Voices From the Global Ethical Stocktake Arrive at COP30
CEE Executive Director Karenna Gore—along with CEE’s Samira Siddique, Clara Chavez-Ives and Rosie Semlyen—are heading to the UN Climate Conference, COP30, in Belém, Brazil. The Center’s delegation will amplify voices and ideas from the Global Ethical Stocktake—a groundbreaking global initiative from the Brazilian COP30 leadership to center the moral, ethical, and cultural dimensions of the climate crisis.
In a recent profile in Columbia Climate School’s State of the Planet, Karenna outlined her hopes for COP30:
I hope to elevate the moral and spiritual dimensions of the climate crisis, support efforts to accelerate the global transition away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy and energy efficiency, participate in movement-building towards regenerative agriculture, promote the integration of traditional ecological knowledge alongside Western science, and learn more about what is necessary to provide adequate climate finance to peoples and places that need it. I also hope to get a sense of how Center for Earth Ethics can best serve in this arena while remaining primarily accountable to the long-term well-being of the whole community of life.
On the ground, the CEE team will participate in the GES Pavilion, related programming at the TED Countdown House and the Wisdom Live Studio. (See below for full details on all events.)
In addition, they will support other aligned initiatives, seek ways to have a positive influence on official negotiations, and build community and movement towards the longer term vision of ecological justice and living in balance within nature.
Most of these events are not accessible virtually, but all are invited to join “Empowering Communities, Protecting Planet,” a live-streamed panel on Friday, November 14 at 5 p.m. ET, where Karenna will be in a conversation about the transformative wisdom needed to tackle the most pressing challenges of our time.
Events
If you are attending the COP, please consider joining us for these events. All times listed are in Brasilia Standard Time (BRT). Click here to view all events happening in the GES Pavilion.
GES Blue Zone Events:
Weds Nov 12, 17:00–18:00 | In the GES Pavilion
Inauguration of the GES Pavilion, with the presence of Brazilian government and UN authorities, as well as GES co-leaders. Expected authorities include André Corrêa do Lago, Ana Toni, Michelle Bachelet, Wanjira Mathai, Karenna Gore, Selwin Hart and a representative of Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Thurs, Nov 13, 10:00–11:30 | In the GES Pavilion
Members of the Brazilian government and UN authorities, and GES co-leaders, to present the concept and results of the GES Circle and reflections on its continuity in future COPs. Panelists include Marina Silva, André Corrêa do Lago, Ana Toni, Michelle Bachelet, Wanjira Mathai, Karenna Gore, Jacinda Ardern and Romchat Wachi.
Thurs, Nov 13, 17:00-18:00 | COP30 GES Action Agenda | in the COP 30 Presidency Action Agenda Thematic Room
Brazilian government, UN authorities, GES co-leaders and participants from regional dialogues connect GES Dialogue outcomes with the COP30 action agendas.
Sat, Nov 15, 16:30–18:00 | In Special Event Room 3
Members of the Brazilian government and UN authorities, GES co-leaders, Regional Dialogue participants, and Self-Organized Dialogue organizers, presenting the proposal and results of the GES Circle and reflections on its continuity in future COPs.
TED Countdown House Events:
Fri, Nov 14, 11:00 | A conversation on the GES with Marina da Silva, Al Gore, Karenna Gore and Wanjira Mathai
Join Brazil’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change Marina Silva and co-leaders of the GES for a conversation moderated by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. The conversation will explore the role of ethics and moral leadership at a time of great risk but also great opportunity, as well as ways to engage civil society in creating the world they want to see.
Sat, Nov 15 14:00 | The climate crisis is a spiritual crisis: A multifaith GES event
This session explores how faith, spirituality, and moral imagination can drive courageous climate action. We will examine how people of all faiths—and none—can act meaningfully together even in a tough political landscape. Together, speakers and audience, will help shape a GES submission on the role of faith in building a just and regenerative future.
Brahma Kumaris Wisdom Live Studio Event
Fri, Nov 14 17:00 | Empowering Communities, Protecting the Planet
This session will feature insights and experiences from global leaders, including Karenna Gore, Maureen Goodman, Kumi Naidoo and Golo Pilz. Panelists will share practical examples of innovation, collaboration and policy progress emerging in the COP—and first-hand accounts of the transformative wisdom needed to tackle the most pressing challenge of our time.