COP: 10x More Fossil Lobbyists Than Indigenous Voices

COP: 10x More Fossil Lobbyists Than Indigenous Voices

The Stark Imbalance of Lobbyists at COP

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the UN’s annual climate summit, where governments negotiate action on emissions, climate finance, and nature protection. The conference helps to shape policies that affect forests, biodiversity, and communities worldwide. Last year, just 170 Indigenous delegates attended, compared with 1,773 fossil fuel lobbyists at COP. That’s over ten times as many. Indigenous communities protect rainforests yet their voices remain underrepresented while industries driving the climate crisis hold disproportionate influence.

Indigenous communities need to be at the heart of climate solutions. Pictured here: people from Ashaninka Indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon.

Barriers to Participation

Indigenous representation at COP is not just about attendance. Many delegates face travel costs, visa restrictions, and limited funding, while also contending with language barriers and minimal speaking opportunities. Fossil fuel lobbyists, in contrast, arrive with resources, teams, and strategic influence, often dominating discussions and shaping policy.

Why Representation Matters

Without meaningful Indigenous representation at COP, policies to protect forests can be diluted or ignored. Funding meant for forest protection often fails to reach the communities safeguarding them. Strong Indigenous voices are critical for climate solutions, their knowledge and expertise are essential to protecting ecosystems and reducing emissions.

Cool Earth’s Commitment

At Cool Earth, we amplify the voices of forest communities and fight for Indigenous representation at COP. This year, we are facilitating the participation of two of our Indigenous partners, CARE and ONAMIAP, at COP30. We are ensuring their stories are heard through press outreach, helping them engage in panels, and advocating for their full inclusion in this years climate conference. Forests are not just ecosystems, they are life support for the planet, and the people who protect them must be central to climate decision-making.

Last year saw ten times more fossil fuel lobbyists at COP.

Looking Ahead to COP30

COP30 will take place in the Amazon rainforest, offering a unique opportunity to put Indigenous voices front and centre. Cool Earth will be on the ground with our Indigenous partners, advocating for stronger forest protection, fair climate finance, and real action, not just words.