For Palestinian environmentalists, attending Cop28 is 'illogical'

As a child, Abeer Butmeh planted her first olive tree in her family's grove near Bethlehem.

But like so many Palestinians living in Battir village in the occupied West Bank, she remembers with painful clarity the day when that very same tree was uprooted by Israeli soldiers.

For Butmeh and other Palestinian environmentalists like her, attending the UN climate summit known as Cop28, which is taking place in Dubai this week, would be "illogical", given everything that is happening in Gaza. 

"How can we call for environmental justice when the world is silent regarding what is happening?" she said.

"They will promote themselves as professional companies in recycling, in clean energy, and water management, and sustainable agriculture and green building. But for the reality… come and see what is happening in Palestine."

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