COP28: who will you listen to?

As representatives from nearly 200 countries gather at COP28, the only voices in the crowd that will resonate with us are those of Indigenous peoples.

As a climate charity, we are skeptical of the impact of COP. To host it in Dubai, a city that relies on and promotes oil production seems to, once again, disregard the calls and fears of climate activists around the world.

For the people whose rainforest homes are being destroyed by the impacts of the climate crisis, COP28 is a bit like entering the lion’s den. Yet, these spaces serve as a way to rally and vocalise their fights, their concerns and their hopes. Will they be heard?

Elida, an Ashaninka leader and ONAMIAP member, in the communal rainforest.

We stand with our Indigenous partners, ONAMIAP, as they attend COP28 to campaign and ensure the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities remain at the top of the political agenda.

ONAMIAP is an Indigenous-led organisation fighting for the individual and collective rights of Andean and Amazonian women in Peru. They are not responsible for the climate crisis, yet they bear the full brunt of its force. Their participation at COP28 is a way to resist and show the world that they exist.

Indigenous peoples and local communities steward over 80% of the world’s biodiversity on land. If we want to protect our natural ecosystems, like tropical rainforest, we must listen to them.

So, this COP, Cool Earth stands with the Indigenous women of ONAMIAP to amplify their message.

Please do the same – share this blog with your contacts and help us make sure Indigenous peoples are heard.

During this COP, who will you be listening to?