Rethinking ‘representation’ for a meaningful COP30

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Last Updated05/12/2024

The slow progress at COP29 in Baku highlights the enduring challenge of aligning global climate action with political realities. Despite years of negotiation, the lack of a unified global authority and the complex interplay of national interests continue to hinder substantial progress. As the world turns its attention to COP30 in Brazil, innovative approaches to climate negotiations offer a glimmer of hope.

The current model of climate negotiations often excludes the voices of those most affected by environmental degradation. This includes not only marginalized human populations but also non-human entities like oceans, forests, and the atmosphere.
An experiment at Sciences Po in 2015, known as the “Theatre of Negotiations,” proposed a radical rethinking of representation in climate talks. By granting equal rights and agency to non-human stakeholders, the event sought to foster a more inclusive and equitable framework for decision-making.
Delegates in this simulation represented not just nations and civil society but also ecological entities. This imaginative exercise challenged conventional notions of sovereignty, allowing participants to negotiate on behalf of the environment itself.
For example, the “Ocean” directly addressed the “United States,” and the “Atmosphere” negotiated with “China” over emissions. This dynamic approach forced a reevaluation of territorial boundaries and responsibilities, emphasizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human societies.

The Nanterre experiment underscored the importance of clear communication, diverse representation, and alternative negotiation frameworks. It also revealed logistical challenges, such as resource mobilization and the scale of participation required for such inclusive processes. Despite these hurdles, the exercise demonstrated that innovative methods could inspire fresh perspectives and catalyze meaningful action.
However, integrating such approaches into formal COP negotiations poses significant challenges. The existing global governance structure is anthropocentric, often marginalizing the interests of non-human stakeholders.
While some countries, like Ecuador and New Zealand, have recognized the rights of nature in legal and institutional frameworks, these remain exceptions rather than the norm. Expanding these practices on a global scale requires both political will and public support.

For COP30, hosted in Belém, the symbolic representation of the Amazon as a stakeholder could set a transformative precedent. As the world’s largest rainforest and a critical carbon sink, the Amazon is both a victim of environmental degradation and a vital ally in combating climate change. Granting it a voice in negotiations could help bridge the gap between lofty ambitions and tangible actions.
Yet, representation alone is not enough. Transparency and consistency are equally vital. Hosting climate conferences in oil-reliant economies, as seen with Azerbaijan, sends conflicting signals and undermines trust. Aligning policies with stated values is crucial for rebuilding confidence in the negotiation process.

The Anthropocene demands innovative solutions and a willingness to rethink entrenched systems. The lessons from COP29 and experiments like the “Theatre of Negotiations” point to the potential for more inclusive, imaginative, and effective climate governance.
As Brazil prepares for COP30, there is an opportunity to lead by example, embracing bold ideas and demonstrating that meaningful change is possible. The world cannot afford to sleepwalk through the climate crisis. Instead, it must awaken to the possibilities of a more equitable and sustainable future.