Nina Lakhani is a senior reporter for The Guardian. She's heading to COP27 in Copenhagen, where world leaders will discuss climate change. But she says the focus should be on those who are trying to bring about change offstage. Nina: "I don't believe it is justice to the young generation when our rivers and lakes are polluted"
As world leaders began to gather at Cop27 yesterday, speeches began on the main stage in Sharm el-Sheik. Presidents and prime ministers spoke of the need to rapidly reduce carbon emissions and the horrendous impacts of climate breakdown. But, if previous years are anything to go by – these words may not turn into concrete actions. Instead, indigenous and community groups are leading the charge on saving the planet. Madeleine Finlay speaks to Nina Lakhani about the need for climate justice, and hears from activist Nonhle Mbuthuma about her fight to protect South Africa’s Wild Coast. Help support our independent journalism at
theguardian.com/sciencepod