At COP29, activists held a People’s Plenary titled “Pay Up, Stand Up: Finance Climate Action, Not Genocide,” linking climate action to the injustices faced by marginalized communities. Speakers emphasized the interconnectedness of environmental degradation and genocidal actions, particularly focusing on Palestine, Lebanon, and Sudan. The event sought to amplify these vital voices in the context of climate discussions.
At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, civil society convened a People’s Plenary titled “Pay Up, Stand Up: Finance Climate Action, Not Genocide.” During this event, participants highlighted global injustices, particularly linking climate issues and militarism. Activists unfurled a list of Palestinians killed due to military actions, emphasizing the detrimental intersection of war and environmental degradation. Influential speakers included Lidy Nacpil, co-chair of the plenary and coordinator with the Asian Peoples’ Movement; Jana Rashed, a Palestinian climate advocate based in Lebanon; and Leena Eisa, a Sudanese climate justice advocate. Together, they called for an end to genocidal actions tied to climate finance discussions.
The article centers around the COP29 climate conference, which has faced criticism for limiting civil society’s ability to voice concerns about the intersection of climate justice and militarism. The People’s Plenary sought to amplify marginalized voices, especially highlighting the atrocities faced by Palestinians, Lebanese, and Sudanese populations due to military conflicts exacerbated by environmental issues. This rallying cry aimed to bring attention to the urgent need for climate action that considers the impacts of genocide and militarization.
In summary, the People’s Plenary at COP29 served as a vital platform for activists to confront the realities of climate justice intertwined with issues of militarism and genocide. With a compelling call to action, participants urged nations to cease their complicity in violence and prioritize reparative climate finance. The testimonies from Lidy Nacpil, Jana Rashed, and Leena Eisa underscore the necessity of acknowledging and addressing these injustices within the broader climate dialogue.
Original Source: www.democracynow.org
