Frustration with COP29's Slow Progress
COP29 negotiations in Baku have faced criticism for slow progress and a lack of bold action on climate change.
The absence of a unified global authority and differing political, economic, and social interests of nations make coordinated action difficult.
Critics argue that the "business as usual" approach is insufficient to tackle the urgency of the climate crisis.
Rethinking 'Representation' in Climate Negotiations
Bruno Latour and Laurence Tubiana proposed a new approach to 'representation' in climate talks, which goes beyond traditional state-centered negotiations.
This idea was tested in 2015 during the ‘Theatre of Negotiations’ at Sciences Po, where students role-played climate negotiations and gave voice to non-human entities (like the atmosphere, oceans, and soil).
This reimagined framework aims to include not just human voices but the interests of the environment itself, challenging traditional notions of sovereignty and territorial responsibility
Granting Equal Rights to Non-Human Entities
In the new model, both humans and non-humans (such as ecosystems) are granted equal rights in negotiations, allowing them to "speak" through proxies.
For example, the 'Ocean' might impose conditions on the ‘United States,’ while the 'Atmosphere' might address ‘China’ regarding emissions.
This approach stresses the interdependence of ecosystems and nations and explores new pathways for climate solutions.
The Need for Transparency and Authentic Action
For future COPs to succeed, there must be transparency in the intentions of host nations and a genuine commitment to action.
Hosting COPs in oil-dependent countries, while promoting investments in fossil fuel industries, sends conflicting messages and undermines trust.
COP30, scheduled in Belém (Brazil), could explore the idea of granting "representation" to the Amazon itself, symbolizing a shift towards more meaningful and inclusive climate action.
To bridge the gap between climate ambition and real-world action, innovative negotiation methods and a commitment to transparency and inclusivity are crucial.
COMMENTS