At the summit in Egypt – Now Gewessler is negotiating our future

Gewessler arrives at the UN climate summit in the worst possible conditions. The major industrialized countries continue to resist. And the fossil lobby sent hundreds of delegates. “Despite soothing words from President Joe Biden, the US is postponing negotiations and giant polluting countries Saudi Arabia and China are in an impasse. Now there must be an EU alliance for the countries most threatened by global warming. Austria is called upon to get things moving,” criticizes Greenpeace activist Jasmin Duregger. In fact, Gewessler has a particularly great responsibility. Because she was nominated by the EU as one of the chief negotiators.

“During the COP, we need to take further steps to massively reduce emissions, as soon as possible. Because we are still a long way from our goal of limiting man-made temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. On the other hand, there is the question of how industrialized countries can best support those countries that suffer the most from the consequences,’ the head of the department outlines the problems. Her credo: “As the EU, we will do our part and we are on track to reduce emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030.”

As reported, the international community agreed seven years ago in Paris to limit global warming to a maximum of two degrees Celsius. However, many countries have never kept their promises. “The next week will prove ruthless who is aware of the seriousness of the situation,” said the Austrian minister.

It is important to strike a balance between climate protection, adaptation to climate change and the “loss and damage” sector, ie the billions in damage already caused by the crisis. The planned conclusion on Friday certainly seems more than doubtful.