For:
António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Parties to the UNFCCC—
On January 11, news broke that Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), will oversee the next round of global climate talks as president of the UAE-hosted COP28. United (UAE). EITHERUnited States, European Union, and even theexecutive Secretaryof the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), everyone applauded the news.
But let's be clear: This is not cause for celebration. This decision threatens the legitimacy and effectiveness of COP28. If we have any hope of tackling the climate crisis, every COP must be free from the polluting influence of the fossil fuel industry.
ADNOC is the world leader12 mayoroil producer as a large emitterranked 14thon the list of companies most responsible for carbon emissions. ADNOC also classified2nd highestin a global review of fossil fuel companies' oil and gas expansion plans, making it one of the fastest growing fossil fuel companies based on its design and construction approval for new fields and wells . He recently increased hisexpansion plansCommit to producing 5 million barrels per day by 2027, andclose associateswith other big polluters to continue to ensure a future powered by fossil fuels. Your plans are incompatible with thescenario of the International Energy Agency,which makes it clear that there can be no new oil and gas developments on the way to limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Even before Al Jaber's appointment, the UAE's record shows that it is not serious about phasing out the use of fossil fuels and keeping the global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Instead, his record shows that he is instrumental in causing the climate crisis, not solving it.
There is no honor in appointing a fossil fuel executive who profits immensely by fueling the climate crisis to oversee the global response to climate change. That such a move can be considered legitimate in the midst of an escalating climate crisis, where millions of lives and ecosystems are at risk, exemplifies just how insidious the Big Polluters' stranglehold on climate policy is. It also points to a deeper problem: fossil fuel interests outweigh the UNFCCC and threaten its credibility. At COP27 last November,more than 630Fossil fuel lobbyists have signed on to participate in the climate talks. The United Arab Emirates, now hosting COP28, hadmore fossil fuel lobbyistsin his delegation than any other country. The harsh reality is that this appointment represents a turning point where the UNFCCC is rapidly losing all legitimacy and credibility.
More than 450 organizationsurged world governments to reset the system to ensure it stops serving greed and profit and instead protects the people and communities who are paying for the world's addiction to fossil fuels with their lives and livelihoods subsistence. Several UNFCCC constituents, representing youth, women and gender, trade unions and the climate justice movement, haveconvened the UNFCCCto finally pass an Accountability Framework that ends the ability of Big Polluters to improperly influence and undermine the global response to climate change. Yet despite this united demand, and as the climate crisis rages around the world, the world's governments continue to treat the UNFCCC as an industry PR stunt and corporate trade show, despite the clear warnings made by the IPCC.
No COP overseen by a fossil fuel executive can be considered legitimate.The COP presidencies must be free and independent of the influence of fossil fuels. It is time for the UNFCCC to deliver the long awaited equitable phase out of fossil fuels.Critically, tackling the real problem of polluting interests only starts here. In addition, we require:
- Big polluters can't write the rules.Big polluters must not be allowedundue influenceclimate policy formulation. This allows them to continueweakenmiMinarthe global response to climate change, which is why we are on the brink of extinction. The UNFCCC must urgently establish aresponsibility structure, including a regime-wide conflict of interest policy that systematically puts an end to this corporate capture.
- No more climate action funded by Big Polluters.There are no partnerships with big polluters or sponsorships of climate talks or climate action. Not now. Never. Big polluters must not be allowedwash greenand literallybuy your way out of guiltby a crisis that they themselves provoked. The UNFCCC will always fail to comply as long as it is deemed acceptable.
- Polluters outside and people inside.While civil society has always been involved in the COP process, governments have made it increasingly difficult for non-governmental organizations and climate justice movements tomake your voices heard. We need an equitable and meaningful inclusion of civil society. Climate action must focus on the leadership and lived experience of people, especially those on the front lines of the climate crisis. With frontline communities at the helm, we must end the funding and validation ofdangerous distractionsand false solutions thatpromote the profits of Big Polluters, allow its abuse and guaranteemore decades of fossil fuel use.
- Reset the system to protect people and the planet, not big polluters.Big polluters are destroying life as we know it. it's time to builda new way of living and collaboratingthat works for people, not polluters, and that restores, rather than destroys, nature. We need real, fair, responsible, gender sensitive, community led, restorative of nature, proven and transformative action.solutionsare implemented quickly and fairly. We need a full and equitabletransition from fossil fuels. we needreal solutionsthat focus on the rights of indigenous peoples, local communities, women, workers and the protection of those who defend justice. We need the end of theimpunity for corporate abuses.
Year after year, the UNFCCC has failed to provide climate equity and the actions needed to end the age of fossil fuels and make a swift and just transition to a new global system. 2023 must be a groundbreaking year. Will the UNFCCC continue to undermine its own credibility and avoid addressing the main driver of the climate crisis: fossil fuels? Or will you continue to give your executives a seat at the head of the table?
Carefully,
Constituents of the UNFCCC:
Global Campaign to Demand Climate Justice – DCJ
Climate Action Network - CAN
Women and gender constituency
Trade NGOs (TUNGO)
Organizational endorsements:
Launch Organizations:
350.org
Asian People's Movement on Debt and Development
Center for Biological Diversity
Climate Justice Program
Corporate responsability
European Corporate Observatory
immaculate culture
Friends of the Earth International
Global Forest Coalition
Green Peace
IBON International
Indigenous Environmental Network
Free Fossil Advertising
Tipping Point Social Coalition
Union of Affected by Chevron-Texaco – UDAPT
International
ActionAid International
AEGEAN FOREST FOUNDATION
africans on the rise
Alliance for the Future Generation
All an MS
amazon watch
Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID)
International Environmental Law Center
Feminist Foreign Policy Center
christian help
CIDSE
Climate and Sustainability
weather clock
Company Cyrog Ltd.
UK debt justice
Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era (DAWN)
Dorcas Aid International
EarthRights International
ecological equity
EcoPravo-Járkov
ecovista
international education
EnGen Collaborative
Fair Weather Fund
FIMCAP Europe
feminist force
Global World Force
quantum foundation
GAIA – Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives
Gallifrey Foundation
gastivistas
Global Forest Coalition
Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Global Network of Civil Society Organizations for Disaster Reduction
Green Peace
Heinrich Boell StiftungWashington, D.C.
ICO “Environment – People – Law” (EPL)
IICAT International Institute for Climate Theory and Action
International Climate Justice Program, Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (RLS)
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
International help for young people.
International Network for Sustainable Energy (INFORSE)
International Trade Union Confederation
International Working Group on Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA)
International Youth Task Force on Climate Change, Epidemics and Natural Disasters
IWRAU Asia Pacific
MADRE
Founding Margaret Pyke
international doctor
Alianza Global MenEngage
MISEREOR
international oil change
Oxfam
Parents for the Global Future
Towns rising up for climate justice
plastic free campus
Polar Educators International
population connection
practical action
Presente.org/Alianza Americas
reason why we stand
Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary NGO at the UN
ALS changes the climate
blue sky
SMC – Faith in development
Stand.earth
Stay grounded in the network
Tearfund
The Institute for Climate Policy Solutions (ICPS)
Your voices through the weather
Third World Network
TONATIERRA
International Transparency
Tropenbos International
UNION UNION Global
war against the will
Water and Gender Justice
we effect
WECF International
women give birth
Women's Action Network for Earth and Climate (WECAN)
Women's Environment and Development Organization (WEDO)
World Animal Protection
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
Youth Network for Climate Justice
Africa
Aalem for Orphaned and Vulnerable Children, Inc.
Abibi Nsroma Foundation
Actions for the Social Reintegration of Women "ARSF"
Development, Education and Health Actions, ADESA RDC
AFPDE
Africa Farmers Press Center
African Institute for Energy Governance
African Youth Coalition Against Hunger Sierra Leone
african mothers
Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union (ATGWU)
HABIT
Emmanuel Community Association
Association for the Protection of Nature and the Environment and Sustainable Development in Nefza (ASNEDDN)
Association for the respect of the rights of indigenous peoples, sustainable development and human rights (ARPA2DH)
Teach me to go
CAMEROON CHAIR ASSOCIATION
Gender and Environment Watch in Cameroon-CAMGEW
Candles for Equality Association / Morocco
Center for 21st Century Affairs
Conservative Citizen Center for the Environment and Management (CECIC)
Community Center Against Human Trafficking (CIAHT)
Emergency and Development Support Center
Environmental Justice Center – Togo
Zambia Citizens Network for Community Development
Civil Society Action Coalition for Disaster Mitigation
Civil society organization HINA Platform
Cleannation Foundation
Africa Climate Action Network (CAN Africa)
IT IS
Senegalese Collective of African Women for the Promotion of Environmental Education (COSAPARE)
Support for the community agenda
Community Technology Development Fund
Corporate Responsibility and Public Participation Africa
Disaster Risk Management in Africa – DRM Africa
PROTECT OUR WORLD
Economic empowerment and human rights Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone Economic Justice Network
Educating Girls and Young Women for Development-EGYD
Elizka Relief Foundation
Endorois Welfare Council (EWC)
Entreprise Forward y Fellow Women Deliver Alumni
Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria
FONAHD Democratic Republic of the Congo
Fridays for Future Kajiado
Fridays for the future of Kenya
Fridays for the future of Uganda
GARDEN BOY
GenreCC South Africa
Geoenvironmental Research Agency for Development (GERAD-LIBERIA) INC
Green Life Movement
HORN OF AFRICA REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTION (HARDA)
Humanitarian for social and social development “Sitroul-abde”
Innovative Center for Inclusion, Empowerment and Social Development (SieDi-Hub)
International help for young people.
Jigawa State Government
Joint initiatives to support the vulnerable
Karamoja turns green
Kikandwa Environmental Association
KITUI NETWORK OF PEACE
LAMU WOMEN'S ALLIANCE
Lelewal Foundation
eco-citizens
Salão do Movimiento for the Education and Defense Network
MVIWAKI
natural justice
Natural Resources Platform for Women
NCDG
Noble Delta Women for Peace and International Development.
ONG KAWTAL
Parents for the future of Nigeria
Pathways to Women's Empowerment and Development (PaWED) Camerún
Promoting youth initiatives
RECODEF Senegal AACJ
MALI FOOD
Regional Center for International Development Cooperation – RCIDC
Iniciativa Rise to Inspire Africa
SAF WEATHER
ALS changes the climate
Sierra Leone School Green Clubs (SLSGC)
Simma Africa Creative Arts Foundation
Somaliland Climate Action Initiative {SOCAI}
Source of arid and semi-arid lands (SASAL)
Support for women in agriculture and the environment (SWAGEN)
Institute for Sustainable Development
stability
Union for the Promotion/Protection, Defense of Human Rights and the Environment-UPDDHE/GL
Vision for Alternative Development - VALD Ghana
women for a change
Chad Magro
ZIMTA
Pacific Asia
350.org Japan
ACTU
Active Citizens of the Pacific
AGHAM Defenders of Science and Technology for the Peoples
Alliance for Future Generations
Anne Christian Community School of Health and Nursing Services
APWLD
ARSOW Nepal
Association for the Promotion of Sustainable Development
Australian Council of Trade Unions
Parlamento Juvenil Modelo de Bangladesh (Protiki Jubo Sangshad)
Barokupot Ganochetona Foundation -BGF
BIMBA (Kiribat)
dlian blue
Bougainville Federation of Women
CADME (Coastal Disaster Mitigation Efforts)
Social Policy Development Center
Japan Climate Action Network
Diverse Voices and Action (DIVA) for Equality
VARIOUS VOICES AND ACTIONS FOR EQUALITY IN FIJI
Fiji Women's Rights Movement (FWRM)
AT Japan
Friends of the Earth Australia
Friends of the Siberian forests
Ganochetona Bangladesh
good food community
Grameen Vikas Samithi-GVS.
grateful background
harmless medical care Southeast Asia
house of colors
IDEAS for Nepal
Indian National Trade Union Congress-INTUC
Nepal Integrated Development Society
International Trade Union Confederation - Asia Pacific
International Agency for the Development of Women
Kalikasan Village Network for the Environment
Kapul Champions Inc.
Instituto Kdadalak Sulimutuk
Korean Federation for the Environmental Movement
PAN
KSBSI
Living All Inclusive In Belau Organization
Lok Shakti Abhiyan
Slogan to promote health, education and rights
So in Soqosoqo Vakamarama in Taukei
Nepal National Campaign for Sustainable Development
National Movement of Fisheries Solidarity
Nepal National Defense Forum (NAFAN)
NDF Pakistan
Nepal Space Research Association (NESRA))
NGO Forum on ADB
NTFP EP Philippines
NZEI The Long Range
Pakistani Tabby Cat Committee
Papua New Guinea Teachers Association
Fundación Rainbow Pride Fiyi
roots to equity
Rural Development Program (RADP)
save and plant trees
SERUNI
Changing Power Coalition y Pacific Island Feminist Climate Justice Alliance
Social Economic Development Society [SEDS]
SUKAAR WELFARE ORGANIZATION
tebtebba foundation
Japan Climate Reality Project
TI-Korea
Tuvalu Climate Action Network
Vanuatu Human Rights Coalition
Vanuatu girls for change
Vatu Mauri Consortium
Victorian Chamber of Commerce
Youth Climate Action Champions Philippines
Youth Association for Development (YAD) Pakistan
Youth Strike 4 Climate Philippines
Europa
ACV-CSC METEA
Departures
Agora Association
Southern Alliance
Spanish Association of Environmental Education
Black Sea Women's Club
Black2Nature
Campaign against Climate Change
Catholic Agency for Overseas Development
CCFD – Solidarity with Terra
change manufacturer
Climate 2025
UK climate emergency
climax
ČMOS PŠ
Coordination Office of the Austrian Bishops' Conference for Development and International Mission (KOO)
INTERUNION CONFEDERATION
Trade Union Confederation of Workers' Commissions of Spain (CCOO)
cordaid
german environmental aid
minutes from earth
Ecological Action Families
Ecologists in Action
element four
extinction rebellion
FNV
Food and Water Action Europe
FridaysForFuture Thessaloniki
Friends of the Earth Cyprus
Friends of the Earth Europe
Friends of the Earth Germany/BUND
Friends of the Earth Ireland
Friends of the Earth Malta
Friends of the Earth Norway (The Nature Conservancy)
Fundación Gotowi.org
global justice now
world witness
Grandparents-parents pour le cliamt/ Climate Grandparents Switzerland
Greek General Confederation of Labor (GSEE)
Green Thinking Association
GREEN PEACE
YMCA-YMCA Global
Office of the Climate e.V.
Kmelnytskyi Power Cluster
Bossen-en Bomenbescherming.nl National Network
Friends of the Earth France
Environmental Defense
money rebellion
mosaic brittany
NEU Climate Change Network
ONG Ekoltava
DESC Observers
parents for the future
Future Country – West London
Parents for the Future Austria
Parents for the future Italy
Parents for the Future Scotland
Parents for the Future Sweden
Country of the Future Tortona
Parents for Future UK
Parents of the future Waldviertel
amazon planet
Rapid Transition Alliance
ReCommun
Parents for Climate – Parents for the Future Poland
Scottish Network of Sustainable Schools
ALS changes the climate
Brilliant Coaching and Consulting
Pinnacle
swedish clock
The confidence of the movements
Transport and Environment
Compassion
TROY ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATION
UK School Sustainability Network
UK Youth Climate Coalition
General Union of Workers and Workers (UGT)
College and University Union
Raise
Urgewald
Vanguard SOS UK
OlemosGas
ZERO – Sustainable Earth System Association
Zero Waste Society
Latin America and the Caribbean
5 Elements – Institute of Education for Sustainability
Association of Women, Farmers, Artisans and Friends of Quilombo Santa Justina Santa Izabel – RJ do Quilombo
Association for the Preservation of the Environment and Life – Apremavi
House of the Protector Marcahuasi
Born Study Center
BASKET Friends of Earth El Salvador
Ecumenical Coalition for the Care of Creation
Evangelical Coalition for Climate Justice
National Land Coalition – Argentina
Darning the Planet Collective
collective house
South Wind Collective
CPOOEM-Coordinator of Peoples and Organizations of the East of the State of Mexico in Defense of Land, Water and Culture
Environmental Law and Natural Resources
ECOUNIDADES, Autonomous Ecologist Network of the Basin of Mexico
ECORE
Mutual Aid and Fraternity
Families for the Climate
FirecircleTT to end all abuse
Foundation for the Environment and Natural Resources (FARN)
plural foundation
Iepé – Indigenous Research and Training Institute
Institute of Socioeconomic Studies – INESC
Peregum Black Reference Institute
Ecological Institute
International Institute of Education of Brazil
IPÊ – Institute of Ecological Investigations
The Climate Route
LatinDDD
indigenous memory
Citizen Movement Against Climate Change
we in creation
Political Ecology Observatory of Venezuela
Climate Observatory
other crosses
Peace and Hope Ecuador
PONTIFICAL CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF PERU – PUCP
Organization, Development, Teaching and Research Project (PODER)
rca. Amazon Cooperation Network
climate reaction
Afro-descendant Studies and Empowerment Network RedAfros
Latin American Network for Economic and Social Justice – LATINDADD
REDE GTA
Salvaginas Ecofeminist Collective
Civil society Amigos do Vento meteorology environmental development
Ecologist Office
The Breadfruit Collective
the voices of the del tibet
middle East
Arab Watch Coalition
Arab-Lebanon Youth Climate Movement
AYSDN
Dibeen for Environmental Development
EPR
For the brilliant organization for the development of Yemen
Kazdagi Association for the Protection of Natural and Cultural Assets
Country by Climate – Israel
RAWSA Alliance for African and Arab States
Youth for Climate Turkey
North America
Accelerate neighborhood climate action
198 methods
350 PDX
350 Triangle
350Brooklyn
Environmental Action Lower Laurentians, Quebec
Animals are sentient beings Inc.
Athens County Future Action Network
Beyond extreme energy
Biofuel surveillance
United Black Parents Foundation
Businesses for a livable climate
Colorado Call to Action
Cantoneros for a sustainable and equitable future
USA Catholic Network
Constitutional Rights Center
Citizens Alliance for a Sustainable Englewood
Lancaster Citizens Climate Lobby
clean energy action
Climate Action for Lifelong Learners (CALL)
Climate Action Network – Canada Climate Action Network
Weather Families NYC
Climate Generation
Climate Hawks Vote
Alliance for Climate Justice
ClimaMama
Colorado Businesses for a Livable Climate
CorBrightonVerde
Community for Sustainable Energy
Continental Network of Indigenous Women of the Americas, Northern Region
defend our future
empower our future
Environmental Defense Canada
Families for a livable climate
Federation of Sisters of Saint Joseph of Canada (Office of Systemic Justice)
Friends of the Earth Canada
Friends of the Earth United States
Common front for the energy transition
Grandma Advocacy Network
Grassroots Global Justice Alliance
Housing Alliance of Greater New Orleans
Verde 13
Green House Collaboration Center
Indivisible Ambassadors
Institute for Policy Studies Climate Policy Program
Interstate 70 Citizens Advisory Group
Larimer Alliance for Health, Safety and the Environment
Le Center Oblat – A voice for justice
Littleton Business Alliance
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns
Mayfair Park Neighborhood Association Board
Mental Health and Inclusion Ministries
Montbello Neighborhood Improvement Association
Quebec nature
North Central Washington Climate Advocates
Concerned Citizens of the Northern Belt
Nuclear Energy Information Service (NEIS)
OC Sierra Club Climate Action Team
Office of Religious Congregations for Integral Ecology
PEACEFUL
Nido RapidShift
Save the Environmental Protection Agency
Southwest Organization for Sustainability
spirit of the sun
System change, not climate change
conversation climate
Texas Campaign for the Environment
Canada Climate Reality Project
Climate Parent Community
Ohio Act Three
Unite north of the Denver metro area
wall of women
West Vallehy Neighborhood Coalition
Businesses on the west slope for a livable climate
mountain woman
Working for Racial Equity
Other
Online knowledge society
Intellectual Research Club "Dialogue of Generations"
Realization of Sexual and Reproductive Justice (RESURJ)
United Women Marshall Islands
Fiji SDSR Youth Alliance
DIVA Central Center
oppositeLetter "Expel the big polluters" from the COP28 presidencyfirst appeared inGlobal Forest Coalition.