When the world’s leaders convene in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh for the 27th Conference of Parties, they will do so under very different circumstances to last year’s COP26 in Glasgow.
Crises have erupted over the past 12 months: the invasion of Ukraine, energy and food shortages, and global economic instability and price inflation. The pledges of COP26 are colliding with the realities of governments focusing on their narrower domestic agenda. It is a much changed and more troubled world.
In addition, countries have experienced extreme climate change events over the last year including the floods in Pakistan, hurricanes in the United States, and a US$20 billion drought in Europe. All requiring immediate attention and action.
