“Carbon markets and offsets, geo-engineering, ‘Net Zero’ frameworks, ‘Nature-based solutions’, ‘ecosystem services’ do not cut emissions and are new forms of colonization.” International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Climate Change statement at COP27

By Chris Lang

Established in 2000, the International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Climate Change is a caucus for Indigenous Peoples participating in UNFCCC processes. Its mandate is to reach agreement on what Indigenous Peoples will be negotiating for in specific UNFCCC processes.

On 6 November 2022, the IIPFCC delivered a statement at the Joint Opening Plenary at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh. The statement was read by youth representative, Nourene Ahmat Yaya and is very clear in its opposition to the false solutions to the climate crisis that are peddled at UN climate meetings.

Statement of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC)

Joint Opening Plenary at COP27, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

November 6, 2022

Climate change is a matter of life and death. State actions have fallen far short, Greenhouse gas emissions and global temperatures are increasing, threatening genocide for Indigenous Peoples in Africa, the Arctic, Coastal, Small Island and all other ecosystems.

Indigenous Peoples’rights are inherent, collective and internationally recognized, including rights to life, self-determination, lands and territories, food systems, and free prior and informed consent. We will not allow these rights to be diminished by conflating us with minorities, vulnerable groups or local communities.

We have the right to full and direct participation, including our youth, women, persons with disabilities and knowledge holders, in all UNFCCC bodies and processes including the new Article 6 grievance mechanism and the creation of a new financing mechanism accessible to Indigenous Peoples from all regions and eco-systems.

Carbon markets and offsets, geo-engineering, “Net Zero” frameworks, “Nature-based solutions”, “ecosystem services” do not cut emissions and are new forms of colonization.

The NDCs must include clear indicators for drastic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, including the accelerated phase out of fossil fuels in order to maintain the 1.5-degree Paris commitment. The Paris Agreement also commits States to respect, promote and consider their obligations to the rights of Indigenous Peoples in climate action. The Global Stock Take must focus on implementation of these commitments.

We commit to real solutions based on our knowledge, practices and time-tested sciences, and the full exercise of our rights, at the United Nations and in our own territories. We will continue to work with you for the survival of our children, and yours.

Thank you.