COP27: what’s new?
New news or old news?
As COP 27 draws to a close, I remain hopeful for outcomes that will bring united, global change; on the other hand I’m disappointed by the lack of action and ambition in reaching goals.
So, is it working?
We’ve had 27 global Climate Change Conferences over 30 years, to steer ourselves from catastrophic global warming, yet we’ve surpassed all warming goals set by previous COPs.
Are we any closer to targets set in COP26? No, in fact our emissions are record high, and rising.
“It is a moment to mobilise leaders from government but also leaders from private sector, from substantial governments, from indigenous communities, from everywhere.”
Patricia Espinosa Cantellano, former Executive Secretary for UN Climate Change
It has to be asked… can we trust it?
This year COP was funded by Coca Cola, the world’s biggest plastic pollutor, and General Motors, the world’s largest automaker for 77 years.
… it doesn’t sit well.
While I do believe it’s important to engage with those who have the power to make a difference, are the outcomes of COP compromised by the large presence of oil and gas delegates?
This year saw a 25% increase in fossil fuel lobbyists attending COP.
Will they use their seat at the table to learn and act for change, or will COP be a platform for greenwashing, and bartering for their fossil fuel interests?
Change is possible and could happen quickly with the right leadership; we need to put the power in the right hands.
Is everyone’s voice being heard?
COPs are brilliant for raising awareness on the global climate crisis we face, but rising emissions and temperatures tell us it’s not working.
We need diverse representation in decision making positions.
Indigenous leaders, young people, women, urban communities most impacted by the climate crisis all deserve a seat at the table.
Are indigenous voices being heard, amplified, or considered?
It’s so important we listen to Indigenous communities, some feel COP has again ignored their voices.
Making up 5% of the global population, yet protecting 82% of biodiversity, Indigenous peoples have essential knowledge to protect our planet.
“UN must recognise that Indigenous people are number one solution to stop the climate crisis”
Brazilian Federal Deputy and Indigenous activist Célia Xakraiba
BBC
Evidence shows that women are disproportionately vulnerable to climate change, yet make up less than 34% of country negotiating teams at COP27.
“Women are indispensable to the energy transition yet remain notoriously absent at COP27”
There are of course many amazing women leading the fight against climate change, and that’s something to gladly celebrate!
Despite the concerns that have risen surrounding the process of COP, I can’t deny the energy and motivation I feel seeing the many brave people who are standing up for our planet and its people, both at COP and those watching from around the world.
This community gives me hope.
It’s time for decision-making power to fall into this community.
I think it’s time for new leadership, for new voices, new faces, new opportunities.
To stand up and do what’s right through our businesses, and for our communities.
We all hold a power to create change.
What will you do with it?