The climate summit in Dubai appears to be heading for failure. Yet Simon Sterck, the UN youth representative from the Flemish Youth Council, remains cautiously hopeful. ‘What would otherwise take a year can be done here in just a few days.’
‘Not paid for by the fossil fuel industry.’ The disclaimer appears in large letters on Simon Sterck’s entrance badge in Dubai. He is barely 18, and yet the UN youth representative of the Flemish Youth Council is already in his third year of law. At the climate conference, the Leuven resident advocates a fair and ambitious climate policy on behalf of Belgian youth. But the headwind appears to be strong.
The provisional final conclusion does not mention a phasing out of fossil fuels. Is the summit in danger of failing?
“The text is less ambitious than hoped. In the latest version for the time being (the one from Monday evening, ADB) states that we could reduce fossil fuels, but not that we must. There is also no question of a total phase-out. It’s quite optional. However, the scientific consensus is clear: we must stop using fossil fuels. I hope that further progress will be made in the last night of negotiations.”
How disappointed are you?
“It particularly disappoints me that the science is still not being heeded. That so many countries listen to the fossil lobby. The victory of the oil industry will have major consequences for many people, including my generation. We will pay a much greater price later than the price now associated with the transition to a more sustainable world. If we can stop the expected temperature increase by even a tenth of a degree, it will make a world of difference.”
The oil lobby in Dubai appears to be stronger than expected?
“At this summit there are approximately 400 representatives of indigenous peoples, who are at risk of being hit hard by climate change. At the same time, there are seven times as many lobbyists for the oil sector. We cannot exclude them, because they are part of the solution. But it is noticeable that they are very present and try to influence the outcome as much as possible. Hence the disclaimer on my badge. European youth, scientists and civil society are trying to counteract together.”
Will it be possible to make a difference?
“Of course we are only a small piece of the puzzle, but we influence the European negotiators, who in turn try to convince the other world leaders.
“You meet everyone here at breakfast: politicians, administration, industry. Then you sit next to each other and share your concerns. It is no coincidence that everyone here has small eyes; people work from early in the morning until late in the evening. In that sense, this COP28 is an accelerator. Climate policy that would otherwise only take a year to achieve can suddenly be achieved in just a few days.”
You sat together with a number of Belgian politicians, including Prime Minister De Croo. Did that accomplish anything?
“Often this so-called participation by young people is mainly a photo opportunity, but in this case they were really constructive conversations. For example, Climate Minister Zakia Khattabi (Ecolo) promised to find out whether we can include youth participation in the new climate law. So that young people can meet with the Minister of Climate or the Prime Minister every six months to discuss climate policy. That is already happening in the Netherlands.”
What do you say to the young people who are disappointed with this summit?
“It is not nice to explain to young people what is happening here, because I notice that there is a kind of tiredness. I especially try to emphasize that it always makes sense to keep pushing the cart. For example, the European Green Deal would never have been so ambitious if young people had not taken to the streets. A message of hope, then. Not a naive hope, like a New Year’s wish, but an assertive one: keep going for it.”
Do you see any bright spots yet?
“Absolute. For example, at this summit an agreement was reached on the establishment of a compensation fund. Poorer countries will be able to use the money in that fund to cushion the consequences of climate change. Last year there were two weeks of discussions about that fund, but no agreement was reached. Now it is. Although it is of course up to us to see what really comes of the promises.”
You advocate climate justice on behalf of the Flemish Youth Council. What do you mean by that?
“The climate crisis threatens to hit some countries unfairly hard. For an archipelago such as Vanuatu, the decisions taken at this summit are truly vital. Rising sea levels threaten their lives and the environment where they grew up.
“There is also an intergenerational aspect. Not that we want to point the finger at older people, but the fact is that we and our future children will bear the consequences of current climate policy. Even if we remove the CO2If we stop emissions today, the climate effects will only worsen for another thirty years. Anyone who does not show climate ambition today is unfair to future generations.”
Is Belgian climate policy fair?
“Certainly not enough. Fair means that you do not simply hand out large premiums for solar panels, for example, if you know that you are mainly supporting a small group that already has a lot of money. Or that you first provide strong public transport before abolishing diesel cars.”
