The global climate conference is brought to you by an oil chief but I'm sure it will be fine, right?
Everything you need to know about COP28 and how to (actually) support climate justice.
Today’s special COP28 features an introduction by Zara from Austrian youth nonprofit ClimaTalk.
I’m Zara Okusi. I’m currently working on the COP28 project at ClimaTalk, where we aim to make the conference and international climate policy accessible and understandable for young people.
As a British-Nigerian, I remember seeing the differences between countries as a child. The last time I went to Nigeria, it rained mildly for a few hours, yet the roads became flooded. Houses were left with no electricity and people had to trudge through the muddy waters to get to their homes.
The thought of not being able to get home after drizzling rain seems unconscionable in a developed country such as the UK. Whilst the UK is still susceptible to floods of large magnitude, their impact pales in comparison, due to the infrastructure put in place.
This is the truth of the climate crisis. It is easy to get distracted by the facts and figures, but there are many individual stories behind the numbers. Stories of young children and displaced families as a result of collective human carelessness.
This is what led me to being part of ClimaTalk: not only to demystify climate policy but also to shine a light on the stories and voices that are often overlooked.
COPs are often criticised as another vacuous political event, with symbolic handshakes and empty promises. But we have made progress: before the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015, global temperatures were expected to increase by 4°C by the end of the century. Since it was signed, expectations have been revised to an increase of around 3°C.
But we are still far from the 1.5℃ target needed to ensure human survival.
The stark reality remains that we need to significantly increase the speed and magnitude of progress at COPs in this decisive decade of climate action. It is also paramount that climate finance and loss and damage funding is allocated to developing nations. Because a drop of rain can be a disaster in countries like Nigeria, where floods are now 80 times more likely, with the lack of adequate facilities to handle weather events.
It is easy to become discouraged but we are not in the same position we were in, almost a decade ago. I am working to help ensure that the youth, as the next generation of leaders, are equipped with the skills and understanding they need to engage in international climate policy.
If we continue to strive for change, we might just be one step closer to achieving it.
Banner image credit: Climate Strike at COP27 in Egypt © Marie Jacquemin / Greenpeace
Red is not just the colour of Christmas and sweet mulled wine but also the state of climate: Code Red, baby!
Code Red is also the name of the climate and social justice platform organising the biggest civil disobedience action in Belgium on 15-17 Dec. But all great disobedience requires a great party so come raise a glass with us on the 6 December in Mazette and learn how to get involved!
What’s Going On?
Richest 1% account for more carbon emissions than poorest 66%.
Related: The great carbon divide [Guardian series].This is how oil and gas can transition to sustainable energy (and it means ditching carbon capture as a way out).
Related: Why carbon offsetting is not a solution for net zero.Portugal runs an all-renewable grid for 6 days straight.
Related: Solar energy could power all health facilities in poorer countries and save lives, experts say.200 celebrities’ aircraft have flown for combined total of 11 years since 2022.
Related: World facing human health catastrophe from unchecked climate change.The EU has become the first place to criminalise ecocide.
Related: But they also renewed permission for toxic pesticide glysophate for 10 more years so there’s that.
If you’d like to support The Green Fix, please consider tipping us a virtual coffee.
Focus On… COP28
This is going to be dominating the news for the next two weeks so here’s the need-to-know.
What is COP28?
WHAT: The UN Climate Change Conference (the official name for climate Conferences of the Parties) is an annual summit for world leaders, politicians, experts and civil society to discuss the climate crisis and global actions to take.
WHO: Every UN member state is invited to attend the conference. 167 countries have confirmed attendance.
Also probably over 600 fossil fuel lobbyists, if the last year is any indication. The presidents of the United States and of China, two of the most polluting countries in the world, are not planning to attend.
WHEN: This year it takes place from 30 November to 12 December.
WHERE: The summit takes place in a different city each year - the ‘host’ city. This year it takes place in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (a country known for jailing peaceful protestors and which has requested journalists not publish anything that could ‘indirectly offend the ruling regime’).
The UAE’s president-designate is Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the country’s special envoy for climate change for the last three years and CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). Yes, we also think that seems a bit contradictory. Especially as leaked document show the UAE is planning to use COP28 to discuss more fossil fuel deals.
Where to find out more
ClimaTalk has a ton of resources including a need-to-know COP factsheet.
Here’s the key issues and who wants what at the summit [interactive].
The Green Fix: Do UN negotiations actually make a difference?
The Green Fix: Breaking up with COP26.
Infographic: What happens at a climate summit?
Corporate lobbying & greenwashing at COP28:
The UN has granted more than 7000 delegate passes to fossil fuel lobbyists since 2003.
Corporate Accountability Platform: tracking who is at COP28.
How do I follow what’s going on?
The Green Fix will post daily summaries of what’s going on on our Instagram @thegreenfix_ and Twitter @TheGreenFix.
ClimaTalk’s Instagram and LinkedIn pages will be posting continuous updates including the daily negotiation agenda items, thematic debriefs, interviews, IG lives and more.
Climate Home News, which will summarize events in a daily newsletter.
Bloomberg Green, which has dropped its paywall for COP28.
The official COP28 schedule is on the COP28 website.
How can I support climate justice at COP28?
Email wearethegreenfix@gmail.com to have your campaign added here.
On site
ClimaTalk are looking for young people to interview at COP! Fill in their form.
They also have a live event on 9 December: ‘Youth Talking Climate.’
Unlock the Future are hosting a side event on youth engagement in climate action on 11 December at 10.05 am.
The EU’s innovation hub Climate-KIC are running a series of events most days on site.
How to stay secure online in Dubai (and don’t use the official app!).
Remotely
Share the open CSO letter calling for no more pledges, just real action.
Sign the 350 petition asking leaders to commit to 100% renewable energy.
Follow the Kick Big Polluters Out! campaign to fight business lobbying.
Add your name to the Global Citizen Youth Demands for COP28.
Sign the Change.org petition to defend the right to life of future children.
By the way…
'One Day at a Time' is a daily desktop calendar designed to enlighten readers on a range of sustainability topics, spanning climate change, economic inequality, circularity, animal agriculture, eco-anxiety, and more. Crafted by three masters’ graduates in Sustainable Business & Innovation, this daily guide integrates cutting-edge sustainability insights, inspirational quotes, profiles of innovative organisations, and actionable challenges. As we navigate humanity’s ‘critical decade,’ let each day serve as a fresh start towards radical action! Perfect for gifting this holiday season, let this calendar be a catalyst for a greener tomorrow, one day at a time.
The Green Fix is offering low-cost sponsored slots on the newsletter. Book your slot by emailing wearethegreenfix@gmail.com.
So Now What Do I Do?
LEARN
The International Energy Agency is launching their Energy Efficiency Report online today at 11.30 AM CET.
Tune into the webinar today on feminist solutions to fossil fuels. 18:00 CET.
TRY SOMETHING NEW
7 things to do instead of buying Stuff in the run-up to Christmas.
Apply to be part of the CEPS Young Thinkers Initiative to be part of European policy debates. Deadline 2 December.
Women who are purpose-driven entrepreneurs can apply for the Empow’Her fellowship until the 5 December.
CHANGE THE SYSTEM
Sign the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. https://www.amnesty.org/en/petition/demand-a-ceasefire-by-all-parties-to-end-civilian-suffering/
The Resilience Project is looking for members to join their International Board of Youth! Deadline 3 December.
This modern-looking Respond Accelerator is looking for start-ups aiming to align the economy with planetary wellbeing. Apply by 17 December.
Stay in the loop
You can follow the Green Fix on Twitter @TheGreenFix, Instagram @thegreenfix_ and LinkedIn. You can also connect with Cass Hebron (Editor) on Instagram @coffee_and_casstaways, Twitter @casstaways and LinkedIn Cass J Hebron.