Who is Showing True Leadership in the Climate Crisis and Who is Not

While not surprised, I have been disappointed by the showing by many ‘world leaders’ at COP26. Voluntary agreements announced thus far may sometimes seem positive on the surface, but massive loopholes and vague language most definitely remain.

The draft of the Glasgow decision text has laid out the next steps nations will take to tackle the climate crisis – it is this that countries will sign when the conference ends. But in this crucial document – phasing out fossil fuels is not even mentioned at all. Perhaps not surprising when we consider that fact that the fossil fuel industry has more delegates at COP26 than any nation does.

With Greenpeace, and others, I call on Alok Sharma to direct and drive the conversation this week and push for an agreement which commits governments across the world to ending fossil fuel use, we well as one which lessens financial injustices and scales up financial support from the wealthiest and most culpable to those who need it most.

But increasingly, it is clear that we cannot rely only (if we can rely at all) on real climate leadership coming from national government but must look to and join with indigenous communities, grassroots activists and engaged and passionate people of all ages who are taking real action for our planet and for humanity.