A staggering 1,773 fossil fuel lobbyists have descended upon the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, sparking outrage among climate activists and advocates.
This number surpasses the delegations of nearly every country, except for the host nation Azerbaijan, COP30 host Brazil, and Türkiye.
The Africa Make Big Polluters Pay (MBPP) coalition has vehemently condemned the presence of these lobbyists, warning that it undermines climate justice and prioritizes corporate interests over the needs of vulnerable communities.
The Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation (CAPPA), Akinbode Oluwafemi emphasized that the presence of these lobbyists drowns out the voices of those most affected by the climate crisis.
The analysis by the Kick Big Polluters Out (KBPO) coalition reveals that fossil fuel lobbyists have received more passes to COP29 than all the delegates from the 10 most climate-vulnerable nations combined. This disproportionate representation has raised concerns about the undue influence of corporate interests on climate policy.
The lobbyists, many of whom are linked to big polluters like Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Shell, are accused of promoting carbon markets as a means of climate finance. However, climate activists argue that carbon markets are a dangerous distraction from real climate action and will only serve to further entrench fossil fuel expansion.
The Africa MBPP coalition has urged parties to reject the proposed carbon market standards, emphasizing that they will worsen the climate crisis in Global South countries. Instead, they advocate for meaningful, transformative, and developmental climate finance that prioritizes the needs of vulnerable communities.
The COP29 summit has been marred by controversy, with critics accusing the presidency of attempting to fast-track carbon market implementation without proper negotiations. Climate activists are demanding transparency, accountability, and a commitment to prioritizing the needs of people and the planet over corporate interests.
As the summit continues, the presence of fossil fuel lobbyists remains a contentious issue, with many calling for their expulsion from the talks.
The Africa MBPP coalition and other climate activists will continue to push for climate justice and hold polluters accountable for their actions.
