The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petrocriticized this Tuesday the global “lack of action” to confront “humanity’s main problem”“extinction”, when inaugurating in Cali the high-level segment of the United Nations Conference on Biodiversity (COP16).
Petro defended that this is a summit held “with the people in the streets, with the people surrounding us in our reflections.”compared to the COPs that are held “in the middle of the desert, in the middle of the snow, in the middle of the sea, without people and without towns, where they meet to make decisions on behalf of others.”
«Bureaucratic intermediation only has to do with one reason, that the interests of greed can predominate before the voices of humanity, and it is greed that is guiding what to do with issues such as the climate crisis and the death of biodiversity »added the Colombian president.
Lack of action to prevent biodiversity loss
He also noted “This is the beginning of extinction, and, therefore, immediate emergency methods and policies are needed that we have not seen before. Yes, gentlemen, we must talk about public power again, not the market. I’m not saying that the market should be eliminated, I’m saying that public power must exist and regulate. This time it is a global and democratic public power.
«The people of the world have to make decisions for a world revolution, which is what we really need. An old friend of mine said that the revolution is a party; “It’s time to start a global celebration because if we don’t start it, our towns and cities will be filled with cemeteries,” he added.
In this sense, he insisted on the climate crisis and stopping the loss of biodiversity are not issues that are resolved “through profitability or through interest rates.”
(EFE)
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**Interview with Dr. Maria Sanchez, Environmental Activist and COP16 Delegate**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Sanchez. President Gustavo Petro recently criticized the global inaction regarding what he called ”humanity’s main problem” – extinction. What’s your take on his remarks at the COP16 conference?
**Dr. Sanchez:** Thank you for having me. I think President Petro’s comments resonate with many of us who work in environmental advocacy. He’s effectively bringing attention to the urgent need for collective action against biodiversity loss. The extinction crisis is indeed one of the most pressing issues we face, and it requires immediate global response.
**Editor:** Petro emphasized that this summit should be held “with the people in the streets.” What do you think he means by that?
**Dr. Sanchez:** By saying this, Petro highlights the importance of grassroots involvement in environmental decision-making. It suggests that the voices of ordinary people—those directly affected by these policies—should be included in discussions. Engaging communities can lead to more effective and equitable conservation strategies.
**Editor:** What do you hope will come out of COP16 that addresses these concerns?
**Dr. Sanchez:** I hope COP16 will result in actionable commitments that prioritize the preservation of biodiversity through sustainable practices. It’s crucial that nations agree on concrete measures to combat habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution, while also respecting indigenous rights and involving local communities in the process.
**Editor:** Do you believe there is a tangible difference in how global summits are viewed now compared to past conferences?
**Dr. Sanchez:** Yes, there’s a growing recognition that environmental issues intersect with social justice, which is encouraging. Many participants, including President Petro, are now advocating for an inclusive approach. This shift might lead to more comprehensive solutions if we keep pushing for collaboration between stakeholders at all levels—governments, organizations, and citizens.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Sanchez, for sharing your insights on this critical topic. We look forward to seeing how COP16 develops in the days to come.
**Dr. Sanchez:** Thank you! It’s a crucial moment for biodiversity, and I’m hopeful that our collective voices will lead to meaningful action.
