"COP30 urged to link climate justice with reparations for historical crimes" Article Reflection No. 156 (9/28/2025)

Article: “COP30 urged to link climate justice with reparations for historical crimes”

Reflection: 

The Reuters article “COP30 urged to link climate justice with reparations for historical crimes” by journalist Catarina Demony discusses efforts to bring environmental reparations to the discussion table for COP30, which is set to take place in a few months. This topic centers around building a global dynamic that is “‘dignified’” and involves delivering justice by holding developed countries accountable for their actions in history (e.g. colonialism) (Demony). Over 240 individuals and groups supported this effort by signing a letter encouraging conversations about bringing this environmental justice at COP30. 

Finally, something on the news I really agree with. I believe in this idea of holding perpetrators accountable, and the fact that there’s a global movement about reparative justice is so relieving and satisfying. But honestly, still one side of me can’t really celebrate because yes, there’s this movement, but that doesn’t guarantee that change and justice will be brought—with powerful companies and the global dynamic that seems to favor the developed nations over developing groups, I can’t help but have a relatively pessimistic view of the future. But for now, I’m going to dwell longer in this sense of relief. I think this relief stems from how this global movement is evidence that there are so many like-minded people who want positive, just change. What a relief. 

Why is there so much debate about topics that are grounded in foundational values such as respect?