COP25: Civil society calls on EU, major emitters to step up as discussions turn political

Climate Action Network on Tuesday 10 December 2019 called on governments at COP25 to act on the climate emergency as discussions turn political on loss and damage and Article 6 – the rules related to carbon market under the Paris Agreement.

CAN stated this at a press conference on Tuesday adding that EU is at a critical fork in the road and has a responsibility to set itself down a path of stronger climate action as it prepares for a European Council meeting on Thursday and Friday.

Today is Human Rights day and the only meaningful solution to the climate crisis is one that not only protects but promotes human rights and social justice. As impacts increase and the damages from climate change become increasingly difficult to adapt to the Philippines Human Rights Commission made a landmark decision yesterday that will allow for powerful fossil fuel groups to be held legally and morally responsible for human rights violation.

“The climate crisis is a human rights crisis. This Human Rights Day countries should be declaring a climate emergency and coming forward in the negotiations to commit to immediately increasing their ambition. We’re not seeing the leadership we need, countries are allowing the Bolsonaro government to pollute the process and weaken the Paris Agreement. On Human Rights Day and every day we need power for people, not polluters. A high ambition coalition must step up and fight carbon trafficking.” – Jennifer Morgan Executive Director Greenpeace International

“We applaud Monday’s statement from the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines. This is a historic moment for people and the planet, and a landmark victory for climate justice. This marks the beginning of the end to the fossil fuel industry’s stranglehold over our political systems. For the first time ever, big polluting companies have been found responsible for human rights harms resulting from the climate crisis. A growing number of climate cases are now being heard or filed across the world. With the conclusion of this investigation, we believe many more communities will take a stand against fossil fuel companies that are putting profit before people and blocking climate progress at the negotiating table.” – Yeb Sano, Petitioner Philippines CHR case

“To regain its leadership role, the EU must urgently and substantially increase its 2030 climate target. Therefore one of the main benchmark of the European Commission’s Green Deal proposal will be its ability to come up with a proposal for a new 2030 target within its first 100 days in office. Today, citizens, businesses, local authorities and trade unions are calling for this to happen soon. Closing eyes and ears to this call and missing the Paris Agreement’s 2020 deadline to increase the EU’s climate pledge will be disastrous for our planet and future, as well as for the EU’s image as international climate leader.” – Wendel Trio, Director, Climate Action Network Europe