ToxicsWatch, Journal of Earth, Science, Economy and Justice

Exposing the weakness of the position of sponsored NGOs, the latest text from Paris Climate Summit aims at reducing the targeted maximum increase of global average temperature from 2 to 1.5 degree C. 

As per the new text option 1 aims at below 2 degree C above pre-industrial  level, option 3 aims at "below 1.5 degree C above pre-industrial level. 

The text notes the "needs and integrity of terrestrial ecosystems. oceans and Mother Earth" besides factoring in "imperatives of a just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs in accordance with nationally defined development priorities."  

It acknowledges the "fundamental priority of safeguarding food security and ending hunger, and the particular vulnerabilities of food production systems to the adverse impacts of climate change." 

It is apparent that so far "non-party stakeholders" from NGOs, cities and other subnational authorities do not have their own agency, independent of the private sector and financial institutions. This underlines how the entire exercise suffers from democracy deficit structurally wherein "Mother Earth" and public institutions have become subordinate to institutions of profit.