COP27: Putting light out with their mouths

Shahin Ashraf, head of global advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide, reflects on the COP27 climate conference, which ended yesterday.

The 27th Conference of Parties to United Nations Climate Convention (COP27) finally closed in the darkness of Sunday morning, 20th November.

But it did bring some light.

There was a decision to establish a fund for compensating the poorest and countries most effected by the devastation of extreme weather events. The richest countries, their wealth largely obtained from the burning of fossil fuels and the cause of these disasters, have formally agreed that money is needed for this Loss and Damage.

The COP decided that ways of collecting and distributing the money should be set up – a welcome step forward, which must be acted upon with all urgency as the next devastating flood, heatwave, hurricane or drought is on its way. We can wait no longer.

No decision on ending fossil fuel use

Still invisible in the darkness is any statement from COP to end fossil fuel use – the most basic of the conference’s duties, at which it has failed again. It is incredible that the COP closed with no mention of fossil fuels, which are causing the climate breakdown, in their decision.

Too many oil, gas and coal producing countries are putting their short-term gain ahead of saving humanity. A horde of lobbyists and vested interests from the fossil fuel industry stalked the corridors of the COP, and indeed were imbedded in many country’s delegations.

Islamic Relief is calling for the transformations needed to end fossil fuel use to start now. Exploration and subsidy must end immediately. A world any tenth of a degree hotter than we have already created will mean the end for millions. This is urgent.

Still far to go on support for desperately needed adaptation

COP27 has ended gloomily for those hoping that agreements on adaptation would make a significant step towards implementing the global goal to boost the ability to adapt, toughen resilience and lessen susceptibility to climate breakdown. The needs and capacities of local people who know their situation best are still not the top priority, and the resources to help them deal with the challenges of climate breakdown are a long way away from where they are needed.

The diplomats and politicians at COP must remember, as the COP President has said, this is about real people, real lives. And the time for action is now. This is critical.

The landmark agreement on Loss and Damage shows how developing countries, activists and civil society can make a difference in the face of opposition from the rich countries and their business backers. The challenge now is to take the struggle to ensuring proper finance for loss and damage and adaptation, and most of all to end the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing the catastrophe. We cannot afford to wait for the next COP to walk in the light.

This is a fight for our lives. This is urgent.

Please join us in calling on world leaders to take the action needed to halt the looming climate catastrophe. You can also support Islamic Relief’s life-saving work supporting communities on the frontlines of the climate change emergency by donating now.