7am How COP28 became the ‘Burning Man’ of climate summits
Dec 10, 2023
Climate leadership expert, Linh Do, discusses how COP28 has become a corporate wasteland filled with lobbyists. Topics include the transformation of COP into a celebrity event, the debate on phasing down vs phasing out fossil fuels, controversies surrounding the oil CEO leading COP 28, skepticism towards fossil fuel lobbyists, and the hosting of the conference in the UAE.
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COP28's Shift in Focus
- COP28 has strayed from its original purpose of bringing nations together to find climate solutions.
- It now resembles a trade show with corporate influences and fossil fuel lobbyists.
COP28 as "Burning Man"
- Linh Do describes COP28 as feeling like "Burning Man" due to the sheer number of pavilions and attendees.
- She notes the irony of the event's location amidst deserts, gas plants, and shopping malls.
COP Attendance Explosion
- COP28's attendance has exploded, growing from 30,000 in 2009 to 84,000 this year.
- This shift reflects a change in focus, from policy discussions to networking and corporate presence.