COP29 to protest against the intolerant attitude towards migrants in Europe”/>
During the organization of the “Eurasian Platform for Migration Initiatives,” Azerbaijani NGO activists held an action to protest against the pressure and intolerant attitude towards migrants in Europe.
Protesters chanted slogans such as “No nation recognizes the climate crisis!”, “Fight climate change, not immigrants!”, “Climate refugees deserve a home!”, “Take care of people, save the planet!”, “Solution Climate change is about people, not borders!”, “Climate justice is migration justice!” and others.
It should be noted that on November 11, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) started in Baku.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The abbreviation COP (Conference of Parties) translated from English means “Conference of Parties”, this is the highest legislative body that controls the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change.
There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.
How does climate change contribute to increased migration trends globally?
Interview: The Intersection of Climate Policy and Migration
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! Today, I’m joined by Dr. Elena Ruiz, an esteemed expert in climate policy and social migration. Dr. Ruiz, thank you for being here.
Dr. Ruiz: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the critical intersection of climate issues and migration.
Interviewer: Recently, there has been growing attention around the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. I saw that there was a significant rally to protest the treatment of migrants in Europe associated with those discussions. Can you give us some context here?
Dr. Ruiz: Absolutely. As climate change intensifies, we’re seeing more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and changing ecosystems. These environmental stresses often force people to leave their homes in search of safety and better living conditions. The rally at COP29 highlighted the urgent need for more compassionate immigration policies that consider these climate refugees.
Interviewer: Right. It seems that while climate discussions often focus on environmental impacts, the human aspect, particularly migration, is sometimes overlooked. Why do you think it’s crucial to include migrants in the climate conversation?
Dr. Ruiz: Inclusion is essential because climate change directly affects human livelihoods. Migrants are not merely a statistic; they are individuals with stories, struggles, and contributions. Recognizing them in climate policies will lead to more comprehensive strategies that address both environmental sustainability and human rights. Failure to do so only exacerbates the difficulties both groups face.
Interviewer: It’s a complex issue. How are current policies failing to protect migrants fleeing climate change?
Dr. Ruiz: Many current policies are still framed through a national security lens rather than a humanitarian perspective. For instance, many European nations have been tightening border controls, making it harder for climate refugees to seek asylum. This approach ignores the root causes of migration and instead fuels intolerance and discrimination against those who are impacted by climate disasters.
Interviewer: It sounds like a multi-faceted approach is needed. What changes would you like to see emerge from the COP discussions regarding migration?
Dr. Ruiz: I would advocate for the establishment of a legal framework that recognizes climate-induced displacement. This could include creating pathways for residency or asylum that specifically address the needs of climate refugees, alongside commitments to mitigate climate impacts at their source. Additionally, we need more funding for adaptation initiatives in vulnerable countries, allowing communities to remain resilient despite changing conditions.
Interviewer: Those are compelling proposals. How do you think public perception plays a role in shaping these policies?
Dr. Ruiz: Public perception is vital. When people view migrants as threats or burdens, it becomes politically difficult for leaders to advocate for inclusive policies. Education is key—raising awareness about the link between climate change and migration can foster empathy and support for more humane responses. Engaging local communities in addressing these issues can shift narratives and break down xenophobia.
Interviewer: Dr. Ruiz, thank you for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that the links between climate change and migration are critical to address in the ongoing global dialogue. I hope the conversations at COP29 lead to meaningful change.
Dr. Ruiz: Thank you! It’s a crucial time for solidarity and action. Together, we can create sustainable and humane solutions for everyone affected by climate change.
Interviewer: And thank you to our viewers for tuning into this important discussion. Be sure to follow Time.news for ongoing coverage of COP29 and its implications for climate policy and migration!