ESA COP28: Day 5: COP28 ESA
Blog Post by Malika El Mazhad
Dec. 4, Day 5 of COP28 and we are nearing the end of the first week. I have a deep appreciation for the traditional performances from the many different indigenous peoples represented here at COP, but they travel here with important and urgent messages from their communities. Indigenous peoples, rights, land, and traditions are all at risk. As they share their dances and songs, they also share their stories and the pain that their communities are facing, not only from the impact of climate change but from the malpractices of industry, and illicit activities that continue to threaten the natural world and resources that they depend on. There is so much that governments, citizens, and industry can learn from indigenous knowledge, living in harmony with nature, and protecting and preserving the environment as stewards of the earth.
Isabell Gakran, co-founder of Instituto Zág an Indigenous youth-led organization delivered her address at the opening of the World Climate Action Summit (WCAS) on day 2. Isabell spoke of her sadness at the devastation of the forest and the Araucaria tree, known as Zág. This tree holds symbolic and sacred value to the Xokleng Peoples, a Native American tribe of Brazil, and is now on the verge of extinction. In Isabell’s call to action, she asked leaders for companionship in the regeneration efforts, and the preservation of humanity. Climate solutions can be found through Indigenous knowledge, and we must listen to the local people and tribes who have been living in harmony with the earth for generations.
At the center of all the speeches and panel discussions, long after all the media cameras have departed COP28, there are vulnerable communities at the very heart of these issues dealing with the impact of climate change in the here and now. There were several press conferences on the topic of climate justice held in the Blue Zone, where we heard from indigenous leaders calling for action.
I closed the day by attending several more sessions that delve deeper into the climate security nexus, which included a session in the Higher Education Pavilion with The University of Pennsylvania. This was another very high-level panel on how the U.S Army is preparing and adapting to climate change with its own decarbonization strategy.
As my time at COP28 draws to a close, I leave Dubai with more knowledge, perspective, and appreciation for the UNFCCC negotiation process. As an Observer you have the unique opportunity to advocate, share, and meet people from all aspects of civil society, industry, and academia. I hope this COP28 will deliver the ambitious Global Stocktake we need. I hope Parties will continue to stay committed to their pledges and promises as they embark on the second week of negotiations and meet the urgency of this moment. Time is running out!
https://www.esa.org/esablog/2023/12/06/esa-at-cop28-day-3-and-4/