Press release

As train tracks buckle amid German heatwave, polluters attempt to derail Bonn climate talks

As the climate talks in Bonn, Germany, wind down, Mohamed Adow, Christian Aid’s Global Climate Lead, said:

“While a record breaking heatwave causes mayhem across Europe, melting roads and buckling train tracks in Germany, key polluting countries at the climate talks in Bonn have attempted to water down scientific warnings and stall progress.

“Thankfully attempts by Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia and the USA were opposed by most other countries, and especially by vulnerable nations and it’s good to see the findings of the IPCC’s 1.5C report will be used to inform the next round of national pledges to strengthen the Paris Agreement.”

"Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia and the United States are rogue nations.  These four major fossil fuel producers are working together against the interests of the set of the world and jeopardising our chances of a safe climate. These countries hardly agree on anything other than undermining climate science. Because their short-term economic interests rely on fossil fuels are at risk this is their last kick back at the rest of the world by suppressing scientific warnings.”

On the debate around how long these national pledges should last before they are upgraded he said: “It’s important that countries agree to update their national plans every five years to take advantage of new developments in renewable energy technology, not to mention being able to respond to the latest science about what is required to prevent catastrophic global heating. It’s shameful that the EU are one of the laggards pushing for this to only happen in 2023 at the earliest.”

On the G20, Mr. Adow said: “Leadership is now needed more than ever from France, Germany and the UK. These European leaders cannot compromise the Paris Agreement . They need to separate themselves from the laggards like the US and Japan who are compromising the safety of the world for their selfish short term interests.


Mohamed is available for further analysis of the Bonn talks on request.