Shahid: Simply not doing enough to combat climate change despite capacity and resources

President of the 76^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA), Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has stressed that the world nations have failed to take adequate action to combat climate change over the years despite having the capacity and resources to address the crisis.

Delivering his opening remarks at the 26^th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) – Shahid said that the nations have had decades to debate on the topic of climate change – despite which they have failed to act with the conviction and determination needed to fight the crisis.

“We have had decades to argue the facts about climate change, about the power of renewables, about the fine details of monitoring or cost-sharing. Yet, we have still failed to act with the conviction and determination required. That may be a hard truth, but it is the truth,” he had said.

Despite this – Shahid added that world nations still have the chance and the capability of turning the tables if they choose to.

Speaking further – Shahid said that he has heard more about climate change than any other subject from every single person he has met since assuming the role of PGA. Stressing that everyone can agree on the urgency of taking action – Shahid raised questions as to what is holding all from acting.

“We have run out of excuses. It is time to do the right thing,” he added.

COP26 summit kicked off at Scotland’s Glasgow today – and will continue at a stretch until November 12.

The UN Climate Change Conferences are held yearly; serving as the formal meeting of the signatories to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The word ‘COP’ stands for ‘Conference of the Parties’. It is the largest platform utilized to address climate change.

COP26 is the 26th climate COP. It is hosted by the UK in partnership with Italy. The summit is presided by UK’s Minister of State at the Cabinet Office Alok Sharma.