November 2, 2022

Greenpeace comment and expectations for climate talks.

Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, 3 November 2022 – The burning question at the upcoming 27th UN Climate Conference (COP27) is whether richer, historically more polluting governments are going to pay up for the loss and damage caused by climate change. With final preparations underway, Greenpeace said significant progress can be made on the justice and support countries most impacted by past, present and future climate disasters deserve. The climate crisis could be solved with science, solidarity and accountability, by way of real financial commitments for a clean, safe and fair future for all. 

COP27 could succeed if the following agreements were made:

• Deliver new money for countries and communities most vulnerable to climate change to address the loss and damages from past, present and near future climate disasters through the establishment of a Loss and Damage Finance Facility. 
• Ensure US $100bn pledge is implemented to support low income countries to adapt and increase resilience to climate change impacts, honouring the commitment made by rich countries at COP26 to double funding for adaptation by 2025.
• See all countries adopt a just transition approach to a fast and fair phase out of all fossil fuel use, including putting an immediate end to all new fossil fuel projects as recommended by the International Energy Agency.
• Make it clear that limiting temperature rise to 1.5C by 2100 is the only acceptable interpretation of the Paris Agreement and acknowledge the 1.5°C aligned global phase out dates for the production and consumption of coal, gas and oil. 
• Recognise the role of nature in climate mitigation, adaptation, as a cultural and spiritual symbol and as a home to diverse flora and fauna. Protecting and restoring nature must be done in parallel to the fossil-fuel phase-out and with the active participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

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

In advance of the COP:

Yeb Sano, Executive Director, Greenpeace Southeast Asia and Head of the Greenpeace delegation attending the COP said:
“Feeling safe and seen is central to the wellbeing of us all and the planet and this is what COP27 needs to be about, and can be about if leaders pick up their game. Justice, accountability and finance for the countries hardest hit by the climate crisis, past, present and future, are three of the key components to success not only during the talks but in the actions afterwards. Solutions and wisdom are in abundance from Indigenous Peoples, frontline communities and youth – what’s missing is the will of rich polluting governments and corporations to act but they’ve definitely got the memo.

The global movement, led by Indigenous Peoples and young people, will continue to rise if world leaders fail again but now, once more, on the eve of COP27, we call on leaders to step up to build the trust and plans we need, to take the opportunity to work together for the collective well-being of people and planet.”

Ghiwa Nakat, Executive Director, Greenpeace MENA said:
“The catastrophic floods in Nigeria and Pakistan alongside the drought in the Horn of Africa underline why it is essential to reach a deal that accounts for the loss and damage felt by impacted nations. Rich countries and historic polluters must accept their responsibility and pay up for the lost lives, destroyed homes, devastated crops and livelihoods.

“COP27 is our focus for creating a shift in mindset to embrace the need for systemic change to secure a better future for the people of the Global South. The summit is a chance to address the injustices of the past and establish a dedicated system of climate finance funded by the historic emitters and polluters. Such a fund would compensate vulnerable communities that have been devastated by the climate crisis, enabling them to rapidly respond to climate disaster and recover, and help them make a fair and just transition towards a resilient and safe future powered by renewable energies.”

Melita Steele, Interim Programme Director, Greenpeace Africa said:
“COP27 is a critical moment for voices from the south to be truly heard and inform decisions. From the farmers battling a broken food system and communities pushing against greedy toxic fossil fuel giants, to local and indigenous forest communities and artisanal fishers fending off big business. African people are rising against polluters and our voices must be heard. 

African governments must themselves go beyond their just demands for climate funding and divert their economies from fossil fuel expansion and the colonial legacy of extractivism. Instead, they must advance an alternative socio-economic pathway built on the expansion of clean, renewable energies, which prioritise nature protection to improve the well-being of Africa’s people.”