A protest rally took place on Tuesday, bringing together a diverse group of activists and concerned citizens demanded end to genocide and a commitment to climate justice.
The rally, which took place in Baku at COP29 venue, was marked by impassioned speeches and calls for global leaders to act on their promises to address climate change and fund solutions for the Global South.
Pavel Partha, a renowned researcher on ecology and diversity and Director of the Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge, was one of the leading voices at the protest. Partha called out global leaders, urging them to listen to the voices of marginalized communities and take responsibility for the climate crisis that disproportionately affects those in the Global South.
“Can you hear us? Can you feel the bleeding of the planet?” Partha said, addressing the rally.
“This is our only existence, but our Mother Earth is fragile. In the name of neoliberal colonial legacy, you are killing our future.”
Partha, who represents a coalition of farmers, fishers, youths, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and local communities, emphasized that these groups, though most vulnerable to climate change, are not responsible for the high levels of carbon emissions that contribute to the crisis. He pointed out that the Global North bears the historical responsibility for the bulk of global emissions.
“We are not the polluters,” Partha declared. “It is the Global North that has been responsible for emissions for decades. You promised to stop the emissions and ensure climate justice for all. You pledged $100 billion in climate finance, but where are you now?”
Partha’s speech resonated with the crowd as he decried the contradiction between pledging to address climate change and funding conflicts that fuel destruction on a global scale.
“You cannot hide your crimes. This is our planet — for the people, for the animals, for the crops, for the rivers, for the soil. We had diversified genetic resources, nature-dependent occupations, beliefs, and cultures. You have broken the harmony of life in the name of the Green Revolution, mining, corporate control, war, and biocolonialism.”
The rally also highlighted the ongoing struggle of indigenous communities and local populations who have long fought against colonialism and imperialism, now facing the compounded threat of climate-induced disasters. Partha, a leader in this fight, called for a global movement to “change the colonial climate narratives,” and urged the world to “defund war and fossil fuels, decolonize and decarbonize the climate discourse.”
“We have no time for the planet. Global leaders, it’s time for action,” Partha concluded. “This is too much. Strengthen global climate solidarity, recognize our climate struggle, and stop genocide and ecocide.”
The rally ended with a resounding call for people to unite in the fight for climate justice and to push for urgent and effective action on climate finance. “Long live people’s climate struggle!” the crowd chanted, a testament to the growing movement for real climate solutions and a future that prioritizes the planet’s and its people’s health.
As the rally dispersed, participants left with renewed energy, ready to continue their struggle and hold global leaders accountable for their commitments to address the twin crises of climate change and human rights abuses.
