COP28 held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates was the biggest of it's kind so far. Having a climate conference in a country that produces a lot of oil held some controversary. The burning of oil is commonly seen as a major contributor to the planet's atmosphere problems - global warming from the greenhouse effect caused by human industry.

Billionaires Networking Conference

There is another interesting side issue. A quarter of the billionaires at the COP28 summit made their fortune from highly polluting industries. I have to ask what are billionaires doing there in the first place? They will certainly want to be there. They will want to get their point of view across and make sure that their interests are looked after. God forbid that any decisions would be at a cost for these super wealthy people, even if that meant saving the planet. I guess big business needs representation as much as scientists, environmentalists and politicians.

"We need a balanced view from all" I can hear the super rich say as they step off their private jets. But, for example, are we hearing from the tiny pacific islands who if we keep on warming up the planet and melting the ice in the poles and mountains, will be flooded out of their villages and forced to move hundreds of miles from their homelands? They might get a brief mention, perhaps from a well intentioned politician who is struggling to find a unique thing to say amid all the speeches. Meanwhile the billionaires rub shoulders with global leaders and with their peers in other companies and industries. They make deals and promises, and all agree that something needs to be done.

It Takes A Long Time For Changes To Occur, Unless There Is A Disaster!

Scientists, environmentalists, everyone leave the conference hopeful that things will change and that they have been listened to. But there will be little change, because there never is. It takes a long time for changes to occur, unless there is a disaster!

About The Author
Jane Duncan
Chewells Contributor

Jane is passionate about the environment, she is our main contributor for the renewable industry blogs. She... »

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