A reflection on COP27

As thousands of people start to head home following the world’s biggest conference on climate change in Egypt we reflect on the outcomes.

The United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Egypt ended with a welcome and historic agreement on loss and damage finance, but worryingly the commitment to keep 1.5 degrees alive was not addressed adequately.

While we know that there is a real risk that emissions will not peak before 2025, which is what the science tells us needs to happen, and that the commitments to phase down coal and phase out all fossil fuels are weak; we recognise and welcome the massive commitment made at COP27 to address Loss and Damage finance payments from 2023.

Catherine Gee, our Deputy CEO said, “The welcome commitment to deal with Loss and Damage finance comes with an acknowledgment that the debt will continue to increase if we continue to pollute our planet and remain on a trajectory for 2.8 degrees of warming. 

“While I see a worrying lack of commitment to the phasing out of all fossil fuels, and no real guarantees that countries will commit to keep temperature increases below 1.5 degrees, I do still have hope that people, armed with the right information, will take on the challenge to live more sustainable lives.

“As we have said before, no matter what world leaders do it is as crucial that we all take positive action for our climate in our own lives.

“We will continue to work to support people to access the correct information, not to be swayed by misinformation, and to know the facts so that they can take meaningful climate action.

“Sometimes it is overwhelmingly depressing to see the lack of political appetite to do more and the influence of big business and lobbyists – yet we can all commit to do more individually in our own way, and it will make a difference”.

As a charity we remain committed to playing our part to ensure that Carbon Literacy and climate action is front and centre of what we all talk about, learn about and act on.

Since COP26 took place in Glasgow we have continued to raise awareness of the climate crisis, and to support businesses, schools, communities and individuals with practical advice and support to ensure they know what they can do at home, work and in their neighbourhoods to combat the climate crisis.

Going forward our three clear climate ambitions continue to drive what we do. They are:

• to equip our young people and educators with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the challenges of the climate emergency,
• to support Scotland to become a fully Carbon Literate country, and
• to provide greater support and investment in community-based climate action.

If you want to learn more about the climate emergency and what action you can take check out our training options.