"COP26 - where do we go from here?" - Little Fireface Project

Agricultural site is one of the main reason behind the land clearing

The UK population is ageing. 20% of the population are over 65 and that figure is set to increase to 25% by 2050. On the other side of the world, Indonesia is getting younger. Fast. Over 65s comprise 6% of the population, with the 0-14 age group making up 25%. Now, let’s take a look at what Mary Robinson, Chair of the Elders said in the closing hours of COP26.

“If you’re younger than 60, it’s likely you’ll witness the total destabilization of life as we know it.”

Yikes.

COP26, the 26th Conference of the Parties, has been two weeks of dedicated climate discussions aiming to bring these very issues to the forefront. Mary Robinson was right, we’re all in this sinking boat together. But what she didn’t quite point out is that some of the passengers have life jackets.

Climate change disproportionately affects those living in developing countries, and it just so happens that these countries are the ones getting younger too. Take Indonesia for example. They literally moved their capital city due to rising sea levels, a climate contingency plan to safeguard their fast growing economy. Developing countries have been staring down climate change’s locked and loaded barrel for decades, but now there’s no doubt they will endure it for longer and more harshly than those living in Western countries.

COP26 is not just an opportunity to implement legislation. It’s an opportunity to communicate to people all over the world what’s happening, who will be most affected and what will be done to help. But with great power comes great responsibility. Targets may have been set, documents may have been signed, but whether actions will be taken is another story.

If the logging continues , many animals will lose their homes including our beloved slow loris

So what should we take away from COP26? Ambitious targets to end deforestation and stop global warming at 1.5C might be juicy headlines, but for us average Joes, it can all seem rather overwhelming. What we can take away from COP26 is the knowledge that governments are now being forced to act. Although we may feel powerless in the face of this never-ending doom and gloom, we now have the opportunity to hold governments accountable. Engage with conservation groups, sign petitions, stay vocal. Now strap in, we’ve got a boat to patch up.