Groups, experts laud Marrakech’s COP22 global consensus 

After the proclamation by COP 22 delegates, civil society groups and experts say, the statement reaffirmed that it is in the national interest of every country to accelerate the transition to renewables and build resilience to climate impacts.

They said, the speed of real-economy change and the urgency of action are primary messages from the declaration. This reinforces the shift underway towards a new era of implementation and action on climate and sustainable development.

In reaction, the International Climate Lead, Christian Aid, Mohamed Adow said, “In what feels like a divided and fragile world, it’s encouraging to see there is unison over one of our most existential threats.  Like the aliens in the movie Independence Day, climate change has the power to bring the world together to fight our common enemy.”

For Kwami Kpondzo of Friends of Earth Togo, COP 22 is billed to be an African COP. the good news is that African Renewable Initiative took off here in Marrakech, an initiative by Africans for Africans, to leapfrog the dirty fossil fuel development and bring clean community- based instead. Friends of Earth groups have fought long and hard to make this initiative a reality and it’s a testimony to the work done by African civil society in the fight against energy poverty.

“However, in this COP we saw very little movement on the crucial issue of finance needed for the people of Africa, Kpondzo continued, “ Doggy accounting and fishy finance reporting by rich countries means that the millions already experiencing floods and droughts in every corner of Africa will be left to help themselves. Broken promises will not help us survive a crisis we did not create, “ he continued.

Senior Associate, E3G, Liz Gallagher said: “It’s rare that so many countries unite to make a public declaration on any policy subject. This Marrakech Proclamation demonstrates just what a global consensus there now is around climate change and underlines the determination of world leaders that they will not let the election of Donald Trump hijack the important work being done to secure the safe future of our planet.

“This call is an act of solidarity with the people of the world most affected by climate change. It is fitting that this call is made on African soil where many of these vulnerable people call home.

“ The proclamation in Marrakech was received with thunderous applause. It just goes to show how serious countries are about getting on with their climate action plans in order to protect their economies and their people. It was a touching moment of solidarity after a bruising week.”

Friends of the Earth International said the momentum for global action on climate change refused to be overshadowed by the election of a climate denier to the US Presidency. “Climate change is not going to wait for Us action and the rest of the world is clear it is moving forward,” according to Benjamin Schreiber of Friends of the Earth, US.

“ Trump’s election must unify the world in treating the US as a climate pariah, and  respond to his Presidency by redoubling ambition,”  Schreiber continued. “ The US had been outside the Un climate process before  and other countries must ensure that progress is made while we work to create change back home.”