Here we have the UAE, one of the world's leading oil producers, taking the reins of what may be the most consequential climate meeting of our time. It's hard to ignore the irony - but we cannot lose sight of what's at stake.
In my homeland of Africa, climate change is not an abstract concept – it’s an existential threat. Across the global south, nations are on the brink of climate calamity. We can’t afford the luxury of boycotting Cop28; not when it means turning our backs on crucial negotiations that could determine our survival.
The crescendo of calls to boycott Cop28 is undeniable. Over 130 members of Congress and the European parliament are demanding the removal of Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE oil magnate leading the climate talks. Climate activists and environmental organisations are championing a full civil society boycott. Belgium’s environment minister has already vowed to skip the summit.
But is this really the way forward? It’s fair to question the UAE’s role at Cop28, but here’s the hard truth: demanding perfection at the expense of progress leaves us with neither.
This story is from the August 20, 2023 edition of The Independent.
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This story is from the August 20, 2023 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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