FINAL DECLARATION STIRS RELIEF, JOY, ANGER

The UN COP27 climate summit in Egypt drew praise yesterday for the creation of a “loss and damage” fund but there was also anger over a failure to push further efforts on cutting emissions.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres: “This COP has taken an important step towards justice. I welcome the decision to establish a loss and damage fund. Clearly, this won’t be enough... To have any hope of keeping to 1.5, we need to massively invest in renewables and end our addiction to fossil fuels.”

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, COP27 president: “Millions around the globe can now sense some glimmer of hope that their suffering will finally be addressed appropriately.”

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif: “The establishment of loss & damage fund at the UN climate summit is the first pivotal step towards the goal of climate justice.”

Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama: “From the bottom of my heart, vinaka vakalevu (thank you very much) to our tireless Pacific negotiators for securing a loss and damage fund at COP27.”

Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland and chairperson of the Elders: “The historic outcome on loss and damage at COP27 shows international cooperation is possible. Equally, the renewed commitment on the 1.5C global warming limit was a source of relief. However, none of this changes the fact that the world remains on the brink of climate catastrophe.”

Mohamed Adow, executive director of Power Shift Africa: “At the beginning of these talks loss and damage was not even on the agenda and now we are making history.”

Frans Timmermans, vice president of the European Commission: “What we have in front of us is not enough of a step forward for people and planet. It does not bring enough added efforts for major emitters to increase and accelerate their emissions cuts.”

Maldives Environment Minister Aminath Shauna: “We made it clear over the past two weeks that mitigation ambition (cutting emissions) was a cornerstone of our outcomes here at COP27. I am disheartened we did not get there.”

Alok Sharma, chairman of Britain’s COP26 presidency: “Emissions peaking before 2025, as the science tells us, is necessary. Not in this text. Clear follow-through on the phase-down of coal. Not in this text. A clear commitment to phase out all fossil fuels. Not in this text.”