Why was it not possible to stop the climate catastrophe in Glasgow?

It is very difficult to be satisfied with the results of such events. They always require a search for a compromise, which greatly marks down the ambitions of achieving positive changes. Negotiations have been going on for 25 years, and carbon dioxide emissions continue to grow. One should not expect that there will be a sudden turnaround of the parties involved in the negotiations at this conference.

Civil society must work throughout the year, not just at the conference, and this is what happens. The conference is another opportunity for direct contact with decision-makers. But, as a rule, it is almost impossible to change their positions in such a short time. All representatives come with more or less developed positions and with a certain degree of possible compromise. However, civil society should of course participate in conferences and negotiate with representatives from all sectors. For example, negotiate with representatives of the extractive industries to influence their opinion in the future.

This was my second COP. I went to the first one in 2009 in Copenhagen. Then, inside the conference itself, there were broadcasts of what was happening on the street. Delegates could watch the protests taking place outside the official site. In Glasgow, I have not seen this. As my colleagues shared with me, such broadcasts on COP have not been shown for a long time. That is, when you are inside, you have no way of understanding what is happening outside the site itself. But it is there that public actions are unfolding aimed at changing the position of decision-makers.

The Russian delegation was one of the largest - over 300 people. Traditionally, our country brought representatives of various state corporations to the conference. Rosatom took an active part in the work of the Russian pavilion. Today, nuclear energy is viewed and promoted by Moscow as an alternative green energy, which, in fact, will help reduce CO2 emissions. Civil society in the official delegation, apparently, was represented by young people who, among other things, also promoted nuclear energy. But we all understand very well that this is not the independent civil society that we would like to see in the delegation. All independent organizations, such as Greenpeace, the Russian Social and Environmental Union, Fridays for Future, most often receive accreditation themselves. They are present at negotiations and work independently of the official representatives of the Russian Federation.

Despite the fact that government agencies are not ready or may even not know how to work with civil society, we need to take the initiative into our own hands and try to build a constructive, open and professional dialogue. I understand that there are a lot of barriers on this path and that it is not that we cannot achieve any changes, but sometimes we are simply not given the opportunity to speak out and be heard. I believe that we need to tread this path step by step, step by step, and, despite the prejudiced attitude towards us, try to build this dialogue without lowering our hands and heads.