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Islington residents should stay optimistic about the future, despite “hugely disappointing” climate talks at COP29, Islington-based Greenpeace says.
The environmental charity, which has its headquarters in Canonbury Villas, said it is important that Londoners think about the benefits of climate solutions, which directly impact daily life.
“Cleaner air as a result of ULEZ and more investment in public transport that makes it easier to get to work,” Greenpeace said.
“London has really borne the brunt of increasingly extreme weather over the last few years. We just need to remember what the prize is, and move further and faster.”
COP is the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference. This year it was held between 11-22 November in Baku, Azerbaijan, a controversial host because of its oil and gas production.
President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, opened COP29 by defending the country’s role as host, saying its “share in global gas emissions is only 0.1%”.
This year 1,773 oil and gas lobbyists attended, according to the Kick Big Polluters Out coalition, an environmental campaign group. This is more than the number of delegates sent by almost all countries at the conference.
“It’s hugely disappointing and a massive scandal,” Greenpeace said. “Sadly it’s not surprising anymore.”
The charity welcomed the UK’s new “ambitious” target of cutting 81% of carbon emissions by 2035 as a sign of positive action, saying big decisions like this ultimately improve quality of life for everyday people.
Clare Walsh is the beat reporter for St Mary's and St James'. She is passionate about keeping locals up to date on important stories. She is a freelance journalist, and has written for publications including Varsity and Cambridge Creatives.