A major climate summit in New York has started on a gloomy note, with leading figures admitting that countries are failing to uphold commitments made less than a year ago to transition away from fossil fuels and provide aid to those most vulnerable to the climate crisis. The condemnation has been particularly directed at the largest greenhouse gas emitters, such as China and the US, for not following through on a UN pact signed in Dubai to move away from oil, coal, and gas.
Former US officials, Al Gore and John Kerry, have criticized the lack of action, with Kerry admitting that the US, in particular, needs to do more to shift away from fossil fuels. Climate Week NYC has drawn in government leaders, businesspeople, scientists, and activists alongside the UN General Assembly. However, there is a sense of weariness with endless meetings and unfulfilled promises, especially from small island states most vulnerable to climate impacts despite their minimal greenhouse gas emissions.
Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Philip Davis, expressed frustration at the lack of action and the failure of richer countries to fulfill promises on climate finance. He highlighted the devastating impact of Hurricane Dorian five years ago, which caused billions in damages and continues to hamper the country’s development. The overall sentiment is that trillions, not just millions, are needed to address climate change, and countries must step up their efforts to transition to cleaner energy and provide financial support to those most affected.
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