International climate

Planetary emergency

We're facing a planetary emergency. As more and more scientific reports confirm, we could be looking at a temperature rise of 6 degrees celsius and catastrophic climate change by the end of the century. 

We're already seeing the impacts of climate change. As Typhoon Bopha hit the Philippines during the Doha climate talks, the Filipino delegate made a this plea for change: 

I appeal to all - please, no more delays, no more excuses... I ask of all of us here, if not us then who? If not now then when? If not here then where?

Nadarev M. Sano, Senior Filipino Delegate to the UN

And yet world leaders continue to stick their heads in the sand. 

Qatar-strophe

The most recent UN climate talks in Doha, Qatar, ended with no meaningful climate action. Discussions were gridlocked as rich countries continued to:

• Push carbon emissions cuts onto poor countries
• Break promises made at previous climate talks
• Fail to provide climate finance for poor countries to adapt to climate change and develop cleanly.

Rarely has so little been achieved by so many powerful people gathered together in one place - the failure to agree any meaningful international action to slash emissions leaves the world teetering on the edge of catastrophic climate change.

Andy Atkins, Executive Director Friends of the Earth England Wales and Northern Ireland

Looking ahead

Governments are not acting fast enough. It's vital that people unite nationally, regionally and globally to put pressure on governments to take meaningful climate action before it's too late.

Friends of the Earth is working with others to help build a global climate campaign. And along with our international family, we will continue to push for:

• An increase to EU emission targets
• Carbon emissions cuts in line with science
• Rich countries to provide finance and technology so that poorer ones can act
• Smart ways to finance the Green Climate Fund - not risky carbon trading schemes
• Clean and affordable energy as a solution to energy poverty.

The UK government must do its bit and show international leadership by setting science-based targets to decarbonise its own economy.

Find out what happened at the most recent climate talks in Bonn and discuss these issues on our international climate hub.

Plea by Naderev M. Sano of the Phillipines in AWG-KP final session COP 18 Doha .