The people most directly impacted by climate change are experts on how to respond to the crisis. This sentiment is a straightforward fact. Still, state powers fail to prioritize and act on the expertise of grassroots leaders.
It’s essential that local communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis present their knowledge and experience in international spaces. That’s why UUSC supports grassroots partners in attending the United Nation’s Conference of Parties on Climate Change.
This November, the 30th UN Climate Change Conference will be held in Belém, Brazil. Also known as COP 30, the convening offers member countries and attendees the opportunity to discuss and negotiate action on climate change. Grassroots leaders can share their firsthand experience and advocate for sustainable solutions.
UUSC is supporting eight of our partners in attending COP 30. Champion their efforts by showing your support on social media. Then, check out some of the reasons why these leaders will be heading to Brazil next month:
Why are our grassroots partners attending COP30?
The Kiribati Climate Action Network (KiriCAN) | Kiribati
“We want to share our current work with St Louis High School on establishing water security and innovative food security systems using vertical gardens and hydroponics in Kiribati…Our team is also working on research on Non-Economic Loss and Damage that we hope to present at COP 30 in side-events.”
Mouvement Paysan Papaye and Via Campesina Haiti | Haiti
“We will make the voice of Haitian peasants heard in international climate negotiations with a focus on strengthening popular mobilization in favor of climate justice and the rights of rural communities most affected by Climate Change…We would like to create an autonomous space for social movements, far from official state negotiations, in order to propose concrete and popular alternatives [for communities].”
Loss and Damage Collaborative | Global
“We are attending the COP to support negotiators from the Global Majority, amplify their demands through our communications work, and help the world stay updated on all things Non-Economic Loss and Damage.”
Somos Abya Yala | Global
“Engagement with sister organizations and territorial defense groups within the framework of the COP is key to consolidating our lines of work. This COP is fundamental as it forces the world’s governments to address the contradictions surrounding the Amazon as a politically important region for the social and environmental agenda.”
Jo-Jikum | Marshall Islands
“We are attending to amplify indigenous Pacific youth voices in COP spaces, connect with youth advocates from all over the world, share Jo-Jikum’s work on Non-Economic Loss and Damage, and learn from indigenous leaders.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to encourage our grassroots partners at COP 30! Share your support on social media today. These leaders continue to innovate in the face of restrictive policies, slow-moving state powers, and increasingly dire climate events. Our collective liberation depends upon their work and our support.
