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World’s Climate Fight Needs Fundamental Reform, UN Expert Says: ‘Some States Are Not Acting in Good Faith’

Summary

UN Special Rapporteur Elisa Morgera has called for fundamental reforms to the global climate regime, criticizing the current system as ineffective and dominated by misinformation and bad-faith actors. She highlighted the exclusion of Indigenous voices, civil society, and evidence-based solutions from UN climate summits (COPs) while powerful states and corporate lobbyists drive self-serving agendas. Morgera argued that the process overlooks systemic inequalities and prioritizes controversial measures like carbon markets, which lack transparency and proven effectiveness. With the 2024 record-breaking heatwaves and devastating climate events, calls for accountability have intensified. Morgera emphasized the urgent need for fair and legally binding climate actions, particularly as wealthier nations resist transformative change. She underscored the stakes, citing the worsening impacts on vulnerable nations like Vanuatu, which face dire consequences despite minimal contributions to climate change.

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