Global Climate Summit: Empty Gesture or Helping Hand?

After almost thirty years of climate summit meetings, there’s been a lot of talk, but few would say a lot of meaningful action. One major complaint about these summits is that countries aren’t held accountable.

What options are there to hold countries accountable, and what should we hold them accountable for? Two options could be:

1) Hold countries accountable for pollution/emissions: One concept discussed at the UN Conference of Parties (COP) climate summits is requiring developed nations to contribute to a fund that would help poorer nations address problems they’ve done little to cause.

2) Hold countries accountable for commitments/promises they make at these summits: In recent years we have seen citizens attempting to hold their governments accountable through lawsuits. We’ve seen this in the U.S., Germany, and the Netherlands, and the U.N. Environment Programme says there’s a “growing tidal wave” of climate-related cases.

So we want to know:
– Is there any point in holding global summits like these?
– How do you feel about holding governments accountable for emissions originating in their country?
– Should we hold governments accountable for the agreements they make at this type of summit?
– Is the idea of citizens suing their governments helpful or harmful?
– Do you have examples of when you felt like your local government was not held accountable for something?

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What some say:
– Teens File Class Action Lawsuit Against the Government – Behind the News (https://youtu.be/sXi3kI4lD_s)
– Developing nations say they’re owed for climate damage. Richer nations aren’t budging (https://www.npr.org/2021/11/11/1054809644/climate-change-cop26-loss-and-damage)
– Surge in court cases over climate change shows increasing role of litigation in addressing the climate crisis (https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/surge-court-cases-over-climate-change-shows-increasing-role)
– Address climate change through congressional action, not lawsuits (https://thehill.com/opinion/energy-environment/560547-address-climate-change-through-congressional-action-not-lawsuits)

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