Climate change is very real and most countries have now accepted this reality. However, not many countries are willing to do much to reduce the negative impact of their actions. As the COP26 summit nears its end, much has not been achieved and all countries need to share the blame for the goal failure. The rhetoric that was used in the first few days of the summit remains a rhetoric and nothing else. And that is the saddest thing to watch. Most words spoken by those present at COP26 may never be materialized and that is the tragic reality of the world we live in.
The induced destruction of the world is imminent if action is not taken now. Many are unwilling to cut down on their share of carbon emissions and many are not ready to put subsidies so that unabated coal plants can turn into those that reduce the emission of harmful materials in the atmosphere. Many climate change activists have time and again tried to warn that the atmosphere will not wait for negotiations; it will be continuously destroyed by our own actions if they are not stopped. Most of the plans created do not meet the required levels as the current national emissions cutting plans will lead to 2.7 degree centigrade of heating when only 1.5 degree centigrade can be afforded. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has also deemed the negotiations and the promises made as hollow.
One of the problems that can be identified is that those countries that have the power to make decisions for the rest will not be facing the climate crisis like those that are not given a seat at the table. With the rising water levels, many small countries will drown and their citizens will not have a place to call home. An influx of stateless citizens is being formed, be warned. With the current rate of emissions, many countries, especially in South Asia are facing the problem of smog which is highly injurious to health. If this goes on like it has been until now, many parts of many countries will be deemed as unlivable but people will continue to live there due to the lack of resources to relocate. Although climate change is a global issue, like it is with every other phenomenon, this time the poor and weak will also be the ones affected the most which is why it is imperative for the summit to conclude with a comprehensive plan that is achievable and benefits all.
