Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Cop28: in the land of the bland
The contradictions of oil-producing nations hosting and leading a climate change summit have been unavoidable. They could easily transition to renewable-based economies – we just need a new ‘1945 moment,’ explains ALAN SIMPSON
Mitzi Jonelle Tan, of the Philippines, embraces Adriana Calderon Hernandez (right) and other activists, lamentimg the lack of action to end fossil fuels at a protest outside Cop28

SCENES at Cop28 have been a retreat from nativity into pantomime. For the real world, it drifted closer to tragedy. As the deadline approached, climate activists held their breath — but fossil lobbyists held the pursestrings.

A host of good people worked their socks off in Dubai, all urging world leaders to grasp the existential emergency we face. But the 2,456 accredited fossil-fuel lobbyists at Cop28 had other plans.

They were determined that no wise men or women would arrive on camels. No precious gifts would be offered as tributes to the wonders of creation. Instead, the great unwise, descended from private planes, only offering trinkets and small change; all as a distraction from the greatest threat to life as we know it.

The devil’s dilemma

Globalised taxation

The productivity delusion

The bland leading the bland

Listen to Leonard

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
A Typhoon FGR4 at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, March 27, 2026
Features / 22 April 2026
22 April 2026

While politicians fixate on defence budgets, the real answers lie in peace-building and economic justice, says ALAN SIMPSON

EMPHASIS ON PLAN: Members of the Unite rally at the Scottish Parliament in November last year in protest at Petroineos plans to close Grangemouth oil refinery
Climate Crisis / 20 December 2025
20 December 2025

As fossil fuels have had their day, JOSIE MIZEN makes it clear that it is now the government’s responsibility to initiate the transition to alternative employment in a manner that is organised, efficient and effective

Attendees listen to Brazil’s President Lula during Cop30
Features / 18 November 2025
18 November 2025

From summit to summit, imperialist companies and governments cut, delay or water down their commitments, warn the Communist Parties of Britain, France, Portugal and Spain and the Workers Party of Belgium in a joint statement on Cop30