tagged w/ Copenhagen
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Paul Hawkin said something to the likes of that living on this planet at this time is like one long race to the clock striking midnight. If ever there was a moment when this statement could be felt in real time, it is now. Copenhagen has begun. Like many working to get the information out, I have entered into the state of working on two time zones, and last night I even dreamt of Copenhagen. I dreamt of the dichotomy between the policy makers and the people attending, I dreamt of friends who have dedicated their lives to activism and who have participated in some of the more historical actions, and I dreamt of whales. Really, I did. I dreamt I was at a hotel on the water and a whale and it's calf came approached my balcony and asked me if I would feed it. (No surprise since I spent all of yesterday emailing people in Copenhagen and looking at Bryant Austin's life sized photography of whales).
For the next 10 days we will all be permeated by the news of the events taking place in Copenhagen. Current Green will bring you live interviews, guest blogs, and..lists of people coo-coo for Copenhagen on Twitter.
...here is a small list to get you started. It will be updated regularly. You can also check out #Copenhagen (now trending with tiger woods) or #cop15. More lists of who to follow in Copenhagen coming your way.
If you want to take your eco geek status up a notch you should check out the iphone cop15 app
Or can watch Copenhagen 24/7 via One Climate's live stream
And of course, they can also be found on Twitter and they have an entertaining flickr feed.
You can watch a live stream of all tweets that reference Copenhagen at this live stream hosted on Collecta.
On Twitter
The US Youth Network for Sustainable Development, is covering the youth perspective at COP15
Adopt a Negotiator ~@adoptnegotiator also affectionately named the climate stalkers is a delegation of youth from around the world reporting out the specific actions of the delegates.
@terrihansen reporting for Indian Country Today focused on Native American and worldwide Indigenous issues, REDD, Indigenous youth delegations, Indigenous Environmental Network
Andy Revkin~ @revkin covers global change for The New York Times
Cop15 @cop15 (fyi. this account does not have a "verified by Twitter" tag)
@undispatch covers international affairs and will cover copenhangen from a UN perspective.
Celia Alario @celiaalario is covering civil society groups
The Pembina Institute ~ @pembina is tweeting on Canada’s role in the climate summit
You can follow the 1Sky team through the following:
@1Sky
@Gillian1Sky
@Jason1Sky
@Consequence09 covers the youth climate movement. We're US focused, but will be covering all the youth related content coming out of Copenhagen.
TckTckTck Austrailia covers Copenhagen with a focus on the Australian delegation, and also issues relating to ETS and the current political upheaval around climate change in Australia
Link TV generally covers current events that need or may inspire action.
Lists
GreenPeace is promoting that people follow their list for a updates from all of the individuals attending
Four Global Voices bloggers (Ghana, Kenya, Brazil, Maldives) are going to be Tweeting from this list
twitter.com/chinadialogue will focus on the events as they relate to China
twitter.com/zhongwaiduihua is for a Chinese language audience
Tan Copsey is covering the negotiations with a focus on REDD, politics and tech
Paul Hawkin said something to the likes of that living on this planet at this time is... more
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The White House recently released the following statement on Obama's presence at the United Nations Climate Change Conference:
President Obama will push back his visit to the international climate change treaty negotiations in Copenhagen, from the first week of the conference to its final scheduled day, a senior White House official said this afternoon.
The move comes in response to greenhouse gas emissions reduction pledges made in recent days by China and India. It will put Obama at the conference at the same time as dozens of other heads of state, and it immediately raises expectations anew for some type of climate agreement to result from the talks.
By switching his visit from Dec. 9 to Dec. 18, Obama appears to be betting that his presence can - as he has expressed hope for several
times in the past - push the negotiations "over the top" toward an agreement.
Kate Sheppard, blogger for Mother Jones, Twittered, ""the Prez believes that continued US leadership can be most productive...at the end of the Copenhagen conference Dec. 18 rather than Dec. 9"
Climate activists from across the United States have been sending in artwork over the last several weeks sending messages of climate action. These works were displayed in front of the White House before being used in a giant aerial photo and then delivered to the Obama administration. 1Sky's Campaign Director Gillian Caldwell speaking about Copenhagen and Obama:
Related Content:
A special bouquet of info for you: Kittens for climate change, the story of cap and trade, and vampires on climate gate
Calling all bloggers heading to Copenhagen
Copenhagen in Plain English (video explainer)
The White House recently released the following statement on Obama's presence at... more
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Jesse Tolken, Executive director of Energy Action Coalition released the following announcement about the Youth Leader Meeting that is scheduled to be held at the White House later today:
Today is the day to speak directly to President Obama's team before he heads to the Copenhagen climate negotiations next week. The White House has invited a diverse group of young environmental leaders to DC, who are spending the day preparing to tell EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis that they need bold, just and immediate action on climate and energy.
You can join them by attending the forum today from 4pm - 7pm EST by watching the LIVE webcast at www.whitehouse.gov/LIVE or by providing comments and questions on the LIVE Facebook Chat.
The White House released teh following statement:
Four members of President Obama’s Cabinet will host a Clean Energy Economy Forum with youth leaders from around the country at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar , Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, and other Administration officials will reiterate the need for a comprehensive energy plan that puts America back in control of its energy future. Transitioning to clean energy will create jobs, enhance national security and help protect our environment for generations to come. They will also participate in a dialogue with attendees on the benefits of the clean energy economy for younger generations and the role young Americans have in creating and sharing those opportunities.
You can also watch a live feed of Energy Action's Twitter conversation at www.powershift09.org
Related Content
Battle Strategy of the eco movement music video (complete with diagrams and floating heads)
Finally, a video that explains Copenhagen: Can you?
Jesse Tolken, Executive director of Energy Action Coalition released the following... more
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Greetings earthlings who are going to Copenhagen.
We are looking for guest bloggers who can share the behind the scenes experience, who can comment on how the media is handling the stories, and tell the stories of the highs and lows that come with attending one of the most critical events on the planet.
So if you want to be a guest blogger for the Current Green Blog...here's how to do it:
Step 1: Upload a picture of yourself to current.com/green (go to the top right corner and you will be guided through the process when you click on the button that says, "post a story"
Step 2: Include a 3 line bio in the description
Step 3: tag your submission with "cop 15 blogger"
Step 4: Every time you want to submit a post: email the text to llamb@current.com and include a link to your photo on current. Please include the links you want to have included in your post, and away we will go!
Looking forward...Greetings earthlings who are going to Copenhagen.
We are looking for guest bloggers... more
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Copenhagen has been referred to as the most important diplomatic gathering in the world's history. In preparation for the climate talks in December, Current Green is going to bring you a slew of interviews from a a range of perspectives and locations from around the world. Today we caught up with Jim Hogan, co-founder of www.desmogblog.com, and author of Climate cover up: The crusade to deny global warming.
Other video interviews in 360 Degrees of Copenhagen series:
Social Networks for Copenhagen: Hello Facebook and Twitter
Copenhagen in plain English
The Battle strategy of the environmental movement music video
360 Degrees of Copenhagen: A video update from Adopot a Negotiator: summary of Bangkok climate and talks and preparing for BarcelonaCopenhagen has been referred to as the most important diplomatic gathering in the... more
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This guest post comes via Daniel J Kessler, Media officer at Green Peace.
On November 17th, two Greenpeace activists from Germany and Italy and two members of the press from India and Italy, all of whom were traveling on valid business and journalist visas, were picked up and detained by Indonesian police. They were on their way to meet the villagers of Teluk Meranti, who have been supporting Greenpeace in its efforts to highlight rainforest and peatland destruction in the Kampar Peninsula--ground zero for climate change. The police also took into custody an activist from Belgium who had been working at our Climate Defenders Camp there.
Despite the validity of their travel documents and the absence of any wrongdoing, two of the activists and both journalists are now being deported by immigration authorities on questionable and seemingly contrived grounds, even though no formal deportation permits have been issued. Just a few days before, immigration authorities deported eleven other international Greenpeace activists who participated in a non-violent direct action on November 12th, in a concession where APRIL, one of Indonesia's largest pulp and paper companies, is clearing rainforest and draining peatland on the Peninsula.
We set up the Climate Defenders Camp to bring attention to role of deforestation as a major driver of greenhouse gas emissions in advance of December's Copenhagen climate negotiations. If we are stop climate change, we must end global deforestation by 2020 and bring it to zero in priority areas like Indonesia by 2015. A drive through the Kampar Peninsula reveals acre after acre of forest conversion from healthy rainforest to palm oil plantations. There is no sign of animal life or biodiversity -- just row after row of palm. The destruction of the peatlands helps to make Indonesia the world's 3rd largest emitter go greenhouse gases, just after the US and China.
In the interest of the environment and human rights, Greenpeace is calling upon world leaders and concerned citizens to contact Indonesia's President Yudhoyono to ask him to stop these repressive actions by the Indonesian Police and Immigration authorities. The tactics currently being used by the authorities are likely to adversely impact upon the Indonesian government's international reputation as well as the country's reputation as a vibrant democracy.
It is not Greenpeace activists or journalists who should be the focus of the authorities, but the companies who are responsible for this forest destruction. We are working to make President Yudhoyono's recent commitment to reduce Indonesia's greenhouse gas emissions a reality and the journalists are telling that story.
You can take action at www.greenpeace.org
Related links:
Activist 911: Activists drop Tar Sands banner over Niagara Falls
Activist 911: Death zone in EcuadorThis guest post comes via Daniel J Kessler, Media officer at Green Peace.
On... more
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Where do you get your news about Copenhagen? You wouldn't be alone if you were turning to your fav a la fav social network and joining groups and lists.
Facebook has the following fan pages you can join:
Facebook Go Green Cop 15: To be honest, I'm not exactly sure who is running this page, and the purpose seems to have something to do with encouraging the conference to go green, or be green, or do the green thing...or the right thing...anyhoo, it has over 3 thousand members.
And then there is the: U.S. Department of State - COP15 UN Climate Change Conference 2009. The content is dry, but there is something endearing about the state department making a Facebook page (rumor has it this page sees more activity with their 284 fans than any other page they have created).
COP15 UN Climate Change Conference 2009 is brought to you by by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark with a wopping 20+K fans.
There are a slew of people on Twitter sharing news and opinions about all things Copenhagen. Your safest bet to find a voice you want to listen is to hang out on Twitter Search and watch the terms "copenhagen" and #cop15
Ok~ and now for a shameless plug from your sponsor: Current Green has our own little group (it was birthed 5 minutes ago) on Copenhagen. When you join the group you will get a weekly digest of news related to the topic, and I will send along the latest and greatest videos in our series, 360 degrees (or perspectives) of Copenhagen.
Ok~ so where do you go to get your Copenhagen fix? Do you have a favorite list on twitter? A favorite journalist? Inquiring minds want to know....Where do you get your news about Copenhagen? You wouldn't be alone if you were... more
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leahl
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It's a crisis in story telling. Most main stream media sources are not effectively communicating the importance or relevance of the Copenhagen Climate Talks. It might also be a crisis in marketing: since the general terms being used to describe the most important climate talks in history (to date) are being referred to as Copenhagen (makes me think of beer and vacation) and cop15 (makes me think of... well...nothing).
But do not fear!! The internet video is here!!!
I have two favorites at the moment that I want to share. I think this one (just released by Do The Green Thing) does a great job of giving explainer about what is going to happen at Copenhagen climate talks:
Then there is this video. Frankly, it didn't do much for me, but it touches on one the most important issues that is under communicated: By the time Copenhagen rolls around, the negotiators will already have their marching orders. If you want to enjoy any idea of hope of influencing the potential outcome of the talks...NOW IS THE TIME.
And then there is this video produced by tcktcktck. It's got star power and drama and makes me think back to Live Aid when I was a sweet young teen and believed anything was possible...that we actually can change the momentum of the way things are headed and save the problems of the planet. I enjoy living in that moment: I hope you do too and enjoy this video.
It's a crisis in story telling. Most main stream media sources are not... more
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Ever wanted to know which lobby group is doing the most to sabotage effective action on climate change? Well...ATTAC Denmark, Corporate Europe Observatory, Focus on the Global South, Friends of the Earth International and Spinwatch have created a campaign to make it known to the world, and they've even decided to make learning fun via their Angry Mermaid Contest. You have until December 13 to vote, when their winners will be placed on the world's biggest losers reality show (just kidding..but you do need to cast your vote by December 13th if you want to play).
From the creators of the Angry Mermaid campaign:
Crucial UN climate talks take place in Copenhagen this December. While people, organizations and social movements around the world are calling for strong action to prevent climate change and ensure climate justice, big business has been lobbying to block effective action to tackle the problem, while also seeking to benefit from it. Lobbying is defined as attempting to influence the decision-making process.
The Angry Mermaid Award has been set up to recognize the perverse role of corporate lobbyists, and highlight those business groups and companies that have made the greatest effort to sabotage the climate talks, and other climate measures, while promoting, often profitable, false solutions.
Named after the iconic Copenhagen mermaid who is angry about the destruction being caused by climate change, the Angry Mermaid Award winner will be decided by a public poll.
Online voting has opened on Monday 16 November 2009.
Cast your vote and help decide which company or lobby group has done the most to block effective action to tackle climate change.
Related Content:
Declare your independence from fossil fuel with this wild and wacky video
The battle strategy of the environmental movement music video
The Fun Theory: Change them with laughter not with facts?
Ever wanted to know which lobby group is doing the most to sabotage effective action... more
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I don’t know about you: but the situation of Copenhagen blows my mind on a daily basis. The fact that it is very possibly one of the most significant decision making processes of this time re climate change policy, and the majority of people I know do not know it’s significance, or the impact of the decisions making process. It’s not their fault. It’s a failure of media makers.
So what are we doing? For starters we are working on a series called 360 Degrees of Copenhagen, to show the various perspectives in order to gain a better understanding of the relevance of the climate talks.
But for now, I am posing the question to you: can you explain Copenhagen in plain English? Do you have a blog post, a quick phrase that you use to tell your friends and family the relevance of the Copenhagen climate talks? And why people should care? Leave a comment, and we’ll compile share.
I like to tell my friends if they were going to pick one particular moment in history to engage their political leaders on climate change: THIS is that moment.
Meanwhile~tcktcktck is rocking the world via their dedication to communicating the urgency of the moment:
I don’t know about you: but the situation of Copenhagen blows my mind on a daily... more
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leahl
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The final round of climate talks in Barcelona began today, and the activism has begun.
The TckTckTck campaign woke up negotiators in Barcelona with alarms clocks this morning, while Greenpeace climbers dropped yet another banner, this time from Barcelona’s famous cathedral, Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, calling on world leaders to
step up their political action on climate change.
From Greenpeace:
The 26 activists are currently in the process of hanging a 600 sq m banner saying “World
leaders: make the climate call.”
Barcelona is host this week to the final round of climate talks before
December’s Copenhagen UN climate summit – this week the stage must be
set for the world to agree a fair, ambitious and binding climate deal.
“A good deal for the climate is still possible. All that is missing is
political will, not least from the US, which under President Obama has
fallen far behind the rest of the world, and is threatening to undermine
a planet-saving agreement in Copenhagen,” said Damon Moglen of
Greenpeace US.
“Negotiators at these talks can only get so far without strong direction
from their heads of state. This is the week for global leaders to make
the climate call.”
A recent Greenpeace analysis of the pending US climate legislation (1)
shows that the bills have been compromised by loopholes and handouts to
the fossil fuel industry and undermine President Obama’s pledge to lead
the world in a solution to the climate crisis.
“Frankly, it’s an embarrassment that President Obama has allowed oil and
coal companies to set the terms of the US response to climate change. If
America is to kick its addiction to fossil fuels and join the
international community in averting a climate catastrophe, President
Obama must put forward commitments in line with climate science and not
bow to political expediency.”
There is now decisive movement from the developing world. Brazil,
China, India Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea are preparing
to announce strong quantifiable plans involving serious cuts in emissions.
“The time for finger-pointing is over,” said Ailun Yang of Greenpeace
China. “It is clear that right now developing countries are making a
much greater effort to solve this problem - while industrialised
countries seem to be spending more time in downplaying the possibilities
of a good deal than they are in trying to get one.”
“The lives of hundreds of millions are on the line, along with the fate
of countless species, if the climate crisis is not solved now. Knowing
who is to blame will be of little consolation to future generations.”The final round of climate talks in Barcelona began today, and the activism has begun.... more
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leahl
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This week in review. So much happened!
Well for starters, the largest climate event in history happened. Plenty of discussion ensued. It felt like it unified people around the planet around a common goal, and created plenty of healthy discussion about the state of the environment and activism.
Given that 350 was designed to make sure that the Cop 15 negotiators knew that their countries were behind them as they prepare for negotiating an ambitious global agreement..now I'll stop here: it there was language in there that didn't make sense, you are not alone. Much of Copenhagen, the process, and the issues at stake are minimally understood, hence we bring you 360 degrees of Copenhagen. AKA as Copenhagen in plain English. This week, Joshua Weise, affectionately referred to as a climate stalker (by Karl Burkart of Green dig.net), gives us a brief update of what happened at the recent Bangkok climate talks, and whats to come in Barcelona this coming week (the last round of talks before Copenhagen).
Twitter was a flurry this week (oh~ that's not news) but there were plenty of hashtags to watch if you wanted to watch bloggers report out from the Senate hearings. @BeThatChange took on the twittermission to bring @Barackobama 2 copenhagen via the #hope2cope hashtags. You can also follow #cop15 for all things Copenhagen on twitter.
A very fun call out was placed on our site by award winning photographer Ian Shive: he has said that he will review anyone's photos and provide feedback about how to make them into work that you can use to preserve the land you love so much. Deadline in November 3rd.
Two reports of interest came out this week: American's are getting better at conserving water and apparently bloggers are haters...or at least, hate on the climate science according to Pew's latest report.
David de Rothschild and his co-skipper Jo Royale came by our office to talk about the adventure they are planning to take across the Pacific on their boat made of plastic. I don't think I've ever laughed that hard while talking about depressing facts about the state of the ocean (David nick named me Debbie Downer between a long string of off colored pirate jokes and explanations of how men are getting limp fin sydrome after eating shark) and yes of course, we discussed the state of plastics, garbage, the ocean, vertical gardening on the ship, and how to undress a rabit. Stay tuned for the interview. (Oh! And they answered everyone's questions, so thanks for asking!)
Lots of discussion about how to present the message of climate change to the people. So step right up and pick your viral messaging! Sexy images of young supermodels undressing:
or heart wrenching music and small children getting beat up by policemen (anyone else wonder if the children in this video will be permanently damaged?) A nickel goes to the first person who guess which video has 240K views and which one has 5K views.
Janforgore wrote a beautiful guest blog post on biodynamics. And life would not be complete if we didn't leave you with a few puns inspired by the news that cow farms are converting manure into electricity (and bless every single one of you who wrote in comments that included puns and jokes. You made my Friday!)
Next week~ Hawaii! (Someone had to take one for the team). I'm very honored to be asked to lead a pannel at the Re:Think Hawaii conference on sustainability and report back on the sustainability efforts of Hawaii. More on that....soon. Have a great weekend, and take care.
This week in review. So much happened!
Well for starters, the largest climate event... more
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Sex sells...but will it get people to contact their political leaders in the name of climate change?
That's what 22 year old model Cameron Russell was aiming for when she produced the video below of models stripping in the name of climate change. Cameron explains,
We were so inspired by the pictures we saw coming in from around the world on 350.org , that we wanted to help. We figured we'd try to get the point across the best way we know how--with clothes, or really, with the lack of clothes.
Who ever said that 350 parts per million is our “natural state”? After all, the past million years or so has CO2 levels see-sawed between about 180 and 285 parts per million. The 350 is a ‘best estimate’, best calculation as to the safe level of CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere for a prosperous human civilization.
Right now, humanity is adding enough Co2 into the carbon cycle (mainly, but not solely, from burning fossil fuels) to add about 2 ppm per year. We need to drive down our emissions that drive increased CO2 levels and then continue the process so that we are actually reducing CO2 levels.
So what next, pole dancing for climate change ? (I'm imaging polar bears in bikini's. Is that sick and wrong?)
Related content:
Like this video? You might like these other 60 second PSA's made in the name of climate change
Why I'm not an activist but say "yes" to 350.org
The Fun Theory: Inspire behavior change with laughter not with facts?
The climate event that might just save the world: 350 (video interview with founders and activists)
Sex sells...but will it get people to contact their political leaders in the name of... more
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Honestly, I wanted to to nothing more than put in my winter garden this weekend, but atlas, the largest climate event in history was taking place, so I hopped on my bike and coerced a friend to take the biodiesel ferry with me across the bay so we could take part in the 350 event in San Francisco.
OK, so here's the dealio: It was an amazing event that ignited the imaginations of people around the world to get involved with climate change. When ever you are feeling lo, head on over to the 350.org flickr site and bask in the inspiration.
The strength of 350 is a clear, focused, informed message that spoke to people who might not self identify as activists.
The message: There is a problem: we have too much CO2 in the air to live in a healthy way on the planet.
A solution: Send a message to our negotiators at Copenhagen to take decisive action.
The variety of people who showed up at the SF event was a testament to their ability to bring together people across platforms who are interested in protecting the environment. Code pink was there, Green Peace was there, dogs who eat vegan were there, polar bears where there.
Umbra of Grist caught up with founder of Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org at the NYC event in Times Square.
What I found at the event in San Francisco was the mixing of old world of activism that points and yells at the problem and says, "broken!" and the new world activism that only has time to say, "here is a solution." The speakers were there to keep us entertained and informed while we formed a big 350 (I was in the 3). But honestly, I couldn't hear most of them. It's not that they weren't speaking loud enough. They were, after all, yelling. They were yelling at me. I don't like being yelled at. There is a reason why activists yell, for many years they had to because no one was listening. They had to do radical things to capture the attention of the media and the public.
Now I should confess that I don't like the word activist. Its a bit like "feminist" somewhere in the mix of life, the media, and society the term took on a "dirty" and negative association.
And while some of my dearest friends and people I deeply respect self identify as activists, and while many of my dearest friends even associate me as an activist (I show all the tell tale signs: I have gone to marches, I've contacted my political leaders, I over share on facebook about environmental news) when I try on the identity, it feels more like rusty stifling armor than a well fit glove.
Here is when I dropped the identity forever: When living in Virginia a few years back I drove up to New York City to attend what was at that point the largest protest on the planet against the Iraq war. It was an an amazing event. There were so many of us marching that the police took down the barricades. It was...peaceful, and there were people of every race and age present.
The next day I looked in the newspapers and nothing was there. A two line report in the back page of the New York Times reporting that some hoodlums had jumped on cars. All of a sudden I felt sick to my stomach. Something was wrong. Very wrong. And I couldn't put my finger on it.
That's when I found the following quote by Mother Teresa:
I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there.
What she said resonated. I haven't attended anti-rally as a participant since. (I have attended in the role of the media, because I believe they are important stories to tell.) But I wanted my personal participation, my voice, and energy to go toward events and organizations that are focused on finding the solutions.
With that said, I attended the 350 rally as a participant because I heard a "yes" in their message. Yes to a clear goal. Yes to our political leaders making decisions that will create policy that will think seven generation ahead..and yes to that it will take creativity and fun to engage the world in this issue.
The interview with 350 I posted on Current provoked an interesting discussion and criticism about 350 not gathering people to take more concrete action, and Janforgore questioned why didn't they surround 350 power plants. I think you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink. 350 had a mission: raise public awareness, show political leaders that people around the world are engaged with the issue and will support them. Mission accomplished. What you choose to do at that pool of information is up to you.
Meanwhile, here is an excerpt from a sample speech that the 350 organizers gave to their organizers around the world to read:
We rally around the number 350 because it is the safe upper limit of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, and so 350 defines what is necessary for the earth to continue as we have known it. We have relied upon the patterns of rainfall and ice and sea level that have marked this world for the ten thousand years of human civilization. If these patterns shift dramatically, the first victims will be the people living closest to the edge--people who have already begun to suffer from drought, from flood, from the spread of disease. We will not stand by and let that happen.
The second thing I'd like to say today is that you're part of something that matters. The climate crisis is such a huge issue that it's always hard to see what difference any of us can make--especially when our foes include some of the most powerful entities on earth. We can't match them in money, but they can't match us in numbers, in spirit, in dedication. And we have a secret weapon, which is the power that comes from scientific observation. Today we are taking that number 350 and making it the centerpiece of the debate over climate. We are reminding the world's leaders that they can give all the speeches they want, but that won't change the way that physics and chemistry operate. We are standing up for scientific reality, and in so doing reframing this debate in a way that will echo through the UN Climate Talks in Copenhagen and beyond.
And the last thing I would like to say today is more personal: it's a great privilege to be able to get out of bed in the morning and think to yourself, "There's nothing more important than this that I could be doing today." Take a moment to think about the amazing fact that across the globe today, people are doing just what you're doing, hoping just what you're hoping, believing just what you're believing--and together we are making these deeds, hopes, and beliefs add up to something truly transformational.
Related content:
350: Will THIS event event save the world?
The fresh face of the modern day farmer (video)
The no bulls**t report from Bangkok about the climate talks (video)
Hilarity continues in the name of climate change: hello survivaball
Honestly, I wanted to to nothing more than put in my winter garden this weekend, but... more
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I received an email this morning from my dear friend Julie that ended with, "I want to know who has the hope, the plan, the way out. If there is one. What is it?"
It's the question on the tip of many of our tongues these days. So in honor of Julie, a little round up of news that promises to inform, inspire, and make you laugh out loud at least once.
A video interview with the founder of 350.org, Bill McKibben, and the organizers behind what is going to be the largest (and by far the most colorful) climate event in history this weekend: (awesome pictures from around the world)
If you want to skip my commentary and just cut to the video:
If you are needing a sobering dose of wisdom from an elder: you may want to see Alaska Elder Sarah James' talk from this past weekend at Bioneers.
If you haven't seen the Yes Men's latest storm on Washington, you are missing out. Mostly because there is a man dressed in a huge white survavball who rolls down the capitol steps howling as he goes (Iaugh out loud funny).
If you are looking for another way into understanding Copenhagen, then allow me to introduce you to the guys who are affectionately called "climate stawkers"
Now if you are needing to rekindle the fire in your belly, enjoy meeting these 15-22 year old youth who were awarded the Brower Youth Award for climate activism last night
Enjoy, and by all means, tell us what inspires you~I received an email this morning from my dear friend Julie that ended with, "I... more
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As part of our 350 degrees of Copenhagen series we bring you this interview with the Adopt a Negotiator team members who are reporting back from Bangkok.
If you can't keep up about what's going on behind the scenes in preparation for Copenhagen...you shouldn't feel alone. The information isn't easy to find. The proof is in the pudding, as Joshua Wiese and Ben Jervey explain to us why they are working with a crew of trackers who are representing 12 countries from throughout the developing and developed world. They are reporting in 8 different languages, opening up these meetings to people all over the world. They video skyped (is that a new verb?) in to our studio from the Bangkok climate talks (which explains the strange hotel room in the background).
These negotiations are, quite literally, determining the fate of our planet. It's easy to argue that they're the most important meetings in the history of the world. But no "typical citizen" has any idea what goes on at international negotiations. We're working to shine a light on the process--bring some transparency to a normally pretty opaque proceedings.
Adopt a Negotiator was launched at the Bonn intersessional talks in June, weʼll track the negotiations through Bangkok, then Barcelona, and on to Copenhagen, following the lead negotiators and delegates from 12 key countries, and sharing news and updates of their positions along the way.
You can follow them regularly on their blog at www.tcktcktck.org and www.adoptanegotiator.org. And of course, we'll have more updates from them on Current Green.
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Van Jones: The santa claus of the environmental movement?As part of our 350 degrees of Copenhagen series we bring you this interview with the... more
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2 years ago
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On December 7, 2009, the Danish Ministry of Climate and Energy will gather delegates from all over the world to meet in Copenhagen for the United Nations Climate Change Conference, (aka COP15). The goal of Danish government is that the “COP15 conference will result in an ambitious global agreement” that include every country of the world. This will be the global green event of the year and is controversial taboot.
Current Green will be keeping you up to date on all the latest developments and will provide a 360 degree point of view of the conference via guest bloggers over the course of the next few months. Today our guest blogger is Josh Nelson is a blogger, activist and new media consultant living and working in the Washington, D.C. area. His website, EnviroKnow.com, exposes the source documents behind environmental news headlines.
Senator Inhofe to Lead Anti-Science Delegation to International Climate Talks
Several members of the United States Senate have a serious credibility problem when it comes to climate change. Chief among them is Senator James Inhofe, whose career highlight was saying on the Senate floor that global warming is the “greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people.”
Mr. Inhofe’s most recent assault on the debate over domestic climate legislation was his insistence on repeating a misleading analysis of the costs of climate legislation, despite all evidence to the contrary. Incredibly, when I asked Senator Inhofe’s staff to respond to the fact that his statements on climate legislation were clearly factually inaccurate, they responded with the single-most convoluted statement I’ve ever seen. This is what we’re up against folks, and it is neither logical, credible nor reality-based. I would engage in a point-counterpoint back and forth with Mr. Inhofe’s staff — as I recently did with Senator Murkowski’s staff on the same issue — but it would clearly be fruitless. Rather than respond to Mr. Dempsey’s largely irrelevant arguments, I’ll simply refer you to this FactCheck.org refutation of the crux of his argument. Flail away, Mr. Dempsey, but reality is on our side.
Now, obstructing domestic legislation is one thing, but taking the anti-science freakshow on the road is something else entirely. Sadly, this is apparently what Senator Inhofe intends to do.
Mr. Inhofe — who is widely considered the least credible member of the United States Senate — recently announced a plan to take his anti-science antics to dizzying new heights. Senator Inhofe intends to lead a truth squad of climate change deniers to the international climate change negotiations in Copenhagen this December with the specific intention of embarrassing the United States and undermining President Obama.
Predictably, Senator Inhofe broke the news to the arch-conservative National Review:
“Now, I want to make sure that those attending the Copenhagen conference know what is really happening in the United States Senate. Some people, like Senator Barbara Boxer, will tell the conference, with Waxman-Markey having passed in the House, that they can anticipate that some kind of bill will pass EPW.” Such statements, Inhofe says, deserve a bold response. “Look,” he says, “there is no bill that is bad enough to not pass out of our committee. There may be enough votes to get a bill out of EPW, but there is far from enough support in the Senate. The Democrats don’t have the votes. There are too many newly-elected Democrats in the Senate who don’t want to go home and tell voters that they just voted for the largest tax increase in American history.”
This is not the first time Senator Inhofe has embarrassed the United States at an international climate discussion. As The American Prospect reported years ago, Inhofe pulled a similar stunt in Milan in 2003 and was met with mockery:
Inhofe’s Milan appearance triggered considerable controversy, as well as some fun at the senator’s expense. The National Environmental Trust (NET) whipped up posters showing Inhofe’s picture and his famous quotation, displaying them for the delegates present. “The reaction in the halls was — well, they just believed it was lampoonable,” notes one Democratic Senate staffer.
Although Senator Inhofe’s frequent delusional outbursts are ripe for mockery, the subject matter is deadly serious.
Mr Inhofe’s embarrassing and irresponsible behavior on the international level raises important questions. Eric Kleefeld at TPM DC phrases it well:
It’s nice to see how seriously foreign policy is taken these days — when a member of the political minority will send his own delegation to an international conference, in order to undermine the government and tell other countries that they can’t work with the United States.
I can’t help but recall Speaker Pelosi’s March 2007 trip to Syria and the chorus of insults from media outlets and conservative politicians that accompanied it. I’m sure all of those who took Speaker Pelosi to task for undermining President Bush on the international stage will be setting their sites on Senator Inhofe in the days to come.
Related Content:
The Green Road to Copenhagen
360 Degrees of Copenhagen: Adopt a Negotiator
Video post cards from Hawaii (VIDEO)On December 7, 2009, the Danish Ministry of Climate and Energy will gather delegates... more
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leahl
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2 years ago
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On December 7, 2009, the Danish Ministry of Climate and Energy will gather delegates from all over the world to meet in Copenhagen for the United Nations Climate Change Conference, (aka COP15). The goal of Danish government is that the “COP15 conference will result in an ambitious global agreement” that include every country of the world. This will be the global green event of the year and is controversial taboot. Current Green will be keeping you up to date on all the latest developments and will provide a 360 degree point of view of the conference via guest bloggers over the course of the next few months. This week our guest blogger (unbeknown to him) is Stephen Thomson, a Current Green community member who used the format of video rant to express his opinions about what's on the line at Copenhagen.
Related Links (aka more sound offs my Stephen)
The Robin's Nest: A New Set of Circumstances (video)
What Would Jesus Call It? "Govt Plan" or "Public Option" (video)
The Road to Copenhagen: Are We On Track? (video)On December 7, 2009, the Danish Ministry of Climate and Energy will gather delegates... more
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leahl
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2 years ago
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The New York Times is reporting news that's a bummer to swallow:
Officials of several European countries have cited what they see as a lack of political will on the part of the United States to adequately address climate change. The American reluctance to accept any agreement that would require legally binding and internationally enforceable targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions could doom the, they said.
Really: so...what is happening between the desire for the every day person wanting to make sure they have a happy and healthy planet for to pass onto their to their children? (rhetorical question: don't feel obliged to reply). Hasn't this all been said a million times before? It's beginning to feel like a lot of "blah blah blah." But the message is clear: (blah blah blah) You need to tell your political leaders how you think they should be managing the issues. (blah blah blah). I know, you've heard it all before. (Blah blah blah). I"m sick of it to (picking up the phone now) blah blah blah. (dialing my Representative). (Blah blah blah) (every phone call or email equals 1,000 people calling in) (blah blah blah).
Soo.. don't just sit there. What are you going to do about it?
Great orgs who will help you make contact: 1sky and the energy action coalition.The New York Times is reporting news that's a bummer to swallow:
Officials of... more
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2 years ago
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I wonder if Cole Porter's show tune, "Another Openin' Another Show" will be running through the attendees' heads as they enter the green event of the week: Climate Week NYC. The events are planned in more than 100 cities around the world, coinciding with the United Nations' High Level Summit on Climate Change. There's a full event listing on the Climate Week NY°C website.
You can see a live streaming video of climate week talks here. and find events happening from around the world here.
Have a story you want to tell from climate week? We're looking for guest bloggers on the topic as we speak.
I wonder if Cole Porter's show tune, "Another Openin' Another... more
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2 years ago
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