COP week has come around again (that's the abbreviated term for United Nations Climate Change Conference, in case you needed reminding). But whereas last year's edition in Glasgow garnered considerable media attention, this year's summit in Egyptian resort Sharm El-Sheikh has so far created less of a stir, though the stakes mount with each passing year.
Part of the spectacle of last year was certainly down to its proximity: the Belgian delegation was able to make a show of going by train and EU leaders sought to eulogise low-impact travel. Yet as an international meeting, practicality sadly trumped green principles and most participants made the journey by plane (largely private jets).
But it wasn't simply the proximity of last year's event that put meetings in the spotlight – Glasgow provided a far more accessible rallying point for Europe's climate activists, arguably the most vociferous on the international stage. Not only is Egypt a long way away, it's also far less open to civil protest and has a fairly deplorable record when it comes to dealing with dissent.
Perhaps most pertinently it seems that climate is sliding down the political agenda with leaders of many of the world's most polluting (richest) nations making it clear that they are just too busy to give their time to environmental efforts. And even if they do deign to attend, it is often to resist climate-saving measures.
Developed nations are clearly slipping far from the landmark Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C, turning a blind eye to commitments as they fire up coal power stations and refuse to acknowledge the incompatibility of cutting emissions whilst growing GDP.
Belgium's Prime Minister sought to extol existing efforts by Belgium and the EU rather than commit to greater financial assistance for developing nations. It's a position echoed by most of the world's wealthiest nations who with the latest economic difficulties are even less willing to put their money where their mouth is.
So is it all just hot air? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
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1. Belgium's energy premium delayed until December
The federal energy premium of €196 for gas and electricity will not yet be available in November but will be doubled in December to compensate, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo announced on Monday on La Première (RTBF). Read more.
2. COP27: Is the summit still fit for purpose?
From thousands of people marching in Brussels to a Belgian activist glueing himself to a work of art, the need to address climate change is clearly at the forefront of many people's attention. So why are those who are meant to be leading international climate discussions boycotting them? Read more.
3. Clearer, kinder and fit for today: Belgium to overhaul Penal Code
More humane, clearer and modernised: the Federal Government has agreed on a proposal to implement a new Criminal Code, aimed at bringing current Belgian legislation into the 21st century, Belgium’s Minister of Justice, Vincent Van Quickenborne, announced on Sunday. Read more.
4. Two spectators died in Condroz Rally accident in Belgium this weekend
Two spectators (aged 16 and 18) were killed in an accident at the Condroz Rally in Liège on Sunday when a car slid off the track and collided with the crowd. Read more.
5. 'The margin of victory': Americans abroad urged to vote in tomorrow's US midterm elections
As the November 2022 midterm elections in the United States are held tomorrow (Tuesday), the nearly 6.5 million American and dual citizens living outside the US who are eligible to vote could make a difference on important issues, such as abortion and gun safety. Read more.
6. The European Green Deal 50 years ago
Reading a long-forgotten letter by a Commission president over half a century ago can make us realise how long it took to take climate change seriously. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: The most stunning art gallery in Belgium
Xavier Hufkens has been exhibiting contemporary artists in Brussels since he opened his first gallery in a downtown warehouse 35 years ago. Read more.
