Former President Barack Obama made a statement during an appearance the COP26 climate summit on Monday, warning nations around the world that “we are nowhere near where we need to be” to respond to the challenges posed by anthropogenic climate change.
“Significant progress has been made since Paris,” Obama said, adding, “thanks to your efforts here in Glasgow, we see the promise of further progress.”
“We’re going to have to do more, and whether that happens to a large extent or not is going to depend on you, and not just those of you in this room, but anyone watching or reading a transcript of what I’m saying here today. , ”He continued.
Obama specifically criticized Russia and China for demonstrating what he called a “dangerous lack of urgency” and “willingness to maintain the status quo.”
“We need advanced economies like the US and Europe leading on the issue, but you know the facts, we also need China and India leading on this issue,” he said. “We can not afford anyone on the sidelines.”
Eventually, Obama’s remarks ended on a more optimistic note.
“When I feel discouraged, I remind myself that cynicism is the refuge of cowards,” Obama said. “We can not afford hopelessness, instead we will have to gather the will and the passion and the activism of citizens who are pushing government companies and everyone else to meet this challenge.”
Obama also got time to criticize former President Donald Trump, who he says has thwarted efforts to achieve goals set out in the Paris Agreement.
He said efforts by The U.S. response to climate change “stuck” when Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2017, but praised President Joe Biden’s administration, which he said was “once again involved and willing to take a leadership role.”
Alan is a New York based writer, editor and news junkie.
