With the COP26 summit now at an end, the question remains: Will it actually make a difference?
Much as though I would like to say that such summits will, but it seems likely that progress in achieving the 1.5c warming target will be painfully slow.
Despite the mixture of sunshine and showers, which did not appear to worry any of the protesters, but with a student protest on Friday bringing about 25,000 people into the streets of Glasgow, and an estimated further 100,000 who marched through central Glasgow on a longer route from Kelvingrove Park to Glasgow Green.
With an atmosphere that was largely good natured, the rally heard from indigenous groups and individuals from Namibia, Uganda, Sweden, Brazil and Ecuador. With those marching representing Extinction Rebellion, Trade Unions and Students; the message was clear – we need to act, and act now.
This all being said, I have to admit that I came across the phrase “Climate Justice” for the first time. IMHO, it is true to say that there is no ‘magic wand’ that can be waved which will make all of the troubles vanish – we do need to take a multi-faceted approach to climate change.
As explained by the Mary Robinson Foundation,the importance of Climate Justice is that it links human rights and development to achieve a human-centred approach, safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable.
Sadly, seeing the news reports following these rallies, I am left thinking that although many agree that something needs to be done, actually achieving the goals required still seems a long way-off…
