Action is climate justice

Being at COP28 has been unreal.

I constantly feel eternally grateful for the opportunity to be surrounded by so many passionate, driven and iconic people doing amazing work for the planet. It’s why I feel a pit in my stomach when I feel anything besides joy.

On my first day here I was greeted with a crowd of government officials leaving a meeting. In their hands were OPEC gift bags. I was left shocked on the train when I learned the USA only pledged 17.5 million dollars to the loss and damage fund. My hands trembled as I received the news of the ceasefire ending. As I continued to see fossil fuel delegations, I reminded myself how lucky I was to be here, and that everyone else here is doing work to combat these injustices.

Today marked the first day where actions were permitted in the COP28 venue. As I was reminding myself to seize the day and take advantage of being here, a group of healthcare workers ran in front of me and started doing CPR on a globe. Yelling “Climate Justice is Health Justice” and as they silently did CPR, they would yell out “no climate justice without human rights”.

As the day continued, I would see people with banners advocating for a ceasefire. Actions where folks eat watermelon. People dressed as whales asking for an end to fossil fuels. It kept me going throughout my day.

Large Group advocating for a Ceasefire near Blue Zone entrance

The actions gave me the pause that I needed to wake up from my stupor and remind myself why I’m here. I’m here because I advocate for climate justice and try to pave my way in a world not built for me. I combat climate change through disrupting the narrative. These actions are just as important as the other events at the venue, if not more.

My existence and this blog are a form of resistance.

Sabrina is a sophomore at Stanford University, studying Earth Systems. In college she focuses on how to increase the accessibility of renewable energy for low-income and marginalized communities. She’s also passionate about youth empowerment against environmental injustice. She’s excited to learn more about climate educators and teaching methodologies in her home state of Minnesota. In her free time, you can catch her tea tasting to become a tea connoisseur.

Sabrina is a Climate Generation Window Into COP delegate for COP28. To learn more, we encourage you to meet the full delegation and subscribe to the Window Into COP digest.

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