Under the banner “Stop drilling, start paying,” Greenpeace staged a demonstration in front of the Ministry of the Environment, sending a powerful message just days before the international climate conference kicks off in Dubai on Thursday.
To gauge public sentiment on the efficacy of such conferences, our colleagues from RTL Télé interviewed residents in the Gare neighbourhood of Luxembourg City, including a representative from Greenpeace.
The consensus among interviewees paints a picture of a lingering hope that has been tainted by consecutive disappointments in recent years.
“I don’t think it’s a bad idea, but countries should keep their promises, and the larger nations should actively participate,” expressed one interviewee.
“Yeah, it won’t achieve anything,” said another, who confirmed to our colleagues that they are rather pessimistic.
A different respondent commented, “It should have an effect, but I don’t think in our society it will do much because if the big companies don’t make decisions, we can’t do anything.”
“Yes, I hope so too, but I doubt it very much": an answer which reflects the complex blend of anticipation and scepticism that often accompanies discussions about the potential impact of global climate conferences.
Sharing a sceptical outlook on the ambitious goals set for COP28, Greenpeace voiced concerns about the efficacy of promises made at such international climate conferences. Frédéric Meys, a Campaigner at Greenpeace, reiterated the prevailing question: “Will the promises be kept?” Despite reservations, Meys emphasised the critical need for fulfilling commitments, citing the tangible impact of climate change on communities.
“It’s the same thing all over again. Will the promises be kept? That’s the big question... and we hope they will because people are clearly suffering from climate change. And we need to be able to support everyone in this transition to a zero-carbon world,” stated Meys, encapsulating Greenpeace’s stance.
According to Greenpeace, it is crucial for the Luxembourg government to convey the imperative message of ceasing gas and oil drilling and ensuring fair compensation for the transition to sustainable energy.
“At COP27, they set up this fund, the Lost-and-Damage-Fund. But it is not yet really effective. So, at this COP, there will be discussions about who will pay what. The amounts that are being discussed at the moment are not very high compared to the damage that has been caused,” Meys explained.
Greenpeace hopes to engage in discussions with the Luxembourg government, urging officials from the Ministry of the Environment to consider their perspective.
Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish and French)
