Italian environmental groups have pledged to continue to battle for action to address the climate crisis, saying the outcome of the COP26 conference that concluded in Glasgow at the weekend was a disappointment.
The pledges made at the UN conference came up far short of achieving the target of limiting global heating to 1.5° C higher than pre-industrial levels to avert a global environmental catastrophe.
There was also disappointment over the issue of finance to help developing nations cope with a crisis that has primarily been created by high-emitting wealthier States.
But the nations did agree to revisit and strengthen their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to the effort next year at COP27 in Egypt, instead of in five years as originally laid out in the Paris Climate agreement, and to "phase down" the use of coal and to eliminate "inefficient" fossil-fuel subsidies.
"The Glasgow agreement is inadequate in order to face the climate emergency, above all for the most vulnerable communities of poor countries, but it keeps the 1.5°C target alive," said Legambiente President Stefano Ciafani.
"The sore points include the crucial question of stopping the burning of fossil fuels, which was not addressed adequately, and the fact that no steps forward were made on the creation of the Loss and Damage Facility to help poor countries face the climate crisis".
Mariagrazia Midulla, the climate and energy head of WWF Italia, said a lot more progress was needed too.
"Keeping global warming below 1.5° C is still possible only if we intensity the global response to the climate crisis," said Midulla.
"But the remaining window of time (to take action) is closing fast.
"So it is time for the world leaders to keep all their promises to ensure a safe, pleasant future for everyone.
"Glasgow was a starting point, not a final destination.
"We must all work for the climate crisis to be tackled in every sphere with the necessary speed and incisiveness.
"No one is safe and we all have too much to lose, us and the planet".
The Italian section of the Climate Reality Project, a global network of volunteer activists, amplified a message from the movement's founder, former United States Vice President Al Gore.
"The outcome of COP 26 shows us that it has never been more important to hold our leaders accountable to their words and pledges," said Nobel Peace Prize-winner Gore.
"Advocates for climate action cannot - and must not - let up...
"Now is the time for government leaders, policymakers, business leaders, consumers, and activists in every nation to redouble their efforts and use the Glasgow Climate Pact as a springboard from which to drive bold action that will keep the goals of the Paris Agreement alive".
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