CAN Joint SBI-SBSTA Opening Intervention, Virtual SB 2021, May 2021

This virtual SB session takes place during a time of compounding global calamities with the climate crisis adding to the already devastating impacts of the pandemic, and with those that are marginalised and vulnerable in our society bearing the brunt, loss of life, loss of homes, loss of livelihoods and jobs. Citizens, and especially the youth,  are tired of governments dragging their feet. And courts are becoming sympathetic. While we recognise that a virtual session has many challenges, including equitable access, we urge you to find creative ways to bed down areas of work that can be the basis for decision-making and finalizing the Paris Agreement rulebook at the next physical meeting. 

While the circumstances for holding COP26 remain to be seen, it is clear for COP to take decisions and to be a success, it has to be in person and with inclusive participation of all countries and civil society.

For COP to happen in person and in an inclusive manner, rich developed countries need to urgently ensure equitable access to vaccines – vaccinating a few delegates who can jump the cue ahead of frontline workers and vulnerable people does not provide the moral basis we hold this process accountable to.

Most of all we need to see much more action. We need to see rich countries increase their NDC’s, fulfilling their $100 bn commitment and scale up finance, especially for adaptation and loss and damage. 

There won’t be a successful outcome at COP26  without a clear demonstration that the level of climate finance support is forthcoming and will also be scaled up over the coming years. G7 Leaders will meet during these virtual sessions and must deliver on these critical issues including demonstrating solidarity through vaccine equity and debt relief if COP26 is to succeed. 

At these virtual SBs, we view inclusivity and transparency as a precondition for success. . We welcome the UNFCCC Bureau decision to “enhance openness, transparency and inclusiveness, effective participation and engagement of observers“. And we will be monitoring this. 

We look forward to participating in this session and to a clear demonstration of leadership from all parties and especially the UK presidency. 

People Power, Climate Justice.