Collectrify's Perspective: Moral Courage in Leadership

Jennifer Somers, Co-Executive Director at Collectrify, writes this blog from COP 30 in Belém:

What has been different about this COP is that indigenous people, who have long been excluded from climate talks, have had a palpable presence to ensure that their voices – as protectors of not only people and planet but of their homelands and culture –  are heard. 

I was honored to meet Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland and Juan Manuel Santos, Former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Laureate, at a TED Countdown Panel on Moral Courage in Leadership.  

Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland and Juan Manuel Santos, Former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Laureate with Collectrify Co-Director, Jennifer Somers

They offered deeply moving insights:

• The climate crisis is about tackling inequality.

• Find the truth to heal the wounds.

• A just and equitable transition is needed to ensure that the movement towards renewable energy is affordable, is accessible, and is available to everybody 

• The more you bring it to the local community level, the cheaper and more practical and accessible it will be. 

• It is critical to make this a community effort, not just a government effort…One that people feel identified with… And create new narratives to bring us together. 

• There is a moral imperative to listen. What we hear must shape what we do.  

To name a few…

Frontline and indigenous leaders all over the world are doing the critical work to innovate, create new partnerships and advance community-based solutions.  We need to listen to their wisdom and resource their work to show us the way forward.