An international coalition of activists at COP30 in Brazil is urging immediate action to phase out fossil fuels and address gender inequality in climate policies. The summit has become a platform for both environmental advocates and gender rights supporters as they seek to influence global agreements on these critical issues.

Fossil Fuel Treaty Advocacy

Activists, including representatives from indigenous communities, have called for a Fossil Fuel Treaty to phase out coal, oil, and gas extraction. This initiative is currently backed by 17 countries and aims to tackle the root causes of the climate crisis. Olivia Bissa, president of the Chapra Nation in the Peruvian Amazon, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "If we continue to extract hydrocarbons from the Earth, we will exterminate ourselves." The COP30 summit follows a previous commitment made in Dubai to transition away from fossil fuels, but tangible actions remain elusive.

Critics have pointed out that fossil fuel production is still on the rise, with countries like the United States, Australia, Norway, and Canada increasing their oil and gas drilling activities since the Paris Agreement. Tzeporah Berman, chair of the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, highlighted the need for a strong international commitment to end fossil fuel dependency, calling it a "major act of love and justice for our time." However, the discussions face challenges, particularly from major oil-producing nations that oppose a formal phase-out agreement.

Gender Equality in Climate Action

Simultaneously, a contentious debate over the definition of "gender" is complicating negotiations around a gender action plan aimed at integrating women's experiences in climate policies. Conservative states are pushing to define gender strictly as "biological sex," which threatens to exclude trans and non-binary individuals from critical climate discussions. Lorena Aguilar, a prominent gender rights advocate, warned against regressive moves that could undermine decades of progress in gender equality.

Countries are preparing to resist attempts to narrow the definition of gender in the climate action plan, which is intended to ensure that climate policies are more inclusive and equitable. The impact of climate change disproportionately affects women, who often bear the brunt of environmental degradation due to societal roles and responsibilities. The ongoing rollback of women's rights in various nations has raised alarm among advocates, who stress the importance of maintaining a broad and inclusive understanding of gender in climate negotiations.

Global Implications and Future Actions

The absence of the United States from pre-COP30 discussions has raised concerns, particularly as former President Donald Trump has previously advocated for increased fossil fuel extraction and has been critical of gender equality initiatives. The lack of U.S. representation at COP30 could hinder progress on both fossil fuel and gender issues, as the country has historically played a significant role in shaping international climate policy.

With the summit underway, the outcomes of these discussions will have far-reaching implications for both environmental and gender justice movements worldwide. Activists are calling for solidarity and action from nations committed to addressing these pressing issues.

Wrap-up

COP30 stands at a crossroads, with activists demanding urgent action on fossil fuel extraction and a commitment to gender equality in climate policies. As negotiations unfold, the outcomes will be pivotal in shaping the future of global climate action and social justice.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team