Hollow Rhetoric, Concrete Inaction: Cop26 Fails First Nations

In Glasgow, Indigenous voices found themselves not only shut out symbolically but also quite literally. The time has come not merely to unlock doors, but to dismantle them entirely.

As Cop26 draws to a close and my stay in Glasgow nears its end, I reflect on my role at the summit: to advocate for my community and champion the cause of First Nations people leading the charge for climate justice. Initially hopeful, I harbored cautious optimism for what could transpire.

However, what unfolded at this ostensibly pivotal event was disheartening. It was a gathering steeped in archaic colonial paradigms, overlooking the plight of Indigenous peoples. I witnessed the Australian contingent using its platform to endorse gas extraction and carbon storage, courtesy of sponsors like Santos. Outnumbered by fossil fuel lobbyists, Indigenous representatives observed a push for business-as-usual tactics in climate negotiations, a far cry from the shift away from extractive and polluting industries that we urgently demand.

Amidst the rhetoric, pledges of ambition rang hollow. Without comprehensive action from all governmental bodies, these promises amount to mere lip service at a time when substantive action is imperative.

First Nations delegates found themselves sidelined, rendering Cop26 a failure in my eyes, depriving us of agency and the opportunity to safeguard our collective future. Both physically and metaphorically, doors were slammed shut, but as attendees dispersed worldwide, it is imperative that these barriers be dismantled.

The ensuing steps are pivotal. Globally, Australia brazenly champions its standing as a leader in undermining global climate commitments, with recent Cop26 data revealing per capita coal emissions surpassing even those of China. Yet, as political maneuvering takes center stage, the upcoming federal election and subsequent state elections offer an opportune moment for action. It is imperative that First Nations voices are not just heard but actively included in shaping policy decisions, safeguarding our lands and futures. In some instances, it may necessitate constructing our platforms for engagement.

With over half of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population under the age of 25, the leadership of young people is increasingly pivotal in driving social change within our communities. Empowering young Indigenous individuals to spearhead the fight for climate justice ensures our perspectives are not only acknowledged but prioritized in addressing issues that directly impact our lives and prospects.

First Nations youth possess a keen insight into the façade of manipulated statistics and glossy sponsorships, but more crucially, we harbor the solutions. Conversations within our communities abound with innovative approaches to tackling the climate crisis, drawing from both traditional wisdom and contemporary knowledge. These solutions not only cater to our communities’ needs but hold the potential to benefit society at large.