Ambition: the Missing Key in Climate Summit Talks

Climate Summit: Lack of Ambition Shameful

Introduction

The recent Climate Ambition Summit held in New York City has revealed a disappointing lack of ambition among major greenhouse gas emitters. Despite the urgent need for immediate and transformative climate action, many world leaders have failed to step up to the challenge. Greenpeace International has strongly criticized the lack of commitment shown at the summit, stating that it is not just disrespectful but also fatal, as the impacts of climate change continue to devastate communities and ecosystems around the world.

The Urgency of the Climate Crisis

The impacts of climate change are being felt across the globe, from Libya to Greece, Hawaii to China, and beyond. Rising death tolls, ruined livelihoods, and nature destruction have become commonplace. It is evident that the climate emergency requires a “whole of government” approach, as stated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The Climate Ambition Summit was an opportunity for world leaders to showcase their commitment to addressing the climate crisis, yet many fell short of meeting this expectation.

Failure of Major Emitters

According to Greenpeace International Executive Director, Mads Christensen, leaders from the world’s worst polluting countries largely ignored the UN Secretary-General’s challenge to bring forth credible and serious climate action. Christensen uses the analogy of a rich CEO wanting to board a train without paying the fare, suggesting that these leaders believe they are above the urgent action required to address the climate crisis. This climate inaction, he emphasizes, is not only disrespectful but also fatal.

The major emitters of greenhouse gas emissions, including most of the G20 and Norway, failed to step up and deliver the necessary commitments at the Climate Ambition Summit. Greenpeace International calls out these leaders and expresses disappointment in their lack of urgency and willingness to embrace a fossil fuel phase-out. The fossil fuel age, Christensen argues, has failed, and governments must recognize this and take immediate action to end new developments of fossil fuels at home. The urgency of the crisis demands swift and decisive action, and failure to do so will result in accountability on the streets, in the courts, and at future climate conferences such as COP28.

The Need for Urgent Action

While acknowledging that there was some modest progress made at the Climate Ambition Summit, Greenpeace International emphasizes that the commitments made do not go far enough. The world remains on a trajectory towards climate catastrophe, and leaders must accept that the transition to a fossil fuel-free future is not a choice but an imperative.

To address the urgency of the climate crisis, governments must work towards reaching an agreement on a fossil fuel phase-out at COP28. This demands a commitment to ending new developments of fossil fuels and embracing renewable energy and sustainable development practices. Failure to act now will have catastrophic consequences for future generations and the planet as a whole.

Conclusion: Holding Leaders Accountable

In conclusion, the lack of ambition demonstrated by major greenhouse gas emitters at the Climate Ambition Summit is deeply concerning. It is a reflection of their disregard for the urgent need to address the climate crisis and their failure to prioritize the well-being of communities and the planet.

Greenpeace International has pledged to hold these leaders accountable, both on the streets and in the courts. The organization will continue to advocate for a fossil fuel phase-out and push for stronger commitments from governments. The time for action is now, and world leaders must step up and embrace the necessary measures to ensure a sustainable and livable future for all. The fate of the planet depends on it.