Real Ambition vs False Solutions COP26

A statement by the Center for International Environmental Law outlining the necessary conditions for COP26 to achieve real climate ambition, arguing that success requires the phase-out of fossil fuels, equitable financial support for developing nations, and the rejection of 'false solutions' like carbon offsets and geoengineering.

• The document argues that COP26 faces a legitimacy crisis due to barriers preventing the participation of the most vulnerable populations, exacerbated by 'vaccine nationalism' and the UK's failure to promote global vaccine equity.
• The authors assert that limiting global warming to 1.5°C is impossible without a rapid and equitable phase-out of fossil fuels, noting that previous COP decisions and the Paris Agreement have failed to explicitly mention fossil fuels.
• The statement warns against 'false solutions' and 'dangerous distractions' such as 'net zero' targets, carbon capture and storage, direct air capture, hydrogen, and carbon offsets, which the authors claim mask inaction and justify continued pollution.
• Regarding Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, the document cautions that market-based mechanisms can lead to land-grabs, jeopardize Indigenous Peoples' rights, and allow for 'double counting' of emissions reductions.
• The document identifies a significant 'ambition gap' in climate finance, noting that developed countries have failed to meet the promised $100 billion per year by 2020, leaving a gap of at least $20 billion in 2021.
• The authors call for the operationalization of loss and damage institutions, such as the Santiago Network, and the creation of a dedicated finance facility to support vulnerable countries facing climate-induced disasters.
• The statement advocates for a human-rights-centered approach to climate action, urging COP26 to integrate gender equity, social inclusion, and the rights of Indigenous Peoples into all outcomes to prevent the 'financialization' of ecosystems.

APA

Duyck, S., Lennon, E., Mingrone, F., Reisch, N., & Vandamme, L. (2021). Real Ambition vs False Solutions COP26. Center for International Environmental Law. https://www.ciel.org/real-ambition-vs-false-solutions-cop26/

Chicago

Duyck, Sebastien, Erika Lennon, Francesca Mingrone, Nikki Reisch, and Lien Vandamme. Real Ambition vs False Solutions COP26. Center for International Environmental Law, 2021. https://www.ciel.org/real-ambition-vs-false-solutions-cop26/.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Duyck |first1=Sebastien |last2=Lennon |first2=Erika |last3=Mingrone |first3=Francesca |last4=Reisch |first4=Nikki |last5=Vandamme |first5=Lien |title=Real Ambition vs False Solutions COP26 |publisher=Center for International Environmental Law |date=27 October 2021 |url=https://www.ciel.org/real-ambition-vs-false-solutions-cop26/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{duyck2021real, author = {Duyck, Sebastien and Lennon, Erika and Mingrone, Francesca and Reisch, Nikki and Vandamme, Lien}, title = {{Real Ambition vs False Solutions COP26}}, publisher = {Center for International Environmental Law}, year = {2021}, month = oct, url = {https://www.ciel.org/real-ambition-vs-false-solutions-cop26/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }