EESC Info: Did the COP26 summit in Glasgow live up to the expectations of the younger generation who are actively demanding effective solutions to combat global warming?

Sophia Wiegand: The answer is a clear no. Young climate activists have grown used to being disappointed by the COPs over recent years, but that does not prevent us from hoping. Considering the immense attention COP26 received and the tremendous pressure from civil society all over the world, many of us were optimistic that this summit could substantially advance climate action towards the 1.5°C target.

After COP26, however, the world is still headed for global warming of +2.4°C, despite the emphasis the Glasgow Climate Pact places on the 1.5°C target. Adaptation, mitigation and loss & damage finance for the most vulnerable communities is still billions short, yet harmful fossil fuel subsidies continue to fuel exploitation of people and the planet. And while the Glasgow Pact for the very first time addresses the need to turn away from coal, it merely speaks about phasing it “down” instead of “out” and opens up serious loopholes for the ongoing use of fossil fuels. These disappointing outcomes do not match the colourful words delivered at the summit, leaving the entire COP process with a serious credibility problem.

Many young people feel angry because they are being consciously put at risk by the lack of action. Studies show that the climate crisis will expose most of today’s youth to at least one climate-related hazard, such as heat waves, cyclones, air pollution, floods, or water scarcity, increasing the risks of injury and health damage, forced migration from home, inadequate nutrition, and unemployment. Much more ambitious and inclusive action is required to prevent impending disaster for today’s younger generation.

Some COP26 outcomes, like the newly established cooperation between the biggest emitters China and the USA and the decision to revise the inadequate national climate targets in the coming year, certainly constitute steps in the right direction. But they are far from sufficient to address the climate crisis and protect the future of our planet and its people.