It is a historic, albeit imperfect, agreement. For the first time, nations of the world have agreed to “transition away” from fossil fuels to avert the worst impacts of climate change.
Given that it is the burning of oil, gas and coal amongst other carbon-intensive fuels that is leading to a warming world, cynics may suggest this is something of a given. Anyone at the negotiations in Dubai will tell you it was far from a guarantee.
More than 100 nations — including major oil producers such as the US, Canada and Norway — joined low-lying island nations to fight for the term “phase out”. But this phrasing collided with opposition from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
In the end, a compromise was reached. If these negotiations were fraught, what comes next will be even tougher: the implementation. That will require robust Nationally Determined Contributions and the ramping up of clean energy production in both high and low-income nations — to turn an agreement on paper into the habitable planet we say we want for our children.
Time is running out to make that a reality.
Crossing the river
From the world-renowned to the somewhat more prosaic, more than 30 bridges span the Thames in Greater London. Yet none dare venture east of Tower Bridge. Indeed, east London suffers from severely limited north-south links, despite the development of areas such as the Thames Estuary and Canary Wharf.
So, while short of a new road, rail and pedestrian crossing, Londoners ought to welcome a report commissioned by the Port of London Authority which has proposed a shortlist of three routes for a “green” ferry service across the Thames. This includes between North Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs, the Royal Docks and Charlton and Barking Riverside.
These “turn up and go” services would provide much-needed connectivity and a boost to local areas, while each of the southern piers would be situated within a 15-minute bike ride for more than 100,000 Londoners.
The Thames is one of the capital’s greatest assets, but for too many people and businesses it still acts as a barrier. Let’s change that.
Thank you, Burberry
Thank you to Burberry, the iconic British fashion house, which has donated £200,000 to our Winter Survival Appeal, taking the total to a remarkable £2.2 million.
This Christmas, the Standard has come together with Comic Relief to support children and families who are struggling to afford even the basics. Donations large and small will support charities and vulnerable individuals. If you can do so, please donate at comicrelief.com/winterappeal.
