As leaders from nearly every nation on the planet gather on Thursday in the United Arab Emirates to confront global warming, many are carrying a sense of disillusionment into the annual climate summit convened by the United Nations.
Countries talk about the need to cut the pollution that is dangerously heating the planet, but emissions are reaching record highs this year.
Rich countries have pledged to help poor countries transition away from coal, oil and gas, but have largely failed to fulfill their promises for financial aid.
After 27 years of meetings, countries still can’t agree to stop burning fossil fuels, which scientists say is the main driver of climate change.
“There is skepticism of this COP — where it is and who is running it,” said Ani Dasgupta, president of the World Resources Institute, a research organization.
Persons:
”, Ani Dasgupta
Organizations:
United, United Nations, World Resources Institute
Locations:
United Arab Emirates