UN Climate Talks Reflect Disconnect with Global Momentum

350.org Strategy and Communications Director Jamie Henn issued the following statement as the UN climate talks in Lima concluded:

"Negotiators failed to build on the momentum coming into these talks. Over the past year, hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets to demand climate action--millions more will join them in the year ahead. Politicians can either ride that wave, or be swept away by it.

With the impacts of climate change already being felt in vulnerable communities around the world, the need for immediate action could not be more clear, and yet rich countries are still dragging their feet on everything from finance to emissions reductions.

We were pleased to see around 100 countries support the goal of phasing out carbon emissions by mid-century. The goal's inclusion in the draft text is a win for the fossil fuel divestment movement and will add momentum to that growing campaign. But action must begin now, not after decades of delay.

We must continue to take on the biggest barrier to progress: the fossil fuel industry. During COP20, more than 53,000 people call on the UN to ban fossil fuel industry lobbyists from the climate talks.

We know that companies like Chevron and Shell are working behind the scenes to block action. They don't deserve a seat at the table when they're trying to burn it down.

These climate talks have shown a clear disconnect between the negotiations and the global movement offering real, immediate solutions to the climate crisis. Regardless of the outcome falling short, the movement continues to grow unabated."