Last week, on November 12th, the countries attending the COP26 reached a resolution in a plan to end global warming. However, the majority are not happy about it.  

The goal of the COP26 was to slow, and eventually stop, the pressing issue of climate change. Their slogan: “Uniting the world to tackle climate change.” This has yet to happen. 

In its conclusion, the COP26 decided to, instead of completely cutting, reduce coal production while it is the single largest contributor to climate change. However, because of the COP26’s outcome, climate activists who want to completely ban coal are creating a problem for poor and less able countries. Before cutting out coal usage, a country needs to attain a healthy or advanced economy before taking on expensive infrastructure changes.

India, for instance, cannot completely stop their use of coal because they simply do not have the means to build new ways to create power. Nuclear reactors are far too expensive and the use of wind and solar power to create energy is unstable and unreliable and cannot produce enough power. 

They also plan to increase nature-based climate solutions, an additional €10 million going to the Global eBa fund. They plan to make a more nature friendly climate cooling mechanism. This was implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and UNEP.

Still, despite the leader’s best efforts, the motivation is still low. Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of UNEP, says “ As the world looks to step up efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions – efforts that are still not anywhere strong enough.” 

They call for financial support in their fight against climate change as a report discovered the finances and execution of their plan is far behind schedule.

The end of climate change will be a slow and laborious process, so the people should not expect results right away. 

“I know you are disappointed. But the path of progress is not always a straight line. Sometimes there are detours. Sometimes there are ditches. But I know we can get there. We are in the fight of our lives, and this fight must be won. Never give up. Never retreat. Keep pushing forward” states Mr. Guterres, a Portuguese politician and diplomat. Change takes time.