We can't compromise with catastrophe, commonwealth tells COP27 summit

Commonwealth secretary general Patricia Scotland has urged countries attending the climate change conference to engage in talks aimed at meaningful outcomes by the end of the week. 

The United Nations Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh is being attended by more than 35,000 delegates from almost 200 nations.

Scotland called for actions that will close the gaps on emissions, finance, and justice while taking into account the needs of vulnerable countries. 

“As climate change advances, we have lost momentum. The gap on emissions, finance, and justice has widened, while the window for action continues to narrow,” she said.

“It is our duty to close that gap; this process is our only chance.  Because we cannot compromise with catastrophe, so we must compromise with each other.”

She highlighted the climate disasters that have affected millions across the commonwealth in recent months.

In Pakistan, devastating floods have claimed more than 1,700 lives and affected 33 million people since June.

Similarly in Nigeria, more than 600 people have died and 1.3 million displaced, due to the worst floods seen in the country in more than a decade.

And some parts of Kenya are facing the worst drought seen in years.

“Vulnerable states face being consumed by the waves or drowned by debt. The unthinkable has become typical,” she added.

“We must reject the violence of inaction against those who need us to succeed, now and for generations to come, and commit ourselves to action on land, ocean, energy, finance, and resilience.”

This year, Scotland is heading a delegation from the Commonwealth Secretariat to COP27.

They aim to amplify member countries' concerns, advocate for small and other vulnerable states, support partnerships and raise awareness about the various commonwealth programmes offered to support members.