by frog
The poor countries are gearing up for the UN meeting in Mexico later this year, with a large gathering in Bolivia which is taking place over the next few days. Nearly 130 countries are represented at the conference, which symbolically reaches its climax on Earth Day. It is attended by about by at least 15,000 people, from a wide range of organisations including worldwide indigenous movements and civil-society groups, as well as presidents, scientists, activists and government observers.
It is expected that Bolivia’s president will also use the meeting to announce what could be the world’s largest referendum, with up to 2 billion people being asked to vote on ways out of the climate crisis. Bolivia wants to create a UN charter of rights and to draft an action plan to set up an international climate justice tribunal.
Bolivia’s UN ambassador, Pablo Solon:
“The only way to get climate negotiations back on track, not just for Bolivia or other countries, but for all of life, biodiversity, our Mother Earth, is to put civil society back into the process. The only thing that can save mankind from a [climate] tragedy is the exercise of global democracy,”
“There will be no secret discussions behind closed doors. The debate and the proposals will be led by communities on the frontlines of climate change and by organisations and individuals from civil society dedicated to tackling the climate crisis,”
Exciting stuff.
The conference’s goal is multi-faceted: to analyse the structural causes of climate change, propose alternative models for living more harmoniously within the ecosystem, discuss the Bolivian Government’s proposal for a Universal Declaration for the Rights of Mother Earth, build a mechanism on an international referendum on climate change, and develop a proposal for an international Climate Justice Court. Phew! An ambitious agenda in such a short amount of time!
I look forward to seeing how this all plays out. Media coverage will probably be sparse, so I’ll be relying pretty heavily on social media to keep up. Please post links to good stuff you find in the comments. 
Published in Environment & Resource Management by frog on Wed, April 21st, 2010
Tags: bolivia, climate change
on the trolls and those who are unable to keep on topic
“put civil society back into the process” is an important statement. The promotion of individual freedoms and rights is just an excuse to renege on our collective responsibility to care for the disadvantaged or vulnerable people and environment.
I would also suggest the false god of GDP also needs to be dealt with as this is a major barrier to environmetally sustainable economies. Long term planning has gone at the window as developed nations scramble for quick fixes to stabilize financial markets and national economies. We need to define and describe the world we would like our children to inherit then have a transparent plan to achieve it.
I’m sure these poor countries will come up with some great ideas, the International Climate Justice tribunal being one, but the trick will be to have major powers agree to them.
Like or Dislike:
2 
1 (+1)
Live stream of the conference: http://www.oneclimate.net/
Another live stream http://envivo.cmpcc.org.bo/?lang=en
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/World-Peoples-Conference-on-Climate-Change-and-the-Rights-of-Mother-Earth/355549603087
Questions for the world referendum:
1) Do you agree with reestablishing harmony with nature while recognizing the rights of mother earth? YES or NO
2) Do you agree with changing this model of over-consumption and waste that represents the capitalist system? YES or NO
3) Do you agree that developed countries reduce and reabsorb their domestic greenhouse gas emissions for temperature not to rise more than 1 degree Celsius? YES or NO
4) Do you agree with transferring all that is spent in wars and for allocating a budget bigger than that used for defense to climate change? YES or NO
5) Do you agree with a Climate Justice Tribunal to judge those who destroy Mother Earth? YES or NO
Official blog: http://pwccc.wordpress.com/
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
Sprout
You are exactly right. This will only be seen as money grabbing from rich countries to give to the poorer countries.
The world must work out other incentives to help poorer countries reduce emissions without resorting to thievery and extortion.
Like or Dislike:
0 
1 (-1)
That’s right pentwig. ‘The world’ must find a fair and equitable way to prevent the inevitable result of filling the atmosphere with man-made emissions. The rich countries will surely be willing to repair the damage they have caused, even if it means reducing their wealth by sharing with poor countries, in order that the whole, that is, all of us, is saved.
Like or Dislike:
2 
1 (+1)
Sorry Greenfly
I cannot agree with your philosophy.
I reeks of a form of socialism I cannot abide and proven does not work.
Like or Dislike:
0 
4 (-4)
My philosophy reeks Pentwig?
‘Taking responsibility for your actions’ and ‘sharing’ don’t work?
Do you vote Act?
Like or Dislike:
2 
1 (+1)
Thievery and extortion won’t work for everyone. There has to be someone to steal from. The rich countries have been using these methods for over a century and there is little likelihood that the poorer nations can manage to overcome their lead.
You have the notion that there is some equitable way to do this that doesn’t involve the wealthy actually reducing the amount of theft they indulge in.
I have never seen THAT work, nor in history is there any record of it.
Moreover, there is no recorded history in which the sort of libertarianism you seem to espouse worked at all. Socialism has made a mark on history and some variation of socialism is included (but not dominant) in most functional republics. Libertarianism has no example in the historical record for reference.
Just what has been “proven not to work” is open to question. Clearly the misuse of GDP is one thing that doesn’t.
BJ
Like or Dislike:
6 
0 (+6)
Or a Larry Pratt supporter “The other side knows they’re at war because they started it. They’re coming for our freedom, our money, our kids … they’re coming for everything because they’re socialists.”
Pentwig-I think you need to define that form of socialism.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
‘fly
I have no problem taking responsibility for my actions but I sure as hell do have a problem taking responsibility and paying for another countries actions.
And no, sharing will not work because enough is never enough.
Like or Dislike:
0 
3 (-3)
Interesting article about climate change findings
http://www.examiner.com/x-25061-Climate-Change-Examiner~y2010m4d14-UN-climate-panels-work-graded–Receives-failing-score
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
” a proposal for an international Climate Justice Court.”
Why bother? waste of UN donor money – the ICJ generally fails as it is , the body is only binding if the nations agrees it is binding – effectively a voluntary decision issue.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
Do you buy Chinese products, Pentwig?
For who? Not enough for who?
Those who waste or those who don’t have access to the riches?
Like or Dislike:
2 
0 (+2)
ah – he who rides a tiger may Never dismount.
Enough can be altogether too much for some.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
Now fly, pentwig is being very clear about where he stands and we should acknowledge that. He says sharing of limited resources won’t work, meaning that people will (should?) take what they can. He is happy being part of the problem.
He hasn’t yet acknowledged that we’re all in this boat together and what his position means for our combined fates, and bj’s comment is relevant here.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
Farrar proclaims,
“This is scummy parasitical behaviour.”
His Whopperness doesn’t like those white poppy weilding peaceniks!
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
“Boat? thinks Pentwig, boat?
There’s the boat I’m in and the boat they’re in …
What’s all this about boats?“
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
BJ
What I am saying is that every country should be responsible for their own actions/emissions and not depend on other counties wealth to address their problem.
If they cannot reach a given and provable target then they should incur an international penalty which does not have to be financial but something that will encourage that country to achieve that target.
Like or Dislike:
0 
1 (-1)
‘fly
Ship, man. Ship. Get it right.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
Hey pentwig – how well your solution suits those countries who have had decades to pollute before the need to stop was recognised! How happy they will be, under your proposed system, to have got away with it and what joy they’ll feel seeing those countries that are just beginning their serious industrialisation, to have to pay the price the wealthy countries avoided for so long. What a joyous world you callous righties inhabit!
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
So we’ll fix the hole in our part of the “ship” and others should be held solely responsible for fixing the holes in their parts of the ship. Got it. We can go back to sleep now. Get your wet suits on first though.
Like or Dislike:
2 
0 (+2)
Come on ‘fly
AGW has not been around for that long.
Now the science used has become questionable because of falsification of data, there is time now to find a better solution rather than using my money to go to corrupt socialist regimes around the world to enhance the Swiss bank accounts of the leaders.
Like or Dislike:
0 
2 (-2)
pentwig – the rising tide of your own nonsense threatens to drown you and you already look ridiculous thrashing about up to your eyebrows in it now.
I’m taking a wild stab in the dark here, but do you have a guilt-framed portrait of Looney Lord Monckton of the Ministry of Silly Walks hanging above your mantlepiece? Beside Thatchers? No? I think if you check, you’ll find it’s there alright!
Like or Dislike:
2 
0 (+2)
‘fly
Fortunately your assumption is totally wrong.
I just happen to have an ability to think for myself and reach a satisfying conclusion.
I’m no sheep!
Like or Dislike:
0 
1 (-1)
In your wallet then? Taped behind the vanity mirror in your car?
Satisfying conclusion?
That sharing is a non-starter?
Oh ‘twig!
You’ve such a distance to travel.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
I have reached my destination ‘fly and it is satisfying.
I will not spend my hard worked for wealth, such as it is, for other countries inability to conform.
As an example – if there is a disaster overseas that leaves people suffering I am one of the first to donate probably $500 for their aid.
But if an ETS tax is introduced my donations stop immediately.
That will be my protest and I can live with it.
Like or Dislike:
0 
3 (-3)
‘if’ pentwig?
You’re hoping Key will dishonour his commitment?
Think he might?
He’s two-faced on many other issues, so you might just be right!
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
pentwig,
Insofar as you may have time to respond intelligently to my questioning, could please explain “conform” in the context of your comment above.
Also the expression “ETS tax” looks like conflation to me. Would you kindly seperate if this is the case and so render your terminal decision-making understandable..
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
tomfarmer
If you had read my other posts in this thread you could not help but realise that the word “conform” was used in the context of complying with ascertained targets.
How you manage to find ETS tax as a conflation with what I have opined is quite beyond me. Perhaps you are just being mischievious.
I trust that was intelligent enough for your liking, and you are intelligent enough to understand it.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
Greenfly
I don’t think so. Watched Smith putting a spin on it at question time today. Failed. But like a few others laws passed recently although the majority do not want them they are forced upon us anyway.
Perhaps I should pack up and go live in some social dictatorship somewhere to stop these thoughts of democratic erosion filling my head.
Like or Dislike:
0 
2 (-2)
oh wiggy – don’t move to the US – it’s not looking too good there.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
Prise Key’s cold fingers off the steering wheel. Open the passenger door and boot Smith, Brownlee, Joyce et al, out.
Like or Dislike:
3 
0 (+3)
Classic!
Like or Dislike:
3 
0 (+3)
well said; – the current NZ Government fast approaches a condition where they can not be seriously credited with having ANY sense at all.
Whilst a healthy cynicism has always been a part of the ‘taxi driver’ attitude toward government here….if an election (an honest one) were held today – John, Gerry, Pita and Simon(plus plus) would be all over the Appearance Card at Mark’s new circus
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
# Haiku Dave (202) Says:
April 21st, 2010 at 8:58 pm
brownlee sure is a
card – the fat comedians
are the funniest
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
I’d still like to try him at Wicketkeeper though.
A stoic willingness to get in the way of the new cherry is essential.
Still – for a big feller – he’s been mia a bit lately?
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
Some say he’s funny
but I see him as circus tent
rather than clown
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
A kind of Demis Roussos that can’t sing Fly?
He should at least learn,’My Friend the Wind’
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
Hah!
Enormous talent!
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
Huge accolades!(cannonades,serenades)
Peter Jackson will make the Movie!
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
Wide screen.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
Huge blow-up Promo Posters! – now they’re collectors Items!
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
extraordinary. 40 comments of complete drivel, 1 worth reading. a 40:1 ratio!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
Not bad!
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
Oh rimu – thee hast a bad morn embraced.
It is much easier to be critical, than to be constructive – never forget a lie is always more convenient!
Don’t object – simply, do better!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
Ok
Here’s a video of the opening ceremony http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJWNf6o6QVk
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
and pictures http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/8634293.stm
very colourful!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
some quotes from Evo Morales’ opening speech http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/apr/21/evo-morales-grassroots-climate-talks
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
Will read your links this arvo rimu – as time demands my prescence elsewhere.
I suspect we do not disagree at all – the industrial monoliths that are India and China are about to commence their own ‘industrial age’.
As an instinctive optimist, I still reckon Greed will excell Green in this contest – but I’ll read your links hey?
Indeed, I expect the title of this article could drop three words… and simply read “Huge Climate Change, Taking Place Right Now”.
As a veteran of several thousand well-meaning talkfests – may I say that talking ime, never did a dam thing!
Hopefully, mark
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
awesome rimu – thanks
Planet or death – hmmmm – okay i chose planet!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
pentwig,
heh, try again… else I’ll conclude you either/both polemicist and obfuscator.. which is a nice way of saying troll.. “ascertained targets” indeed!!
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
Mark wrote.. the industrial monoliths that are India and China are about to commence their own ‘industrial age’.
Ever read Joe Bowers@Harvard Business School, Mark. On this very topic… if you go there keep in mind that whilst JB might agree with your twofer, it is the spend power of higher incomes that will be making markets work well 2050. And that power will still be somewhat limited in those nations..
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
comments from the conference on twitter http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23WPCCC. The #WPCCC hashtag is the one you want
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
tomfarmer
You obviously are not as intelligent as you would have us believe.
Like or Dislike:
0 
2 (-2)
I see Garth George in todays Herald is still spouting garbage.
I can’t understand why the Herald publishes the idiots ravings, but there again the Herald is not much better the the Sun in England, when it comes to publishing garbage.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
wiggie,
“us” ?
Whose youse?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
Marty Mars, of Mars 2 Earth fame?
Good blog.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
Actually Pentwig, the only falsification of data that is in evidence is from people like Monckton. There have been several long and detailed looks at this and the CRU et.al. have been shown to be honest and the shrill screams of the denialists have been shown to be the leading source of untruth.
…there is time now to find a better solution rather than using my money to go to corrupt socialist regimes around the world to enhance the Swiss bank accounts of the leaders.
You will find no argument here about the lack of wisdom of sending money to fix these problems. That has not EVER been the goal and the perverse insistence that it is, is one of the most serious problems we find with some libertarians.
First things first. The science is the science, and it clearly isn’t a matter of fake data now. The science isn’t going away and it isn’t a function of “share-the-wealth” considerations on the part of the scientists. They (scientists) are politically all over the map. What they aren’t doing is faking data.
The second issue, the share-the-wealth meme, is not related to “giving” money to people so much as no longer stealing from them. The moral justification of demanding that someone who is producing a tonne of co2 a year reduce the same as someone who is producing 20 tonnes, is risible.
Particularly when the 20 tonne people have achieved that level through economic development that has been characterized by theft from less developed people and from future generations.
That means that the protections and advantages obtaining to the US citizen when he goes to do business with the guy from say… Namibia, have to be removed. The banks have to start functioning honestly. Governments have to consider the next 7 generations.
It also means that when it comes to paying for fixing this problem, the burden falls on the folks who made the problem AND the money.
Growing the inequality can’t help.
respectfully
BJ
Like or Dislike:
5 
0 (+5)
Klein in Bolivia: global democracy is the way forward
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
The big kick-off event. Mostly spanish
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiegFg5cqcM
English news coverage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsoHiz-eZGE
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
heaps more at http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=cochabamba+climate&aq=f
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)
Hey Frogbloggers,
There will be a public meeting reporting back from Cochabamba in Auckland this Monday the 3rd April.
Hope some of you can make it, or pass it on to others
Gary Cranston
Camp for Climate Action Aotearoa
contact: garycranston1 [[AT]] gmail.com
—
Time 7:30pm – 9:30pm Location 147 GREAT NORTH RD, GREY LYNN, Auckland
The GPJA “Voices of Resistance” forum will hear from people recently arrived back from the heart of two critical international struggles.
As part of the forum; New Zealander Sandy Gauntlett who has attended the mid-April Cochabamba International Climate Summit in Bolivia will bring us up to date with international developments particularly as they affect indigenous peoples in the struggle for Climate Justice.
Hela Rahman – is a young Iraqi student who has recently returned from a trip to Iraq visiting family and friends. She will give her assessment of Iraq alongside personal stories which bring home the reality of life under foreign military occupation.
Gary Cranston from Camp for Climate Action Aotearoa will talk about local Climate Justice action here in New Zealand, and how you can get involved in the fight for Climate Justice.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)