Centre seeks to unite people in action following “complacent” COP27

The latest UN Conference on Climate Change , COP27, wrapped up discussions in Egypt last week but despite being praised for one “breakthrough” success, the summit has left an air of scepticism amongst environmental campaigners.

In a year where UK temperatures hit 40°C, wildfires burned through Europe, and monumental floods in Pakistan displaced a staggering 33 million people and claimed more than 1,700 lives, the need for effective and immediate climate action has never been more desperate.

After two weeks of conferences, debates, meetings, media attention, and fringe events, the outcome of this all-important summit has been revealed – but offers little to encourage those seeking a future built on sustainability and hope.

Dr Emma Gardner from the Laudato Si’ Centre, fears the conference has not gone far enough to make any real headway in protecting our common home.

She said: “Year after year, we hope that these conferences will give our leaders the chance to put our climate crisis at the top of the agenda, to listen and to understand the cry of the earth and the cry of the people, and to act responsibly for a future of regeneration and healing.

“The 2015 Paris Agreement gave us a real chance at fighting back against the effects of climate change but has continued to be ignored each and every year. Fast forward to 2022, and that same complacency has been the anthem of this latest COP summit.”

One of the key points to come out of COP27 has been the recommitment to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C from pre-industrial levels. This figure was highlight of the 2015 Paris Agreement, when world leaders committed to implementing steps to limit temperature rise to this level, in order to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

However, with a recent report from the UN Environment Programme – published just weeks before COP27 – revealing “no credible pathway” to 1.5°C, Dr Gardner fears discussions have not been realistic enough.

She said: “Whilst the recommitment to this key goal is encouraging, it feels as though our leaders are trying to close the stable door after the horse has bolted.

“The report states that at this stage, only a “root-and-branch transformation of our societies and economies” can make 1.5°C a reality, so governments around the world are going to have to unveil drastic and ambitious plans to achieve that goal and put those plans into action at the earliest opportunity.

“However, with the absence of any recommitment to phasing out our use of fossil fuels in these discussions, the aim to keep 1.5°C alive seems ever more incredible.”

However, one outcome from the conference has been described by many as “historic” and a “breakthrough” moment for climate change talks.

The hotly-debated Loss and Damage Fund seeks to provide much-needed financial support for countries and communities impacted most by the effects of climate change.

Although applauded by many, environmental campaigners are eager to see further details and actions taking place soon.

Dr Gardner said: “The announcement of the Loss and Damage Fund is a real step in the right direction. This year’s floods in Pakistan show us the very real impact our climate crisis is having on communities around the world.

“It’s no secret that many of the countries dealing with the worst effects of climate change have contributed to it the least, so it’s imperative that we work together to support those bearing the brunt of the impact.

“I look forward to seeing further details of this fund and how it will support communities on the front line of climate change.”

However, Dr Gardner also warns that lessons must be learned from past conferences, and encourages us all as individuals to ensure the promises made at COP27 are brought to fruition.

She said: “We’ve seen time and time again that promises are made at these summits, but rarely do we see these transformed into tangible actions.

“Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal that 74% of adults in Great Britain are worried about the impact the climate crisis – that is a powerful call for change.

“Here at the Laudato Si’ Centre, we strive to unite those voices; to lead, educate, and inspire others to take small actions in their everyday lives to collectively make a real difference to our common home and the millions of people around the world already battling the effects of our environmental emergency.

“We invite you to join us today in taking whatever action you can – from reducing your carbon emissions, reusing and repairing before buying new, or lobbying our politicians to take action – so together we can build a future of regeneration and healing for our common home.”