The Pacific Climate Warriors have joined forces with Indigenous peoples in Brazil for a significant mobilization, presenting a powerful letter to the COP30 Presidency. This letter underscores urgent demands for the termination of fossil fuel use and calls for a just energy transition, ahead of the UN climate negotiations set to take place in Brazil this November.
During the Acampamento Terra Livre (ATL) or Free Land Camp in Brasília, COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago and Brazil’s Environment and Climate Change Minister Marina Silva received this letter. The event included Indigenous leaders and featured Sonia Guajajara from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples (MPI).
More than 180 organizations representing Indigenous communities, youth, and environmental advocates globally have rallied behind the letter. Coordinated by 350.org, the initiative calls for COP30 to reaffirm its commitment to supporting a fair transition away from fossil fuels, promoting the adoption of renewable energy solutions.
A notable announcement at the event was the declaration of unity among Indigenous peoples from the Amazon, the Pacific, and Australia ahead of COP30. This collaboration is part of the broader ‘We Are the Answer’ campaign, which emphasizes the vital role of Indigenous lands and peoples in combating the climate crisis and their push for ending the fossil fuel era.
George Nacewa, a member of the Pacific Climate Warriors, articulated the criticality of this moment, stating that the deliberative phase has faded, and it is now essential to translate words into meaningful action regarding the Just Energy Transition. Similarly, Toya Manchineri, General Coordinator of COIAB, echoed the demand for climate authority to be respected and included in decisions, emphasizing that only through acknowledging Indigenous leadership can true progress be achieved.
With COP30 quickly approaching, the call for transformative climate action resonates stronger than ever. Melina Laboucan-Massimo, founder of Sacred Earth, pointed out that this meeting offers a unique opportunity for global cooperation on phasing out fossil fuels and empowering Indigenous rights and voices within climate policies.
Collective action from Indigenous communities is increasingly seen as essential for the future of climate diplomacy, reflecting a unified front in the drive for sustainability and justice. As nations gear up for COP30, there is hope that this unprecedented collaboration will spur significant changes that respect Indigenous leadership and foster a more sustainable world.
The potential for hopeful dialogue at COP30 represents a chance for much-needed positive change in global climate policy, reinforcing the idea that prioritize both justice for Indigenous peoples and accountability in combating climate change.
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