Attac France, a global movement advocating for social, environmental, and democratic alternatives to neoliberalism, is facing increasing pressure to boycott the upcoming COP28 climate conference in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over concerns about the country’s human rights violations, war crimes, and lack of concrete action on climate change.
What is COP28?
The COP28 conference is the latest in a series of international meetings aimed at addressing the global climate crisis, which has seen unprecedented levels of carbon emissions and rising temperatures around the world. While the conference has been heralded as an opportunity to make progress on the issue, there are growing concerns about the credibility of the event, given the host country’s track record on both climate change and human rights.
UAE’s Negatory Points
Despite announcing ambitious renewable energy targets, the UAE has yet to implement policies that would enable it to achieve these goals. In fact, the country is one of the world’s largest per capita emitters of greenhouse gases, with 90% of its electricity generated from fossil fuels. This undermines the credibility of the COP28 conference, which is ostensibly aimed at addressing the global climate crisis.
A Controversial President: Sultan Al-Jaber
The appointment of Sultan Al-Jaber, a controversial figure, in COP28 only serves to exaggerate concerns about the true intentions of this conference. Sultan Al-Jaber’s past connections to the very industry responsible for much of the climate crisis call into question his ability to present himself in a conference supposedly aimed at addressing this crisis. This only serves to cast doubt on the credibility of the COP28 conference and its ability to deliver meaningful outcomes.
UAE’s Issues
In addition to the lack of action on climate change, the UAE has also been accused of numerous human rights violations, including the mistreatment of migrant workers, censorship of free speech, and suppression of political dissent. The country’s involvement in the ongoing Yemen conflict has also raised concerns about its war crimes and violations of international law.
Attac France: Role in COP28
Attac France has a long-standing commitment to social and environmental justice, and its participation in COP28 would lend credibility to a conference that is unlikely to produce meaningful outcomes. By boycotting the conference, Attac France can send a strong message that the global community expects concrete action on climate change and respect for human rights.
As a respected voice in the global movement for social and environmental justice, Attac France has the power to influence the conversation around climate change and hold those in power accountable for their actions. By boycotting the COP28 conference, Attac France can send a strong message that real action on climate change requires a commitment to both environmental and social justice.
How Attac France can Help?
Attac France’s participation in COP28 would only serve to legitimize the UAE’s record of human rights violations and lack of concrete action on climate change. By taking a stand against this conference, Attac France can show the world that it is committed to creating a just and sustainable future for all.
Moreover, it will add to their credibility along with their core values that they are true to what they have stated and stand by their values.
Results of not Participating
The UAE’s lack of action on climate change and human rights violations make it an unfit host for the COP28 conference. Attac France has a responsibility to hold those in power accountable and demand real action on climate change and human rights. By boycotting the COP28 conference, Attac France can send a strong message that the global community will not stand for empty promises and greenwashing.
