A Saudi Arabia ea European Union received the COP30 “Colossal Fossil” awarddelivered by the Climate Action Network (CAN) this Friday (21). THE ironic award chooses the countries that most hindered the fight against climate change during the Conference.
“A rare double victory for the most prestigious dishonor of COP30: the Colossal Fossil goes jointly to Saudi Arabia and the European Union – two vastly different actors in terms of geography, politics and personality, but who harmonize perfectly this week in a common art: blocking progress”, says the statement released by CAN.
“One emptied the law, science and mitigation measures. The other performed a slow, procedural dance worthy of applause. Different styles. Same impact: paralyzing ambition”, adds the text.
The organization also listed the main reasons that each person received the award during COP30, in Belém.
Saudi Arabia
- Rejected recognition of the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on climate obligations.
- Tried to eliminate protections for women environmental human rights defenders.
- This relegated human rights in Loss and Damage to a footnote – literally and politically.
- It ignored any proposal to follow through on the already agreed commitment to transition away from fossil fuels.
European Union
- Block public financing based on subsidies – lots of talk, no transfer of results.
Evading the clarity of Article 9.1 – a procedural gymnastics worthy of Cirque du Soleil.
Refusing to triple funding for adaptation from developed countries – shows an allergy to numbers, especially big ones.
Drastic cuts to ODA (Official Development Assistance) and climate budgets at the national level – the classic “promise now, pay never” tactic.
The title of “COP Ray” went to Colombiaas a positive highlight for the country’s performance at COP30.
“Honored for the third year in a row for its principled, consistent and steadily rising leadership on the global climate agenda. Colombia is one of the clearest voices advocating a planned transition away from fossil fuels – not as an aspiration, but as a plan,” the statement reads.
Throughout each COP, the Climate Action Network announces the “Fossil of the Day” award daily, choosing which nation “is the best at being the worst and does the most to do the least” in tackling the climate crisis.
The “Colossal Fossil” elects those who stood out in disrupting the negotiations throughout the Conference.
