Attachments
As the annual climate change conference, COP28, draws to a close, we celebrate the fact that, for the first time in the history of the conference, peace, relief, and recovery was highlighted as a featured theme, recognising that implementation of the Paris Agreement urgently requires a conflict sensitive and peace responsive approach.
We, the undersigned Members of Parliament, come together to address the urgent need for global attention on the intertwined challenges of promoting peace, addressing climate change, and providing humanitarian relief, in regions marred by conflict. As dedicated representatives striving to nurture a sustainable and just world, we underscore the vital importance of taking comprehensive action to address the root causes of crises and help communities become more resilient.
The imperative to prevent crises is evident in Israel and Palestine. In addition to prevailing climate issues affecting both regions—such as rising temperatures, diminishing precipitation, rising sea levels, and a surge in extreme weather events—the conflict in Gaza compounds the environmental and humanitarian challenges confronting the local population. Even before the latest intensification of hostilities, which includes violence from both parties to the conflict, inequalities in the access to, and control of, water and other resources in Palestine, and the everyday challenges that prevent Gazans from managing natural resources sustainably, has intensified the threats of climate change.
Meanwhile, the ongoing violence, including recent airstrikes, has immediate and long-term consequences on Gaza's environment, evident in reports of polluted tap water and disrupted desalination plants, further jeopardising lives and livelihoods. The shortage of drinking water, contaminated aquifers, and the dire humanitarian situation are symptomatic of the vicious cycle of environmental degradation, profound inequalities, drivers of conflict, and humanitarian crises.
In recognising the interconnectedness of conflict, the environment, and climate change, we emphasise that mitigating and adapting to climate change falls short if it does not concurrently address environmental injustices. This holistic perspective is pivotal in achieving enduring solutions. Actions must mirror principles of inclusivity and justice, especially in advocating for peace and justice for all. This encompasses not only the voices of Palestinians but also Israelis who call for peace.
As we call on global leaders to recognise the specific challenges faced by conflict-affected, climate-vulnerable communities, including those in Gaza, we affirm our commitment to the principle of "leave no one behind." Therefore, we stress the paramount importance of a collective effort for a just and lasting resolution in Israel and Palestine, starting with an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, unfettered humanitarian access, and working towards a just distribution of shared resources, for the benefit of Israeli and Palestinian children and their children, for generations to come. Such actions are not only fundamental for the restoration and preservation of peace but also imperative in confronting the escalating climate-related challenges that threaten the well-being of communities.
In alphabetical order:
Diane Abbott
Debbie Abrahams
Orflaith Begley
Ian Blackford
Steven Bonnar
Peter Bottomley
Mickey Brady
Deidre Brock
Alan Brown
Richard Burgon
Ian Byrne
Amy Callaghan
Douglas Chapman
Geraint Davies
Martyn Day
Julie Elliott
Stephen Farry
John Finucane
Michelle Gildernew
Patrick Grady
Claire Hanna
Chris Hazzard
Drew Hendry
Wera Hobhouse
Stewart Hosie
Imran Hussain
Kim Johnson
Afzal Khan
Ben Lake
Chris Law
Tony Lloyd
Kenny MacAskill
Paul Maskey
John McDonnell
John McNally
Angus McNeil
Francie Molloy
Carol Monaghan
Brendan O’Hara
Kate Osborne
Bell Ribeiro -Addy
Tommy Sheppard
Christopher Stephens
Zarah Sultana
Alison Thewliss
Richard Thomson
Claudia Webbe
Dr Phillipa Whitford
Mick Whitley
Nadia Whittome
Hywel Williams
Mohammad Yasin