University of Bath: COP26: ‘No game-changer, but important progress’

Environmental psychologist at the University of Bath and Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST), Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh, is available for media interviews today and this week in relation to the COP26 deal agreed on Saturday.

Commenting, she said: “Despite what has been claimed, the Glasgow Pact is not a game-changer, but it has made important steps forward to ensure the 1.5 target is not lost and to finally recognise the need to cut fossil fuels. Aid to developing countries has also been increased, to help them adapt to climate impacts and develop in a low-carbon way.

“But, the delay of a year or more for national pledges that will ensure we stick to a 1.5 degree temperature rise is disappointing given the urgency of the situation. So many young people and those from developing countries understandably feel betrayed. Public calls for ambitious action are louder than ever*, so the social mandate is there for governments to act and to translate high-level pledges into concrete strategies to rapidly cut emissions and protect us from climate impacts.”