Urgent Call at COP30: Connecting Climate Justice and Reparations for Historical Injustices

Hundreds of environmental and human rights groups are calling for COP30, the global climate summit in Brazil this November, to address the historical roots of the climate crisis and include reparations in discussions.

Their recent letter highlights that the legacies of slavery and colonialism have resulted in deep global inequalities. These injustices have led to unequal contributions to climate change, leaving vulnerable communities without a say in decision-making.

The signatories, including organizations like Brazil’s Instituto Luiz Gama and the Caribbean Pan African Network, emphasize, “There can be no true climate justice without reparatory justice.” Over 240 groups and public figures, including Amnesty International USA and local chapters of Black Lives Matter, have joined this call. Colombia’s environment minister has also shown support.

The letter insists that the climate crisis is not new; it is tied to centuries of greenhouse gas emissions, resource exploitation, and racial violence. It urges COP30 to confront these historical injustices and consider reparations in climate negotiations.

Brazil, which has a significant history of receiving enslaved people and a large population of African descendants, is seen as a fitting leader in this movement. The letter asks that COP30 create a dedicated space for discussions on climate justice and reparations, particularly led by African and Indigenous voices.

Despite a growing push for reparations worldwide, there is resistance. Some critics argue that modern nations shouldn’t be held accountable for past wrongs. However, Anielle Franco, Brazil’s minister of racial equality, stands firm that acknowledging historical injustices is crucial for crafting a more dignified future.

The conversations surrounding climate justice and reparations reflect a deeper understanding of how intertwined our current environmental challenges are with past injustices. Recognizing this context can help shape a more equitable approach to climate policy, encouraging not just acknowledgment but actionable change.



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