View from the COP

Councillor Will Connolly attended COP27 through his professional work with an international NGO. Here he reflects on what was achieved and what it means for the UK and for Bromley.

The 1.5ºC target on global heating is being fought for, a year on from COP26 in Glasgow. So much has changed since then: Lula is President of Brazil, Biden in the U.S - both very supportive of climate action, but on the other hand, a war in Ukraine, energy crisis, and global inflation. Finance and a so-called ‘Just Transition’ is on the agenda, but who is going to pay?

COP27 closed with important progress towards channelling financial support to vulnerable communities that are already experiencing extreme impact from climate change. It is widely understood that the best way to limit the scale of loss and damage for vulnerable communities, is to cut emissions. Disappointingly, the proposal to phase down all fossil fuels, made by India and other countries, was not reflected in the final text.

There are some glimmers of hope: the recognition from COP27 that a just transition to renewable energy is the best way out of the energy crisis; financial reforms of multilateral development banks; and the inclusion of the role of business to help decarbonise key sectors to help reduce emissions.

What does this mean for Bromley?

Sometimes it feels hard to draw parallels to what we can do back at home. But there is more that the Council can do to support the fight against our warming planet and environmental damage: from tackling our air pollution; making our streets safer to cycle and walk; and in working with national Government and the GLA on electric charging stations, phasing out plastic, and investment for greener homes in Bromley. Your Lib Dem Councillors will continue this fight for a greener, cleaner and safer Bromley.

Sharm el-Sheikh, November 2022