Youth activists demand damages for climate victims at virtual ‘mock Cop26’

(Climate Home News, 27 Nov 2020) Youth activists are calling for polluters to pay damages to victims of climate disaster in vulnerable countries, at a mock UN climate summit running until 1 December.

Frustrated by a lost year for climate negotiations, with Cop26 postponed to November 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, youth campaigners have organised their own two-week virtual conference.

Delegates from 118 countries are taking part, with the majority of applications coming from the developing world, including nations hit hard by climate change impacts. After hearing from climate scientists and policymakers, and learning negotiation skills, they will vote on a statement to present to world leaders.

Mobilising support for communities like those suffering from record-breaking tropical storm seasons in the Philippines, Vietnam and Nicaragua is a priority – from the industrialised countries most responsible for global heating.

Loss and damage finance is an issue which rich countries have dragged their feet on for many years. In 2013 the Warsaw international mechanism was set up to address loss and damage, but little funding has been made available to help people in developing countries recover from climate disasters such as flooding, typhoons and drought.

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Climate Home News, 27 Nov 2020: Youth activists demand damages for climate victims at virtual ‘mock Cop26’