Cop30: ‘We will exterminate ourselves’ if we keep extracting fossil fuels, activists say – as it happened

The Guardian
The Guardian
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At COP30, activists warned that continued fossil fuel extraction could lead to humanity's extinction. They called for a treaty to phase out fossil fuels, emphasizing urgent action is needed.
Cop30: ‘We will exterminate ourselves’ if we keep extracting fossil fuels, activists say – as it happened
A What happened
At the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, activists made a strong plea for a treaty to phase out fossil fuels, warning that continued extraction could lead to humanity's extinction. Olivia Bissa, a leader from the Peruvian Amazon, emphasized the urgency for action, stating that indigenous communities are suffering due to the actions of powerful entities. The proposed Fossil Fuel Treaty has garnered support from 17 countries, but activists criticized the Brazilian president for allowing new oil drilling projects. Despite past commitments to transition away from fossil fuels, evidence of real progress remains scarce. Activists are calling for international pressure on countries like the US, which has been criticized for its lack of participation in climate negotiations. The summit has seen discussions about the need for a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, but pushback from oil-producing nations complicates the negotiations.

Key insights

  • 1

    Urgent call for action

    Activists stress immediate action is needed to combat climate change.

  • 2

    Fossil Fuel Treaty support

    The proposed treaty is backed by 17 countries aiming to phase out fossil fuels.

  • 3

    US absence criticized

    The lack of US representation at COP30 raises concerns among global leaders.

  • 4

    Environmental degradation

    Indigenous communities report severe impacts from climate change and fossil fuel extraction.

Takeaways

The COP30 summit highlights the urgent need for global cooperation to phase out fossil fuels and address the climate crisis. Activists are calling for immediate action and accountability from world leaders to prevent catastrophic consequences.

Topics

Society Climate Change Energy