Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust: Failure to take individual and collective climate action because of whataboutery linked to other nation’s choices would be a cop out

Given the scale of the nature and climate crises, the fact that world leaders, non-governmental bodies including environmental charities, industry leaders and scientists come together annually to review progress on climate change and negotiate next steps address the issues must be considered a good thing, writes Erin McDaid of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.

However, reports of struggles to reach agreement, whether its wise for ‘oil-rich’ states to host meetings and cynicism of delegations seemingly keen to exploit every drop of oil and other fossil fuels can lead many people to switch off.

Familiarity, as the saying goes, breeds contempt, but in the case of annual United Nations ‘COP’ or Conference of the Parties climate meetings, I suspect that frustrations relate more to the parade of increasingly unpopular politicians and flurry of negative news reports suggesting implying that unless parties agree on everything — we're all going to hell in a flaming hand cart.

Despite the hyperbole and procrastination of some supposed statesmen and their delegations; COP meetings bring together people from across the globe committed to finding solutions to shared environmental challenges. This year's meeting, which ended on November 22, has, inevitably been framed by the outcome of the recent US election for fear that agreements signed may be watered down or ripped up entirely by the incoming president.

Despite this, the commitments and collaborations that emerge will have an impact. The key question — a recurring theme of recent COPs — being, will they go far enough, quickly enough?

The Wildlife Trusts want to see three clear outcomes. Substantial action on national emissions targets and a decisive move away from fossil fuels. Prioritisation of, and funding pledged for nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation — with leaders advocating for their benefits for nature, climate and communities. We also want to see more joined up action to address climate change and nature loss.

Climate change is already severely impacting communities around the world, with developing countries hit especially hard. We therefore want a framework for the Global Goal on Adaptation (established at COP28) to deliver ambitious global commitments to adaptation — backed by funding.

Despite the fact that many of the largest, most populous nations seem determined to hang on to fossil fuels for as long as possible — risking evermore calamitous levels of climate change — there are clear signs that the dial is turning inexorably towards renewables and a cleaner, greener future.

After national governments and administrative blocks such as the EU; the private sector carries most influence. Despite some rowing-back on legislative commitments, such as deadlines relating to phasing out internal combustion engines — car manufacturers have invested billions in electric vehicle (EV) technology. In some cases, new entrants to the market are overtaking legacy brands, as cars become more high tech. Much of the recent advancement in 'EV' tech is coming from China — a nation which cynics often hold up as a reason for the rest of us not to bother acting on climate change.

Naysayers often cite China's continued investment in new coal-fired power stations as an excuse for us to hold off on climate positive actions here in the UK — yet a Chinese company is currently rolling out EV batteries with a 1,000km range — an unheard of, game-changing figure unthinkable just a few years ago. Chinese companies are also leading the charge on investment in green tech such as solar panels.

While governments will inevitably avoid or postpone difficult decisions — especially in politically and economically challenging times — commerce will continue to sniff out long-term opportunities. Whilst the market alone will not deliver the solutions to all our environmental problems, the scale and pace of change in the vehicle and energy production sectors gives hope that the technologies we need to limit, mitigate and adapt to climate change are within reach.

To get us back on track we need governments to make good on past commitments and to be bold, especially when it comes to ensuring developing economies have the funds needed to adapt to climate impacts. Those of us that live in democracies can apply pressure on those with their hands on the levers of power and as individuals and consumers, we can make informed choices about products, services and lifestyle choices.

Whilst COP 29 won’t deliver all the decisions and investment needed to get us back on track to limiting, mitigating and adapting to climate change, we must keep faith in the process, apply pressure where we can and make positive steps in our own lives to deliver a fairer greener future for all.

For more information on COP29 and ways you can make a difference for nature visit wildlifetrusts.org/cop-resources.