To break down exactly what happened at the United Nations 26th Climate Change Conference, thousands gathered from around the world on Tuesday for a special Laudato Si’ Dialogue all about “What happened at COP26.”
The final agreement of the UN summit provoked diverse opinions and our team of experts, including Yeb Saño, Executive Director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, analyzed what transpired over the two-week event.
Read more: Catholics reflect on COP26 successes, disappointments
Saño commented on the importance of countries reaching an agreement to help resolve the climate crisis, but lamented the fact that no country seems to be truly taking responsibility.
Lindlyn Moma, Advocacy Director of the Laudato Si’ Movement, sad, “The urgency of the crisis was not felt.”
LISTEN to the Laudato Si’ Dialogue on the Laudato Si’ Movement podcast
She spoke of the importance of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform to give visibility to the many communities around the world that are taking action against the climate crisis.
Sister Marvie Misolas, from the Maryknoll Office for Global Affairs, and Kate Midgley, Missionary Sisters of St. Columban, also participated in the dialogue.
WATCH: What happened at COP26?
More quotes from our experts
Yeb Saño, Executive Director, Greenpeace Southeast Asia
“You have to hold those involved in the climate crisis accountable, and it’s something that’s not happening. Developing countries are not getting help, they didn’t even get it during the pandemic.”
“I’m a person of faith, and facing these challenges is part of our journey.”
“At LSM we are trying to form a fellowship that will allow us to solve the climate crisis. There are many parishes that are part of the Church and if we want genuine change we have to start there.”
“I have faith that unity is going to find some way forward.”
Sister Marvie Misolas, Maryknoll Office for Global Affairs
“We still have a long way to go.”
“I thought about what efforts are needed as activists to create change. Women’s participation is critical and also the presence of people who belong to indigenous communities. We must keep the hope alive.”
“The Church can really put more emphasis on ecological education.”
Sister Kate Midgley, Missionary Sisters of St. Columban
“It was amazing on the streets of Glasgow. There were people offering a silent prayer for the climate crisis. We hear so much, ‘Blah, blah, blah,’ but we need to empty our minds and just be in this silence to show our presence there.”
“There was a great energy culminating in the march on Friday. I had a lot of contact with some people who had walked from London to Glasgow.”
“There is a lot of talk about the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor. But this situation requires urgent action. The role of Laudato Si’ Animators is very important.”
Lindlyn Moma, Director of Advocacy, Laudato Si’ Movement
“The urgency of the crisis was not felt in Glasgow. There was no talk of essential recommendations to be taken. A lot of announcements were made but the real problem was not addressed.”
“The Laudato Si’ Action Platform gives us a clearer vision of how we can take action as Catholics. Individually we can talk to our parishes, to make it an issue to start addressing. This will help us to move forward. We need to keep supporting activists.”
“COP26 tried to make up for something, but there is so much more we can do.”