At COP28, if you hold a title like Monarch, President, or Oil Industry big-shot, you strut into a world meticulously waxed for your convenience and high-stakes dialogue. It is an arena sculpted for giants, where the powerful alone have droit de seigneur, and the floor belongs solely to you. In stark contrast, there's a disconcerting absence of voices that echo the direct impact of the very discussions held within these walls — where is the representation from those who bear the brutal brunt of climate change? The common man, the farmers, the islanders, the indigenous tribes – those that truly feel the pain, where are they in this illustrious conclave?
1. The influential figures like Monarchs, Presidents and leaders from the oil industry have a major role in climate change discussions at conventions like COP28.
2. The voices of people directly impacted by climate change, such as the common man, farmers, islanders, and indigenous tribes, are notably absent in these discussions.
3. The decisions made at forums like COP28 have substantial impacts on the lives of people, yet they are primarily governed by the interests of those who do not bear the first-hand impact of climate change.
4. There is a glaring imbalance in the participation and influence of those who are most affected by climate change in major global climate change discussions and policy decisions.
5. The text argues that those who bear the brunt of climate change should have a say in the crucial discussions that shape relevant policies.
As of 2019, developing countries, which are most affected by climate change, only had 36% representation at the UN's climate change conferences.
However, this sets a dangerous precedent. The decisions made at COP28 have a profoundly significant impact on our lives, yet they are mainly driven by the interests of people who often do not directly experience the effects of climate change. There's an evident imbalance of influence and participation, which prompts a crucial question: Shouldn't those who are most affected by climate change have a say in the vital discussions that influence policies?