CLIMATE ACTION
Glasgow, Scotland, became the epicenter of global climate change action negotiations during the first two weeks of November. The agreement that emerged from many rounds of intense discussions among nearly 200 nations has met with mixed reviews. Despite new momentum on some fronts, COP26 (United Nations Conference of the Parties) delivered incremental progress when the science clearly demands big breakthroughs.
One outcome of the COP26 is certain: The fight for ambitious climate action continues, and it will be led by governments, organizations and individuals on the local level. The upward pressure of local climate action on national governments across the globe is essential for true progress to be achieved.
I was honored to participate in COP26 as an observer. The swirl of activity inside and outside the conference venues was at times overwhelming, and the urgency for action was palpable.
I spent much of my time conferring with fellow local elected officials from both the United States and across the globe under the banner of the LGMA (Local Government Municipal Authority) constituency. While nations set the carbon emissions goals necessary under the COP process, it is the specific and concrete initiatives of local governments across the globe that create success, and local governments are the true implementors of climate change action.
Here in New Hampshire, cities and towns such as Concord, Hanover, Keene and Peterborough are leading the way, making ambitious 100-percent renewable energy commitments and pursuing projects to make that real. I found a great deal of commonality among the efforts we see here in New England to move toward a clean-energy economy and global efforts to do the same.
A prominent feature of this COP was the insistent and constant demands of young people for aggressive climate action in the streets of Glasgow outside of the formal negotiation venues. I’m told by COP veterans that the outside actions have become ever more important in these gatherings to keep pressure on negotiators to stay at the table and keep agreements on track.
A consistent theme at COP26 was the need for energy-efficiency efforts to be substantially brought to scale in the built environment to reduce the demand for energy.
The adage that “the least expensive unit of energy is the one that is not used” is appreciated across the globe, and municipalities are the leading edge of efforts to strengthen building codes and require clean-energy components in building construction that increase energy efficiency.
While in Glasgow, I learned of the astounding news that the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission issued an order that absolutely decimates support for New Hampshire’s energy-efficiency programs. The PUC order follows the efforts of some of our New Hampshire state legislators to undermine energy-efficiency programs that have proven their worth over many years, saving money for residents and businesses while reducing the overall demand for energy. From afar, the dissonance caused by the rejection by the PUC of the most basic principles of how current investment creates future benefits was very unsettling.
COP26 delivered some forward progress amid a challenging geopolitical backdrop and difficulties caused by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The final pact adopted in Glasgow calls for nations to strengthen their emission reduction targets by the end of 2022, recognizes the need for the reduction of the use of fossil fuels and the acceleration of renewable energy sources, and calls on governments to incorporate the critical role of nature and biodiversity in plans to keep the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold within reach. Left unresolved by COP26, discussions will continue in the run-up to COP27 in Egypt next November on some very big issues, including global climate finance as well as financial support for loss and damage experienced by developing nations.
Local action to implement state, national, and international climate and clean-energy goals will continue to be the most important venue for developing practical and sustainable solutions. Positive outcomes for our citizens in New Hampshire and beyond that will protect our precious earth while creating economic opportunity and jobs are well within reach — let’s work together to ensure our future.
Rob Werner is the New Hampshire state director of the League of Conservation Voters and serves on the Concord City Council.