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Cop28: in the land of the bland
The contradictions of oil-producing nations hosting and leading a climate change summit have been unavoidable. They could easily transition to renewable-based economies – we just need a new ‘1945 moment,’ explains ALAN SIMPSON
Mitzi Jonelle Tan, of the Philippines, embraces Adriana Calderon Hernandez (right) and other activists, lamentimg the lack of action to end fossil fuels at a protest outside Cop28

SCENES at Cop28 have been a retreat from nativity into pantomime. For the real world, it drifted closer to tragedy. As the deadline approached, climate activists held their breath — but fossil lobbyists held the pursestrings.

A host of good people worked their socks off in Dubai, all urging world leaders to grasp the existential emergency we face. But the 2,456 accredited fossil-fuel lobbyists at Cop28 had other plans.

They were determined that no wise men or women would arrive on camels. No precious gifts would be offered as tributes to the wonders of creation. Instead, the great unwise, descended from private planes, only offering trinkets and small change; all as a distraction from the greatest threat to life as we know it.

The devil’s dilemma

Globalised taxation

The productivity delusion

The bland leading the bland

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