ECO asked the Egyptian Presidency to stop be brave and ask for a date, but what a disaster its second cover decision date has turned out to be. Much like a date that drags on for hours, the lengthy text (8400 words and 20 pages!) had us nearly falling asleep. And after the hesitation of the last few days left us wondering if the Presidency was ghosting us, we were disappointed when Egypt showed up unable to define the relationship, demonstrating no clear vision with this text. This needs to change. Unlike a teenager in their first relationship, ECO expects the COP presidency to take real responsibility.
When ECO called for bold moves from the Presidency, we weren’t expecting cover decision language comparable to a poorly executed french kiss from someone who had been smoking fossil fuels. As a bare minimum the COP27 must not backslide from the Glasgow language on 1.5°C and fossil fuels.The G20 communiqué has opened an opportunity in particular to commit high emitting economies to 1.5°C, and opens the way to agree an ambitious and historic loss and damage finance facility outcome at this COP27.
ECO hears that by the time you get your hands on this, we might already have a new text. For the next one ECO has high expectations. Much like with the global commitment to keeping 1.5°C alive, if the Presidency wants to save this relationship it needs to take action now.