I was thrilled to attend 2022's international climate conference in Egypt. But I'm disappointed to see the same issues stalling progress on cutting pollution two years later.
One of my strongest childhood memories is being at my grandparents’ home in Brazil, listening to their stories about how greedy companies were cutting down the Amazon rainforest.
Those stories hit home for me when I attended the annual international climate conference in 2022, hosted by Egypt. I had attended the conference, also known as the Conference of Parties (or COP), as part of a student delegation that my university sponsored. Standing in the Brazil Pavilion two years ago, I saw devastating images vividly illustrating my grandparents’ stories – barren patches where companies had cut down trees and hot, angry flames engulfing the lush green rainforest. These painful images confirmed for me that we needed to hold these companies accountable for their damage.
Now, the world’s politicians, nonprofit leaders, and climate activists are convening in Azerbaijan for this year’s international climate conference. As I’m watching from half a world away here in New England, I’m reminded of my hopes and concerns from two years ago. I remain as committed as ever to protecting our health and world. But I’m frustrated to see the same problems at the conference as in previous years. Here’s what I’m seeing happen again:
Polluters Hinder Progress Cutting Pollution
Close to 70% of carbon pollution can be linked to just 103 fossil fuel companies and 29 cement companies. At COP27, it became glaringly obvious to me that corporate interests – especially fossil fuel interests – dominated the climate change space. I saw their logos plastered everywhere as sponsors. They wielded significant influence over discussions and policy proposals, and their lobbying efforts were impossible to ignore.
These companies want to preserve their profits at the expense of our planet and are actively stalling progress toward clean energy. They have attempted to co-opt the conversation, which is reflected in the fact that the last two conferences were hosted by countries that export a lot of oil and gas. Our governments need to hold corporations accountable and demand a shift to renewable energy that would slash emissions. Government responsibility (or lack thereof) leads me to another big frustration.
Nothing is Binding
Fossil fuel involvement in these conferences is only worsened by the fact that no agreements are binding. That means participating countries aren’t obligated to meet the targets they sign onto. International agreements still have power, but governments must commit to action, not just make empty promises. Delays in strong commitments only allow the relentless fossil fuel industry to continue freely polluting the planet.
We Need to Push Harder on Progress
Last year’s conference served as a major wake-up call to the fact that the world hasn’t done nearly enough to slow the pace at which our planet is overheating. The U.N. released its first-ever “Global Stocktake” report, highlighting how far we are from reducing disastrous pollution levels. It also emphasizes how our window of opportunity to turn the tide of climate change is closing. These revelations provide the context of the current conference. COP29 is uniquely positioned as an opportunity for governments to seize momentum after the world realized that we simply cannot continue burning fossil fuels two years ago.
We Can’t Rely on Federal Leadership in the U.S.
Our participation in global negotiations on climate change is likely over, given Donald Trump’s recent election. During his previous term, Trump withdrew the country from the global Paris Agreement – an international goal to keep the planet from significantly overheating. We can expect him to do the same during his upcoming term (the U.S. rejoined the agreement under President Biden). And we know that he will slow or reverse any federal progress made on climate policy over the last four years. That’s why now, more than ever, state leaders must step up to the mantle and do what’s best for our families: Cutting pollution so that we and our loved ones have healthier air, water, and a future to look forward to.
How is CLF Involved?
While CLF isn’t attending COP29, we are working hard at home to remind our decision-makers not to give up. Regional actions can make the most difference when national politics and international negotiations seem stymied. Curbing climate change requires polluter responsibility, and that can start locally and regionally. Whether it’s CLF putting Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources on notice for violating the state’s law limiting climate-damaging emissions or suing Shell Oil in Connecticut for endangering our communities, these local actions hold large polluters accountable.
My work at CLF assures me that change is possible. It drives my determination to embrace every opportunity in New England to demand states take climate change seriously. I have confidence in the people of New England to work together and turn the tide on climate change.
Today, I realize I don’t need to feel as helpless as I did when I was a kid listening to my grandparents’ stories. Whether it’s protecting the Amazon or protecting New England, I know a cleaner, healthier world is within reach if we continue to push for accountability and action.
