COP, or the Conference of Parties, is an annual gathering that brings together countries from around the world to discuss and strategize ways to address climate change. This is an important event, as the consequences of climate change are already being felt in many parts of the world, and urgent action is needed to prevent further damage. However, as we focus on negotiating and creating solutions, it is easy to forget the most important aspect of COP – people.
Yamide Dagnet, NRDC’s Senior Vice President, International, reminds us that at the heart of COP are people – their lives, their livelihoods, and their future. In her words, “These processes are all about people. We should never lose our humanity in the process.” This statement serves as a timely reminder for all of us to focus on the human element of this conference.
In the midst of technical discussions and political debates, it is crucial to remember that the decisions made at COP will have a direct impact on people’s lives. Climate change is not just an abstract threat, but a reality that is affecting communities and individuals around the world. It is the vulnerable and marginalized communities that are hit the hardest, and their voices must be heard and their needs addressed at COP.
As countries come together to negotiate and make decisions, it is important to remember that COP should not be seen as a battle between the “COP of the people” and the “COP of negotiators.” It is not a zero-sum game where one side wins and the other loses. We must work together, as a conference of the people, by the people, and for people.
The issues discussed at COP are complex and require technical expertise. However, we must not let these technicalities overshadow the human aspect. The decisions made at COP will have implications for generations to come, and we must always keep their well-being in mind. We must remember that the ultimate goal of COP is to provide a better and more sustainable future for all people.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us the importance and power of collective action. We have seen how countries can come together to fight a common threat. We must apply the same spirit to COP. Dagnet emphasizes that we need to approach COP jointly, with a sense of collaboration and solidarity. Only by working together can we find effective and sustainable solutions to climate change.
The theme of COP26, “Uniting for Climate Action – We Can, We Will” echoes this sentiment. It is a call for all countries to come together and take bold and decisive action to combat climate change. The success of COP26 will depend on our ability to work together, with a shared sense of responsibility towards our planet and its people.
We must also ensure that the voices of the most vulnerable communities are heard at COP. Their experiences and perspectives are crucial, as they are the ones who are disproportionately affected by climate change. We must listen to their stories, their struggles, and their ideas, and incorporate them into our discussions and decision-making processes.
As we approach COP26, let us not lose sight of the fact that this conference is about people. We must bring back the human element into the discussions and decision-making processes. Let us not just focus on numbers and data, but also on the lives and well-being of people. Only then can we truly make a meaningful impact and create a better and more sustainable future for all.
