For long-time reporters of environmental issues, it was something
of a surprise to see the massive mobilisation of artists, and people from all
sectors of society, at COP 21 – the United Nations Climate Change Conference
that took place in Paris, France, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12.
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| Sean Paul at COP 21. (Photo: UNFCCC) |
Artists from
a host of countries participated in discussions on the sidelines of the
official talks, giving support to civil society groups and to national
delegations. Jamaican rapper-singer and songwriter Sean Paul was there, for
instance, as was Aaron Silk who belted out at the Caribbean Pavilion that we
need “1.5 to stay alive”.
This figure refers to the appeal from small
island states to limit the rise of average global temperatures to 1.5 degrees
Celsius or below. Previous to COP 21, the goal had been 2 degrees Celsius, but
faced with the inexorable rise in sea levels and the increase in extreme
weather conditions, island nations have pushed for the lower target.
The 196 state
parties in Paris finally agreed on the aim of keeping the average global
temperature rise this century to well below 2 degrees Celsius and to drive
efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius
above pre-industrial levels.
Throughout
the conference, which was extended an extra day, artists sang and took part in debates.
One evening, at a meeting of delegations from islands around the world – Palau
to Curaçao – Silk joined two guitarists from Oceania to perform Bob Marley hits
including “Redemption Song”. As everyone crooned along, a delegate from Curaçao
remarked that we have more that links us than divides us, and that we all need
to be in the fight together.
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| Jamaican singer Aaron Silk (centre) performs at an "island" event at COP 21. (Photo: McKenzie) |
Sean Paul
arrived at the climate conference on Dec. 10, the day before it was scheduled
to end, dressed mostly in black and wearing dark glasses.
Flanked by UN
representatives and environmental activists, he took part in a press conference,
telling journalists and fans that governments need to take greater action on
combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“In Jamaica,
we are known for our athletes, but they need clean air when they’re training,”
he said. “I’m a singer, and I have asthma, so I need clean air for my lungs.”
Paul said he
was concerned about the burning of a huge garbage dump (called Riverton) in
Kingston this year, which covered large parts of the city with choking smoke,
and he urged action on getting man-made disasters such as this under control.
He told
listeners that he was in Paris to learn more about environmental issues and
that apart from using his music to raise awareness, he was trying to set an
example by his own behaviour: using solar panels to provide electricity in a
house he’s building, for example.
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| Sean Paul discusses climate change. (Photo: McKenzie) |
Later, at a
packed UN event to recognize developers of innovative solutions for climate change,
Paul performed “Love Song to the Earth”, alongside the recorded images of fellow artists Paul McCartney, Leona Lewis and others.
Available for
download from iTunes and Apple Music, the track, which Sean co-wrote, will help
to raise funds for environmental group Friends of the Earth US and the UN
Foundation, officials said.
Paul was
probably the most high-profile Caribbean artist at COP 21, but the conference
also heard the voices of singers, writers and actors from other regions, with
personalities such as Angelique Kidjo, Alec Baldwin and Robert Redford giving
their support to indigenous peoples, small island states and other vulnerable
communities.
“Success for
this conference will be action,” said Benin-born singer Kidjo, who participated
in a symposium titled Earth to Paris that comprised participants and coalitions
from all over the world.
It’s anyone’s
guess how much of an effect artist-activists had on the final Paris Agreement,
and there’s always a measure of cynicism among the public when “stars” get
involved in certain issues. But, as Paul said, “celebrities have influence, and
they can use their influence to raise awareness.” – A.M. (Follow us on
Twitter @mckenzie_ale)
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| Paris' Eiffel Tower sends a message at the end of the climate change talks. (Photo: McKenzie) |
