Bob Earll

In the aftermath of COP26 it is the text of the final agreement that needs to be assessed as the main output. This is the Nov 13th version COP26 Glasgow Climate Pact https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/cma2021_L16_adv.pdf

Glasgow Climate Pact – Washington Post – This is an annotated version of the Glasgow Climate Pact final text and it is very helpful – relating the text to the headlines cited in much other commentary. https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/interactive/2021/glasgow-climate-pact-full-text-cop26/

Cleary climate change impacts coasts and oceans in many ways and controlling emissions is the main point of the text. There is a very clear section on Adaptation.

There was a considerable input to the conference from the ‘oceans community’ but the final text is very thin on recognising the oceans. In the Preamble … ‘Noting the importance of ensuring the integrity of all ecosystems, including in forests, the ocean and the cryosphere, and the protection of biodiversity, recognized by some cultures as Mother Earth’. Paragraph 38 is the only reference I can see to specific reference to oceans  – as one of the carbon sinks.

The format of these agreements is remarkably similar year on year and perhaps for future events if coastal and ocean campaigners want to have more impact they might do no worse than drafting specific sentences or paragraphs that reflect their concerns and the need for action.

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