Over 1,600 fossil fuel lobbyists attended the COP30 climate change negotiations in Belem, Brazil, significantly outnumbering delegates from most countries, except Brazil. Analysis by the Coalition to Eliminate Big Polluters (KBPO) indicates that one in 25 attendees is a fossil fuel lobbyist. This figure is a 12% increase from last year’s talks, marking a record concentration of lobbyists at COP events since 2021, though the overall number is lower than previous years.
This year’s negotiations occur amidst devastating climate events, including typhoons in the Philippines. Lobbyists outnumber delegates from vulnerable countries such as the Philippines and Iran by substantial margins. Many activists argue that the presence of fossil fuel representatives undermines climate governance and reflects corporate capture of the process, echoing sentiments about the need for a global ban on fossil fuel lobbying.
The article highlights concerns regarding transparency, mentioning that while new regulations require some disclosure of lobbyist funding, many delegates still obscure their affiliations. Advocates emphasize the critical need for significant policy changes to prioritize climate action over corporate interests. Amid these challenges, a UNFCCC spokesperson acknowledged ongoing efforts to increase transparency but noted the limitations of national governments in delegating participants.
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