'Youth grow angry, there's no more time to waste'
World leaders are repeatedly issuing warnings not to waste any more time to face the challenges of climate change. At the opening of the climate conference in Glasgow of Scotland, a commitment was made not to waste any more time to protect the world.
It was also admitted that the world leaders have a credibility crisis as past commitments are yet to be fulfilled. The world leaders were warned that the youths are becoming impatient. How effective this will be, remains uncertain.
The opening of the summit was held at an auditorium where heads of states and governments were present. Their national statements were being delivered in two auditoriums simultaneously.
As a result, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina or Chancellor Angela Merkel did not get to hear what President Biden's statement, as President Biden could not hear the statements of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina or Angela Merkel.
No explanation from the United Nations or COP president office was given as to why the statements of world leaders were delivered from two different venues.
The event started 25 minutes after the scheduled time on Monday. Poet Yrsa Daley-Ward recited a poem, which could not heard due to technical glitches. But things ran smoothing after that. A documentary was then screened.
After the documentary, British prime minister Boris Johnson welcomed the participants and said the world was awaiting dire consequences. Referring to James Bond movies, he said, we are heading towards a time bomb, Bond has to deactivate it. The more we delay, the more we have to pay.
Quoting the statements of Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, Boris Johnson said, "The commitments of Paris and Copenhagen would be blah, blah, blah if we don't become sincere about climate change."
Mentioning that G-20 countries are liable for 80 per cent of the emission and these countries have more responsibilities, Guterres called upon the rich countries to make commitments to provide 100 billion US dollars annually to earn trust.
Pointing out the crisis of biodiversity due to climate change, Prince Charles said literally time has ended. He underscored the need for renewable and sustainable development through cooperation and coordination. The private sector can play a role, he added.
Barbados prime minister Mia Mottley underscored the need for funds to survive the effects of the climate change.
Pointing finger to Chinese president Xi Jinping and Russian president Vladimir Putin and mentioning the absence of some leaders, she said, "When will the leaders lead? We are watching and will keep this in mind." She said the leaders of today have to take a decision, no twait for leaders of 2030 or 2050.
Kenyan environment and climate activist Elizabeth Wanjiru Wathuti called upon the heads of the states and governments to observe one minute silent to remember millions of people around the world whose voices remain unheard.
After the inaugural ceremony of the summit, leaders started delivering speeches about the plans of respective countries. From the latest National Determined Contribution or NDC, it would be clear what necessary steps the respective countries will take to limit rising temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius at the end of current century.
There may be an indication in the speeches of the leaders regarding achieving target of net zero by 2050, ensuring funds of 100 billion US dollars annually for developing counties and those who are at risk of climate change and transfer of sustainable and renewable technology.
Although the rich countries, which are mostly liable for global warming, made a call to take wartime action to protect civilization from possible ruination, they are themselves remain lagging behind from difficult decisions of their own.
*This report, originally published in Prothom Alo print edition, has been rewritten in English by Rabiul Islam