Climate summit showdown: people and planet vs. corporate lobbyists
One of many demonstrations at this year's COP28, where "no climate justice without human rights" was a frequently repeated call to action. | Photo via Tegan Hansen
By Tegan Hansen
In an era of record-breaking temperatures, devastating fires, floods, storms, and deadly droughts – all causing millions of deaths – the climate crisis clearly demands the strongest possible, justice-based, and urgent response from nation-states. That is precisely what the global community has demanded at this year’s COP28, and what has – so far, in the final days – failed to unfold.
From here in Dubai at the United Nations’ 28th summit on climate change, you could be excused for thinking you were actually at an industry marketing event. With more than 2,500 lobbyists at this year’s COP driving business for fossil fuels, dangerous false solutions, and associated industries, many who are part of official delegations — including Canada. That is the reality of what is influencing negotiations.