The fingerprints of Russia and Saudi Arabia are all over the decision text in Brazil. But a group of nations led by Colombia and the Netherlands offer hope
The fingerprints of Russia and Saudi Arabia are all over the decision text in Brazil. But a group of nations led by Colombia and the Netherlands offer hope
While I share the sentiment that not enough is being done and ambition is lacking, the COPs and their agreements are important instruments that slowly progress. Without COPs (to the UNFCCC) or something similar it would be a handful of states spreading their ideology, but nothing or very little would be done.
How I see it; even though it is a game of pulling ropes, it is the best option we have (for global action). We will progress some each year, but it is dramatically slowed down by a group of states opposing strong measures. It is the reality of democratic cooperation (they always aim for unanimity).
But very little or nothing is already being done. The COP has been coopted by oil executives, lobbyists and petrostate ministers. I suspect it is now more a vehicle for obstruction of progress than achieving anything. The last couple of years have been exceptionally disapointing.