Governments to discuss attempts to cut emissions at UN climate change summit
Governments from around the world will discuss tangible ways of tackling C02 emissions and avoid catastrophic global warming at the UN climate change summit beginning on Monday.
Around 200 nations are set to meet in Poland for two weeks to try and reach an agreement to turn the goals set at the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015 into a reality.
According to scientists, climate action must be increased to limit warming to the 1.5C. For this target to be met, governments need to invest in policies that encourage the use of cleaner resources which might prove difficult given the obstinacy of some capitals, including Washington, where officials deny the existence of climate change and are in fact boosting the use of coal and other fossil fuels.
Many nations remain committed to the Paris targets, particularly France and China. But the UN secretary general, António Guterres, said last week that the rise of populism, such as the recent change in government in Brazil with new president Bolsonaro, was undermining the political will of some nations to work with others in terms of climate change.
According to the Guardian, rich nations have promised $100bn a year by 2020 to help poorer countries adapt to climate change and develop clean energy.
Negotiations in Poland must also produce a rule-book with precise actions pledged to ensure all nations play their part.
Poland's deputy environment minister, Michal Kurtyka said on Sunday: "We are here to enable the world to act together on climate change and all countries should show creativity and flexibility".
The World Bank Group said on Monday it is doubling funding for poor countries preparing for climate change to $200bn over five years. The shift away from fossil fuels, which scientists say must occur by 2050, is expected to require a major overhaul of world economies.