2023-12-09 19:59:16
Members of NGOs demonstrate, on the sidelines of the COP28 climate conference, in Dubai, December 9, 2023. GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP
In front of hundreds climate activists, a Ponca Native American woman stretches out her arms to invoke ” Mother Nature “to the North, which “bring the cold”and to the South which “makes us grow”. The microphone changes hands. “We are united, the global South and the global North, to demand climate justice”says a young activist.
Behind these two women, two signs in the shape of raised fists in the colors of Palestine, others calling for an end to colonization, and a large banner reading « Ceasefire now » (“ceasefire now”) in reference to the war taking place in Gaza. And, all around, messages for “put an end to fossil fuels”pour “finance adaptation” to climate change, for “leave the oil underground”. On a long inflatable pipeline: “Let the polluters pay. » On a long sheet: “We need the system to change, not the climate. »
Saturday, December 9, in a mix of demands typical of climate actions, between defense of human rights and calls to put an end to greenhouse gas emissions, civil society marched among the pavilions of the “blue zone” of the 28th climate conference (COP28) in Dubai (United Arab Emirates). A place under the control of the United Nations (UN).
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« Global March »
As the Emirates does not authorize demonstrations, it is impossible for NGOs to organize this march in the streets of the host city. So they walked the aisles in front of a few UN security agents, Emirati tea sellers and food truck customers. Other rallies were organized in many cities around the world for this “Global March”.
“Africa only emits 3% of greenhouse gases and we are experiencing climate change created by developed countriesestimates Owora Eriya, a Ugandan member of the Agape Earth Coalition. And yet the funding we are asking for for adaptation is still not up to par. It is to demand this that I am here. »
Even if the parade did not bring together as many people as during previous COPs, since only accredited people have access to this area, all continents were represented, young Europeans rubbing shoulders with men and women in traditional Central American outfits. “Our leaders do not have respect for indigenous peoples, they make them a subject of discussion but don’t put them around the tabledenounces Rachel Taber-Hamilton, an American who came from Washington with eight other members of the Protestant Episcopal Church Mission. And, with carbon credits, they continue to buy rights to pollute. »
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