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COP28

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The hottest year ever, again;

We’re pigging out on greenhouse gases.

COP Twenty-Eight will be here soon,

That shamefest of chancers and asses.

 

The leaders set themselves targets,

Then contrive to miss them by miles,

Seasoning failure with blah-blah

And their well-practiced plastic smiles.

 

Meanwhile, siren voices tell us:

Get out there, get out there and score!

More revs, more juice, more miles, more stuff,

More tat, more junk, more guff. More! More!

 

And in the Petrostates of greed,

The Earth’s thin skin will break and bleed.

🌷(6)

climate change

◄ Cold Wind

Somewhere ►

Comments

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Stephen Gospage

Tue 14th Nov 2023 08:36

Thanks to Graham, Ray, Greg and John for the kind and encouraging comments. I tried to write an entertaining and lyrical poem, but I feel strongly about this issue. It is easy to become disheartened when, for example, seeing today's State of Climate Action 2023 report on just how far behind the required
climate targets governments are, or when faced with the prospect of COP28 being hosted by one of the world's biggest fossil fuel producers.

As John says, it's up to the kids (I also hope Greta Thunberg sticks to the climate question). Graham - I take your point - where will it all end? I can see some slippery slopes here. And thanks to Greg and Ray for the kind words - I'm so glad that a poem like this makes an impact.

Thanks also to Frederick, Steve , John GE, K Lynn and Tim for liking.

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John Coopey

Mon 13th Nov 2023 21:57

Indeed, Stephen. Plus ca change. I'm afraid it's with the kids and not we old nay sayers. Having said that I was disappointed to see Greta diversifying into the geopolitics of Palestine/Israel.

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raypool

Mon 13th Nov 2023 19:28

Lyrical AND scary an achievement with full marks for observation Stephen!

Ray

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Greg Freeman

Mon 13th Nov 2023 09:05

The last six lines of this sonnet are particularly powerful, Steve. And the final one - 'The Earth's thin skin will break and bleed' - really stays with you. Good work.

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Graham Sherwood

Mon 13th Nov 2023 07:42

I am sorry to report that I am beginning to feel that all this sustainability is becoming unsustainable!

And today I read that they want to rename the heavens due to their colonial references.

God help us!

(sorry I'm sure it will pass)

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Stephen Gospage

Sun 12th Nov 2023 21:51

A little early - it only starts on 30 November - but I'm getting my disappointment in first.

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