(17 November 2017) – As COP23 draws to a close, non-state actors were the few offering hope. The Netherlands and France also want to revise upward European ambition on climate action for 2030.
Several political leaders have shown a certain satisfaction on the eve of the end of the COP23, even if the results of the negotiations seem for the moment disappointing. During the 15 days of talks, the spectre of US exit from the Paris Agreement, and the lack of clear leadership, somewhat muffled the results.
But the most positive aspect of the 15 days lies undoubtedly in the awakening of civil society, very present, and from whom came the most significant announcements.
From a coalition of 25 countries that pledge to get out of coal to a strong mobilisation of American civil society in the coalition “WeAreStillIn”, as well as the Norwegian Pension Fund announcing it will suppress its fossil fuel investments and the commitment of some additional states to the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, the list of COP23 commitments is impressive. (EurActiv)