Morgan added:
“Glasgow is a test for who we are as humans. We know everything we need to know about the climate crisis – the causes and impacts, the scams and solutions. If we authentically and respectfully cooperate as a species, we can win a safer, fairer, greener future for all. But regressive governments like Australia, Brazil and Saudi Arabia will come to Scotland with a wrecking ball that they’ll try to swing through the climate talks. Any companies and governments thinking of allying with them should know they will be exposed and not easily forgiven.”
The Paris Agreement set the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5C, but the governments which signed the deal aren’t promising the emissions cuts needed to actually make it happen. That needs to change in Glasgow. At COP26 the world can get back on track, but some big things need to happen. Greenpeace is calling for:
- A declaration that all new fossil fuel projects cease immediately
- Ambitious emissions-cutting plans from world leaders so we halve global emissions by 2030
- A rejection of plans to open a global market in carbon offsets (they’re a scam and don’t work) and a commitment to rules that foster transformational international cooperation
- Confirmation that $100bn a year will go from rich countries to less developed countries to adapt to the impacts of the climate crisis, develop clean energy systems and transition away from fossil fuels. And more money on top of that to compensate for the damage already being caused by climate impacts in less developed countries.
Morgan added:
“I’ve been to every COP, but never before has there been one defined by such contrast. On one side we see people and nations fighting for their very existence, while next to them sit governments and industries determined to squeeze a few more decades out of business-as-usual, regardless of the unbearable suffering they are causing. Their lack of empathy is both extraordinary and shameful.
“If Glasgow doesn’t go our way, if humanity and nature are not tangibly prioritised over polluting profiteering, we will not give up, we will only get stronger. Together the many millions who form the climate movement will continue advocating for action and justice. A safer, greener, fairer world is on the horizon. If world leaders are wise, they will seize this moment.”
Ends
Notes to Editors:
The Greenpeace delegation will be in Glasgow from October 31, 2021 with representatives from across the globe including the Pacific Islands, Australia, South Africa, Mexico, the USA and Brazil.
For an overview of what Greenpeace is trying to achieve at COP26 please take a look at our Media Brief, and for further detail see our Policy Brief.
For media enquiries please contact:
Ben Stewart, Head of Greenpeace COP26 Media team (ben.stewart@greenpeace.org)
Marie Bout, Media Advisor Greenpeace International (marie.bout@greenpeace.org)
Martin Zavan, Media Advisor Greenpeace Australia Pacific (martin.zavan@greenpeace.org)
Dan Jones, Media Advisor Greenpeace UK (daniel.jones@greenpeace.org)
Emily Davies, Media Advisor Greenpeace UK (emily.davies@greenpeace.org)
To request an interview with Jennifer Morgan, Executive Director of Greenpeace International, contact: Dannielle Taaffe, Media Advisor, Greenpeace International (dtaaffe@greenpeace.org)
Greenpeace International Press Desk: pressdesk.int@greenpeace.org, +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours)