Amid new climate records, environmentalists warn COP22 failing

The World Meteorological Organisation has warned that 2016 was set to be the hottest year on record by a significant margin livescience.com said.

WMO scientists told diplomats gathered in Marrakech, Morocco, for the November 7–18 United Nations COP22 climate talks that temperatures are 1.2˚C above pre-industrial times.

This information came as nearly 400 civil society groups and individuals from more than 60 countries delivered a letter on November 14 to the climate talks urging them to end fossil fuel development to stave off "economic upheaval and climate chaos," Common Dreams said.

Common Dreams said: “The groups, from 350.org and Greenpeace to the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), urged the COP22 attendees to work toward a ‘just transition to renewable energy with a managed decline of the fossil fuel industry’.”

The signatories said this was more urgent than ever given US president-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to withdraw the US from the Paris climate agreement that was ratified this year.

Common Dreams said: “The Paris agreement requires every signatory country to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to prevent a global temperature rise of 2°C. As one of the world's top carbon emitters — and one of its richest countries — the U.S.'s participation in the treaty is paramount.”

The letter said: "Since rich countries have a greater historic responsibility to act, they should provide support to poorer countries to help expand non-carbon energy and drive economic development as part of their fair share of global action, with a focus on meeting the urgent priority of providing universal access to energy.

"The world can either start now in pursuing a managed decline of the fossil fuel industry and a just transition to renewable energy, or it can delay action and bring about economic upheaval and climate chaos. The choice is clear."

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.