T -45 days: inclusivity, diversity and the roadblocks ahead.

Author: Pamela EA

Welcome to On the Road to COP, where we look at the road to COP27 against a backdrop of rising urgency and optimism. In conversation with those on the frontline of the climate justice movement, we will be exploring the roadblocks to advancing climate justice, what is at stake, who is stepping up, and how everyone can join our journey towards a better future.

Here in our fourth instalment, we speak with Ati Gunnawi Viviam Misslin Villafaña Izquierdo about inclusivity and diversity within climate discussion, and what she sees on the road ahead as we look towards COP27.

Ati Gunnawi Viviam Misslin Villafaña Izquierdo, is a 24-year-old indigenous woman who belongs to the Arhuaco people of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. She is part of the coordination team for Unite for Climate Action, a platform comprised of 30 young people from Latin America and the Caribbean, with experience fighting climate justice in their different contexts. Ati is also part of Climalab, which she supports by coordinating its advocacy work.

Hi Ati! Firstly, how are you? What have you been working on lately?

Ati: These last months have been interesting learning processes around climate change. From Climalab, where we’re strengthening relationships with different organizations, to our work in the dissemination of essential spaces to gather the youth’s vision, such as in LCOY. In Unite for Climate Action, I have also been working on looking for spaces to continue to raise our voices in areas such as COP27.

“We must push for a greater commitment, to abrupt changes such as those occurred during the pandemic, changes that correspond to the new limits of life that show us the abrupt changes in climate cycles.”

Ati Gunnawi Viviam Misslin Villafaña Izquierdo

With the work you have done recently in relation to the climate negotiations, what are your expectations for COP27?

Ati: Last year I had the opportunity to be part of the delegation of Unite for Climate Action. Here, we reiterated that it was necessary to work hard to eliminate the barriers that prevent the active access of those who have an interest in these negotiations and those who are closely affected by the climate crisis.

For this COP27, greater ambition is expected in many ways: ambition in participation; ambition in climate commitments; ambition for our governments to create participatory spaces; and, ambition for national commitments to be widely disseminated and participatory.

Finally, ambition in the definition of roadmaps that allow clarity to act on mitigation, and adaptation; all this under a climate justice approach.

What do you see as the roadblocks to advancing climate justice? How do you think this can be fixed?

Ati: I believe that there are many obstacles, for example, the lack of translation support due to the assumption that English is a universal language. This same assumption, therefore, is interpreted as a requirement to access these spaces. It is a serious mistake and is part of that series of injustices that makes an open dialogue impossible.

Also, there are the barriers regarding the review of leadership and participation. The leadership that is promoted should enable wide participation and ensure that the following generations continue to lead these processes.

And then there is the structural racism that is promoted in these spaces of power, where individuals historically considered minorities are undervalued, underrepresented and rejected.

What do you think should be done to ensure negotiations are successful?

Ati: The success of the negotiations can be understood as actions that correspond with the suggestions proposed by the group of scientists studying this phenomenon of the climate crisis.

Also, nationally determined ambitions that generate hope for the possibility of mitigation – hope for the commitment to move towards co-responsible ways of life.

What we often see is that the ego of the representatives of the countries is very important, the corridors of the climate conference become spaces of power, and the agendas of the leaders have another interest. We must push for a greater commitment, to abrupt changes such as those occurred during the pandemic, changes that correspond to the new limits of life that show us the abrupt changes in climate cycles.

“ As young people, we can start from this perspective to generate pressure on those who are in charge, establish dialogues with those who correspond and create networks of hope to work on the dissemination and highlight leadership.”

Ati Gunnawi Viviam Misslin Villafaña Izquierdo

What are potential or existing obstructions to the advancement of climate action in your country? How can COP27 serve as a space to ensure your country meets its goals?

Ati: Colombia is an important reservoir of ecosystems that can help mitigate the climate crisis through carbon sequestration. It is one of the most diverse countries in the world, with a large population of indigenous groups in its territory.

Every year deforestation depletes significant percentages of forests in the Amazon, however Colombia has been developing an agenda of violent responses to this, resulting in armed conflict that has displaced entire families and indigenous groups in territories considered important for conservation. Violent responses have unleashed levels of violence so high that they have not favoured the populations, and on the contrary have been another way of violating our ecosystems. In a transition government, it is expected that visions will be restructured to achieve negotiated solutions to the internal conflict that affects the climate agenda.

Finally, What brings you optimism on the road to COP27?

Ati: From the coordination of this regional platform of young people working to counteract the climate crisis, the network we are forming fills me with optimism: we are receiving new young people that I am sure will allow us to see a regional panorama of work.

As young people, we can start from this perspective to generate pressure on those who are in charge, establish dialogues with those who correspond, and create networks of hope to work on the dissemination and highlight leadership.

To continue learning about the road to COP27, read our interview with Elijah McKenzie-Jackson & Jerome Foster II. Visit movement building to learn about what other changemakers are doing.

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