The UN COP27 climate summit has made a welcome step towards a loss and damage fund, but by failing to agree to more ambitious action on emissions reductions, the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C is slipping away with disastrous consequences for the world.
Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, WWF Global Climate and Energy Lead, and COP20 President, said: “The loss and damage deal agreed is a positive step, but it risks becoming a ‘fund for the end of the world’ if countries don’t move faster to slash emissions and limit warming to below 1.5°C. By failing to agree to phase-out fossil fuels at COP27, leaders have missed the chance to accelerate the elimination of fossil fuels, keeping us on course to climate catastrophe. Without rapid and deep emissions cuts we cannot limit the scale of loss and damage.
“We cannot afford to have another climate summit like this one. It is unacceptable that negotiators have failed to reach a more ambitious agreement than that agreed in Glasgow last year. Future COP presidencies can’t squander the opportunity. Now governments must redouble their efforts to reduce emissions and take the necessary transformative action to keep warming to below 1.5°C. The COP28 climate summit next year must be the COP of climate credibility. And countries must deliver.”
Dr Stephen Cornelius, WWF Global Climate and Energy Deputy Lead, said: “Nature has absorbed 54% of humanity’s carbon dioxide emissions over the past 10 years, so it is good to see countries recognise the importance of nature-based solutions in the final COP27 cover decision. But action on nature alone will be futile without parallel action to rapidly cut emissions.
“Despite the outcome of this summit, we should all draw inspiration from the powerful messages and determination shown by campaigners, Indigenous Peoples, civil society and young people who have made their voices heard despite the challenging conditions. The climate crisis will affect different people and places unevenly, and so is likely to lead to further inequalities and injustice within and across nations. All climate action must go hand in hand with improved human rights and equity.”