#ICAatCOP27 Weekly Round up, November 13-19, 2022
COP27 Weekly Roundup
A lot happened this past week at the UNFCCC | COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. We’ve collected a round-up of what we think you should know and a report of how ICA has been showing up and pushing back for all our relations back home.
Week two of COP27 wrapped up Friday, but negotiations are running late into Sunday. If you follow us on social media, you might have checked out Eriel’s update video from earlier in the week when we first started getting word that negotiations may run long. This is not uncommon, but has sparked a lot of discussion within our team around resources and capacity and how that plays into the negotiations. When negotiations run long, who has the resources to stay longer? Who can afford to add on days to their trip to ensure representation? Who has the capacity to wait it out or bring in someone to make sure their voice and interests are heard?
If anyone has the resources to commit extra time and people on the ground during long running negotiations, it is the oil and gas industry. While Indigenous representation saw record numbers this year, oil and gas participation at COP27 remained the highest of any other group (with a whopping 25% increase from COP26). These representatives were even present inside the Canadian pavilion, sitting beside government officials and pushing false solutions. Eriel and Jacob attended one of the sessions and shared their reaction in a video earlier this week.
While participation within the UN space has its challenges, connecting with our international Indigenous relatives is what keeps us going. In the words of our friend and brother, Michael Charles:
“These climate negotiations are spiritually and physically taxing and always fall drastically short, painting a picture of hopelessness. However, we know hope is rooted in those people and communities outside of this venue who understand that we need (re)connection to our land and our teachings. As we work towards harmony and beauty, we must remember that it is okay to hold both hope and frustration in our bodies and spirit. It’s okay to make time for both pain and joy with our international relatives! Dance together. Cry together. Sing together. Hold each other. We are hope. We are medicine.”
As the last of our delegation makes their way home, we carry with us both that hope and that frustration. As the last of our delegation to leave Sharm el Sheikh early Sunday morning, Eriel shared this message from the airport while we continued to wait on the closing plenary.
Recap of Events & Actions this week!
AT COP27:
No More Stolen Relatives on Stolen Land
Action | November 15, 2022
Indigenous leaders, activists, and allies from across the globe came together on November 15 to honour our missing and murdered Indigenous relatives.
Women for Climate Justice Leading Solutions on the Frontline of Climate Change
WECAN Panel | November 15, 2022
Panel with Neema Namadamu (WECAN), Sônia Bone Guajajara (National Congress of Brazil), Casey Camp Horinek (WECAN), Anne Songole (FEMNET), Helena Gualinga (Indigenous Youth Climate Leader, Ecuador), Eriel Tchekwie Deranger (ICA), Osprey Orielle Lake (WECAN)
The F Words: What to do about fossil fuels?
Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Panel | November 16, 2022
As global efforts are made to align the production of coal, oil, and gas with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5C goal, this side event discusses international, national and local policy mechanisms for advancing a just transition away from fossil fuels.
Media
Indigenous Activists Tom Goldtooth & Eriel Deranger on the Link Between Colonialism & Climate Crisis
Nation to Nation: climate champions seek ‘climate justice system’ during meetings
#ICAatCOP27 in photos: