in , , ,

COP27: A safe and fair future possible for all | Greenpeace int.

Greenpeace comment and expectations for the climate negotiations.

Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, November 3, 2022 – The burning question at the upcoming 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) is whether richer, historically more polluting governments will foot the bill for the losses and damage caused by climate change. As final preparations are underway, Greenpeace said significant progress can be made on justice and the countries hardest hit by past, present and future climate disasters deserve. The climate crisis could be solved with science, solidarity and accountability, through real financial commitment to a clean, safe and just future for all.

COP27 could be successful if the following agreements were made:

  • Provide new money for countries and communities most vulnerable to climate change to cope with the losses and damage from past, present and near-future climate disasters by establishing a Loss and Damage Finance Facility.
  • Ensure the $100 billion pledge is implemented to help low-income countries adapt and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change and meet rich countries' commitment at COP26 to provide funding to double for adjustment by 2025.
  • See how all countries are taking a just transition approach to a fast and fair fossil fuel phase-out, including the immediate cessation of all new fossil fuel projects as recommended by the International Energy Agency.
  • Make it clear that limiting temperature rise to 1,5°C by 2100 is the only acceptable interpretation of the Paris Agreement, and recognize the 1,5°C global phase-out dates for coal, gas and coal production and consumption oil on.
  • Recognize nature's role in climate change mitigation, adaptation, as a cultural and spiritual symbol, and as home to diverse flora and fauna. Protection and restoration of nature must be done in parallel with the phase-out of fossil fuels and with the active participation of indigenous peoples and local communities.

A detailed briefing on Greenpeace's COP27 demands is available here.

Before the COP:

Yeb Sano, Executive Director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia and leader of the Greenpeace delegation attending the COP, said:
“Feeling safe and seen is central to the well-being of all of us and the planet, and that is what COP27 must and can be about as leaders get back to their game. Equity, accountability and finance for the countries hardest hit by the climate crisis, past, present and future, are three of the key components for success not only during the talks but also in the actions afterwards. Solutions and wisdom abound from indigenous peoples, frontline communities and youth – what is missing is the will to act from rich polluting governments and corporations, but they definitely have the memo.

The global movement, led by indigenous peoples and young people, will continue to grow as world leaders fail again, but now, on the eve of COP27, we once again call on leaders to engage to build confidence and plans that we need Take the opportunity to work together for the collective well-being of people and the planet.”

Ghiwa Nakat, Executive Director of Greenpeace MENA said:
“The catastrophic floods in Nigeria and Pakistan, alongside the drought in the Horn of Africa, underscore the importance of reaching an agreement that takes into account the casualties and damage suffered by the nations affected. Rich countries and historical polluters must take their responsibility and pay for the lives lost, homes destroyed, crops destroyed and livelihoods destroyed.

“COP27 is our focus on bringing about a mindset shift to embrace the need for systemic change to ensure a brighter future for people in the Global South. The summit is an opportunity to address the injustices of the past and establish a special system of climate finance funded by the historical emitters and polluters. Such a fund would compensate vulnerable communities devastated by the climate crisis, enable them to respond and recover quickly from climate catastrophe, and help them make a fair and just transition to a resilient and secure renewable energy future ."

Melita Steele, Greenpeace Africa interim program director, said:
“COP27 is a critical moment for Southern voices to be truly heard and decisions to be made. From the farmers battling a broken food system and communities battling against greedy, toxic fossil fuel giants, to local and indigenous forest communities and artisanal fishermen fighting off big business. Africans are rising up against polluters and our voices need to be heard.

African governments must go beyond their legitimate demands for climate finance themselves, and distract their economies from fossil fuel expansion and the colonial legacy of extractivism. Instead, they must advance an alternative socio-economic path that builds on the expansion of clean, renewable energy and prioritizes conservation to improve the well-being of people in Africa.”

Notes:
Ahead of the COP, Greenpeace Middle East North Africa released a new report on November 2nd: Living on the edge – The impact of climate change on six countries in the Middle East and North Africa. See here for more informations.

Which
Photos: Greenpeace

Written by Option

Option is an idealistic, fully independent and global social media platform on sustainability and civil society, founded in 2014 by Helmut Melzer. Together we show positive alternatives in all areas and support meaningful innovations and forward-looking ideas - constructive-critical, optimistic, down to earth. The option community is dedicated exclusively to relevant news and documents the significant progress made by our society.

Leave a Comment