Our verdict on COP27: a polluters’ parade

Global Witness characterizes COP27 as a failure, primarily because world leaders did not agree to phase out fossil fuels despite the presence of 636 fossil fuel lobbyists. While the organization acknowledges the historic adoption of a loss and damage fund and the inclusion of the right to a healthy environment in the cover decision, it criticizes the lack of tangible progress on deforestation and the failure to specifically acknowledge the contributions of land and environmental defenders.

• COP27 failed to secure a general phase-out of fossil fuels, with the final agreement only agreeing to phase out unabated coal power, which was a repetition of the COP26 deal. The agreement also included a vague reference to the benefits of fossil gas as a transitional fuel.
• The fossil fuel industry had a significant presence at COP27, with 636 lobbyists granted access. This presence was larger than any country delegation except for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and represented a more than 25% increase in lobbyists compared to COP26 in Glasgow.
• A historic fund for loss and damage was adopted based on the principle that those most responsible for the climate crisis should compensate those most impacted, though Global Witness notes that the mechanisms for funding and accessibility remain unclear.
• The COP27 cover decision included the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment and referenced the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, but it failed to specifically acknowledge the contributions of land and environmental activists.
• Regarding forests, the final text emphasized the importance of ecosystems for the 1.5°C target and the goal to slow and halt deforestation, but Global Witness claims this showed no tangible progress over COP26 commitments. Additionally, a new anti-deforestation plan from large food companies was criticized for being a voluntary scheme lacking human rights mentions and accountability mechanisms.

APA

Global Witness (n.d.). Our verdict on COP27: a polluters’ parade. https://globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/forests/our-verdict-on-cop27-a-polluters-parade/

Chicago

Global Witness. Our verdict on COP27: a polluters’ parade. n.d. https://globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/forests/our-verdict-on-cop27-a-polluters-parade/.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |author=Global Witness |title=Our verdict on COP27: a polluters’ parade |url=https://globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/forests/our-verdict-on-cop27-a-polluters-parade/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{globalwitnessndour, author = {{Global Witness}}, title = {{Our verdict on COP27: a polluters’ parade}}, publisher = {Global Witness}, url = {https://globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/forests/our-verdict-on-cop27-a-polluters-parade/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }