As COP26 comes to a close, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has stated that there is still reason be ‘hopeful’ that the Paris 2015 target can still be met, despite what many may see as the ‘last minute watering down’ of the ‘Glasgow Climate pact’.
The organisation has also reiterated its call for waste and resources to be ‘pushed up the global political agenda’ if the world is to stay within the 1.5C threshold.
Speaking following the close of the event in Glasgow, CIWM President, Dr Adam Read, said: “Whilst unfortunately we cannot say that COP26 has secured 1.5C, unanimous agreement on revisiting emissions cutting plans, increasing financial support for developing countries and, for the first time, phasing down the unabated use of coal are positive steps that should give us some hope.
“Whilst it was disappointing not to see waste and resources better represented on the main agenda, it was hugely encouraging to witness the sector proactively discussing practical action it can take to accelerate the development of the circular economy and battle climate change at a host of ‘fringe’ events.
Whilst it was disappointing not to see waste and resources better represented on the main agenda, it was hugely encouraging to witness the sector proactively discussing practical action…
“It is clear those working in the UK waste and resources industry are committed to moving to a world beyond waste and driving change despite the apparent lack of recognition on the international stage.”
CIWM said it also recognises the importance of several other agreements at the event, including the commitment to reduce methane and the increased use of sustainable fuels in which its members will play an active role.
The statement follows the organisation’s call for global leaders to recognise the crucial role that recycling and resource management has to play in supporting decarbonisation. It branded the lack of ‘resources and waste’ representation in the COP26 programme a ‘critical oversight’.
To address this, it collaborated with partners representing a broad cross-section of the resources and wider environmental sector to support a series of fringe events during the conference in Glasgow.
To watch the recordings of these events, visit the CIWM Knowledge Centre here.