by 30% (by 2030).
He finishes, “Let’s reach out and take the future in our hands. A planet preserved, a more equitable, prosperous world for our children, that is why we are here, that is what we are working towards. I’m confident we can do it. Thank you, and may God bless you all.”
Day 4: Youth, Future Generations and Science
- COP27 Youth Day Begins With Some Notable Absences
Today was Youth Day at COP27 and so young climate activists from all over the world gathered to discuss issues and solutions with COP’s delegates. One notable absentee, however, was Greta Thunberg who said that she wouldn’t be attending this COP27 as the events are simply just an opportunity for countries to greenwash their climate action.
Speaking of which…
- Fossil Fuels Linger Like Bad Smell
Yes, to the surprise of absolutely no one, there is a record number of fossil fuels lobbyists in attendance at COP27. 600 to put a finer figure on it. That’s a larger delegation than any country on the front line of the climate crisis. I dare say they’re keeping their friends close… or as Greta put it…
“Global Witness found more than 600 people at the talks in Egypt are linked to fossil fuels. That’s more than the combined delegations from the 10 most climate-impacted countries.” “If you want to address malaria, you don’t invite the mosquitoes” #COP27”
- Middle Eastern Climate Collab Reached
Israel, Lebanon and Iraq have agreed to collaborate and reduce their emissions. That’s despite Israel still officially being at war with Lebanon so this is promising but will most probably be met with scepticism… standard at COP, really!
- Norway Delivers A Some Good News!
Yes, Norway’s oil company has delayed plans to drill The Wisting oilfield, which would be the world’s most northerly oil site. Admittedly, it has already been postponed for four years and this announcement comes primarily because of a lack of funding rather than en eco-conscience, however, it’s still a further step in the right direction.
Day 3
- China Willing To Contribute But US Ties Fragile
China’s Envoy, Xie Zhenhua, told the COP that it was the US that “closed the door” on their climate collaboration. However, he went on to say that the two mega-polluters have resumed ‘informal talks’… you know, things like:
– “Hi, China, wuu2?”
– “nvm – u c strictly?”
Encouragingly, Mr Zhenhua also said that Beijing is willing to contribute to the COP’s biggest talking point, the loss and damage fund (the fund designed to compensate less wealthy nations for the unavoidable destruction caused by climate change). Sounds like a shadow of a hint of progress!
- Kerry Looks For Carbon Credit
US envoy, John Kerry, took centre stage to reveal a new global carbon credit trading initiative, the Energy Transition Accelerator. Aside from sounding like Doctor Evil’s latest device, the initiative is designed to help developing countries move to cleaner energy sources by mobilising trillions of dollars in private capital.
However, the announcement has been met with raised eyebrows from environmental groups as such carbon trading programmes in the past have been viewed as greenwashing.
- Penny Starting To Drop On Climate Finance?
A number of hypothetical proposals have given cause for slight climate finance optimism. These include countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, announcing further contributions to the loss and damage fund, but also the UK’s confirmation that it would postpone debt payment for developing countries impacted by climate disasters.
That said, developing countries will, quite understandably, only believe such gestures when they come to fruition. After all, those responsible for pledges so far have come about as close to realising them as I have to securing that first modelling gig.
- Torres Strait To The Point
Yessie Mosby, an indigenous activist from the Torres Strait Islands, slammed the COP for the way it often mistreats indigenous people.
“Whether it’s us in the saltwater, people of the Pacific Islands, or the people of the plains and the mountains, the swamps, who are facing climate change, and really want our voices to be heard. And we really need action.”
- Secretary General Says Kids Are Alright
António Guterres has thanked young people around the world for their relentless “persistence and courage” in demanding climate action.
“The world owes them an enormous debt. I am grateful for their persistence & courage – and I am proud to stand with them.”
- Jailed British-Egyptian Activist Takes Centre Stage
Many delegates have also taken the opportunity to quiz Egypt over the disappearance of British-Egyptian activist, Alaa Abd el-Fattah. Egypt is under mounting pressure to provide answers and proof of life.
- Meanwhile, Back In France…
New legislation passed through the French Senate this week that dictates all existing car parks with 80+ spaces must install a solar roof over the next 3-5 years. That’s a collective solar farm large enough to generate 11 gigawatts of power… or the equivalent of 10 nuclear reactors!
Day 2: Finance
- “No One Hits Like Gaston…”
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, started the day with some choice words aimed at the richer countries that have failed to deliver their promised financial packages to developing nations (basically all of them).
“We will fight unrelentingly for climate justice,” he said, referencing the use of international courts if necessary.
- Duda Warns Against Hippocracy, Provides Live Demonstration
Polish President Andrzej Duda told the COP that it is “easy for rich countries to boast of our action.” on climate change, before going on to cite his country as a model of sustainable development.
- Zimbabwe Pushes For Funding And Unity
Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister, Emmerson Dambuszo Mnangagwa, added his voice to the call for climate finance justice, “Those mostly responsible for the climate crisis must listen and prioritise climate finance.”
He also asked for African unity in light of disagreements in the continent over the creation of new gas and oil fields.
“We must speak with one voice and act as a block of climate victims. Only then are we likely to carry the day and secure a healthy planet for present and future generations.”
- Sri Lanka Sees Double Standards
Sri Lankan President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, reminded the COP that the industrialisation of colonialism caused the climate crisis, and yet the countries responsible “(The G7 and G20) are backtracking to use more fossil fuels – such double standards are unacceptable.”
Mr Wickremesinghe also stated that “Humans, food and soil are inextricably linked and fighting climate change is intrinsic to protecting soil,”
- Lazarus Rises To Leadership Test
Malawi President, Lazarus Chakwera, sought to deliver a little humility to the COP.
“As nature lashes out, our citizens are losing patience… To pass this test of leadership we must act with courage, urgency and humanity”
- Van Der Bellen Channels Greta
Austrian President, Alexander van der Bellen, chose to scald his fellow leaders’ lack of action with the aid of a certain Greta Thunberg quote…
“There is far too much blah, blah, blah and far too little concrete action.”
- Tuvalu Takes Action
Today, Tuvalu became the first country to demand the introduction of an international fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty. To you and me, that means the phasing out of all fossil fuels.
- Ursula Urges Commitment To Climate Financing
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, asked the global north to replicate the EU’s commitment to climate finance.
“Team Europe is providing its fair share of the $100bn promise,”
- Guterres’ Anti-Greenwashing Team Talk Red Tape
The UN’s newly formed “high-level expert group” called for “red lines” to stop new fossil fuel exploration and deeper cuts in greenhouse gases before 2030.
- Countries Pledge Support For Climate Pot
Scotland and Austria have pledged a further £5 million and $50 million, respectively, towards the loss and damage finance mechanism. As such, they join Denmark, Germany and Belgium in committing to the programme which is designed to help developing countries deal with the unavoidable impacts of the climate crisis.
Unfortunately, it’s thought that the USA aren’t quite as keen on contributing to the fund… but watch this space.
Day 1: Opening Speeches
- Egypt, Pakistan Set Strong Goals
Egypt says its conference is all about persuading countries to implement the promises they made at last year’s conference in Glasgow… which basically means getting the wealthy nations (that are largely responsible for the excess CO2 in the atmosphere) to cough up the finances they pledged for developing countries in an effort to aid greener development.
- Boris Offers Encouragement, Blows Smoke Up Bum (another method of storing CO2 that’s showing potential)
Yes, the great wiff-waffer himself gave a speech on day 1 (who invited him, right!?) encouraging countries to stay true to the promises they made at COP26 despite…
“.. the moral and human catastrophe of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.” Boz went on to say that “this is the moment to double down on green technology and to double down on wind power and clean green solutions.”
He’s right, of course. The war in Ukraine war has, understandably, drawn our focus away from climate change. However, it’s also provided a glimpse into the devastation that our current climate trajectory will yield: global food shortages, global fuel and living crises, the mass migration of people, increased conflict and all the desolation that entails.
So for once, Boris spoke sense! It’s just a shame he started by referring to himself as “The Spirit of Glasgow” – what a disturbing climax to ‘A Christmas Carol’ that would have been…
- Scottish Sentiment Echoes Egyptian Goals
“The climate crisis has not gone away, and the answer to many of the global crises we face, such as energy, security and food shortages, lies in going faster.”
– Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland
- President Of Egypt Dreams Big To Combat “World Of Suffering”
“.. Every government must work to the extent of its ability to provide solutions.” says President Abdel Fattah El-Sis. He warns that “the planet has become a world of suffering today.” and “People want rapid, concrete implementation” of actions.
Can’t argue with that!
- UN Secretary General: Warming, Warning And Windfall
“We are in the fight of our lives and we are losing. Greenhouse gas emissions keep growing, global temperatures keep rising, and our planet is fast approaching the tipping point that will make climate chaos irreversible. We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot still on the accelerator.”
General António Guterres also proposes that governments should implement windfall taxes for fossil fuel companies in order to redistribute the money to countries and people on the front line of climate change.
- President Of Senegal/African Union And Climate Activist Agree
Senegal and African Union President Macky Sall and Phillipino climate activist Mitzi Jonelle suggest that “those who pollute the most” and “richer countries” should pay the most towards the global green revolution.
- Gore Aghast At Gas Addiction
Yes, Former USA Vice-President, Al Gore, took his time at the lectern to challenge the world’s reliance on gas.
“We have to see the dash for gas for what it really is, a dash down a bridge to nowhere, leaving the countries of the world facing climate chaos and billions in stranded assets, especially here in Africa… It is a choice to continue this pattern of destructive behaviour. But we have other choices.”
- Barbados PM Mia Mottley Asks “What More Has To Happen!?”
“This world looks still too much like it did when it was part of an imperialistic empire. The global north borrows at interest rates between 1-4%, the global south at 14%. And then we wonder why the energy partnerships are not working.”
- Rishi Rich Committed To Climate Fund… Kinda
It’s well documented that UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak needed a prod to turn up to COP27. Once there, however, he moved to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to the international climate fund. Regrettably, he says it could take more than the initial proposal of 5 years to deliver the £11.6bn pledge.
He also moved to remind us all that spending on climate is the right thing to do and all the more critical following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- Congo Basin Remains Vital Carbon Sink (Ithankyou)
Gabon’s President, Ali Bongo Ondimba, told the COP that his country’s deforestation levels remain below 0.5%.
“We are part of the Congo Basin, often referred to as a second lung of the planet.”
- Seychelles Wish For Something More Sure
The President of the Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, wishes to see “concrete actions instead of another set of promises that will take too long to materialise”.
Additionally, he promises to contribute further to the protection of its carbon-absorbing mangroves and sea-grass meadows by 2023.
- Macron Urges Unity
French President, Emmanuel Macron, insists that world leaders must avoid division over the environment and war.
“We must continue to work on the mitigation front and we must transition our economies away from coal,” he says, adding that “helping developing countries do this must also be a priority.”
- Kenya’s President Ruto Delivers Silver-Lined Blow
“We cannot afford to spend more time skirting around the real issues and we must break out of the open-ended discussions we are trapped in… Further delay will make us busy spectators as calamity wipes out lives and livelihoods.“
President Ruto goes on to paint a bleak picture of 700 million Africans displaced by 2030 due to water stress. However, he also promises to convene an African climate summit every year before ending with a positive message.
“This is our golden chance to vindicate present generations who look to us to lead the way in preserving our planet… The way things are, we might never have a more opportune time, and there might never be a better chance.”
