There is one entity at the UN's
recent climate change summit (dubbed COP26) that has
taken this convention more seriously than all others,
powered by a larger delegation than any country in the
entire world. But it's not a country: it's the
fossil fuel industry. Associated with
approximately 503 delegates, dirty oil, gas, and
coal sent sent more spokespeople to negotiate for its
interests than did the U.S., China, Russia, India, or
any other huge powerhouse
countries.
Not only do corporate
interests get a seat at the table, but other people
who should be included have been
essentially locked out. Since the
conference venue and its shuttle bus are not wheelchair
accessible, grassroots activists and prominent speakers
alike have been blocked from attendance,
including Israel's minister of energy, Karine
Elharrar. The summit also does not provide sign
language interpreters at its main speaking events,
leaving both deaf individuals and those with other
hearing disabilities completely cut
off. Why should fossil fuel
insiders get to determine the future of our planet, but
people using wheelchairs or who are deaf
cannot?
The UN got its
priorities all wrong when determining which guests to
prioritize and elevate during its COP26 climate
summit. Next time, it must
commit to uplifting the voices of those who are
marginalized, providing accessible venues, and blocking
oil, gas, and coal delegates from attendance! Sign the
petition
now.
