Heading to Copenhagen in December 2009

I just received word today that I will indeed be heading to Copenhagen this December for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This conference is set to be one of the largest in recent years, as countries will (hopefully) agree on a future climate pact that will reduce global greenhouse gas emissions in the wake of the relative failure of the Kyoto Protocol.

That being said, I apologize for the general lack of updates to the blog. As the months to the Copenhagen conference come closer, there will be more exciting developments to report on in the lead up to the negotiations, as well as my own anecdotes in working with Canadian and international youth in preparation for one of the biggest conferences of our life times. Stay tuned!

US Congress passes landmark climate change bill

Something hidden under the shadows by the massive media attention to Michael Jackson's death was something actually really great in the climate change world.

The house approved legislation today that will seek to reduce global warming by limiting the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by power and chemical plants, oil refineries and major manufacturers.

The details can be read here here

Actually, in somewhat related news, Michael Jackson was reportedly working on a climate change themed song before his passing...I'm perhaps sure he would have been happy about today's news..

Indian youth speak on climate change

Here's a neat story coming out of India: the Indian Youth Climate Network will be attempting to influence their government's stance on climate change:

“India’s per capita emissions are 0.25 tonnes, as against U.S.’ 5.60 tonnes. But in reality, this is a phenomenon called ‘hiding behind the population.’ Our actual emissions make us one of the biggest emitters in the world. Hence, India should not shirk its responsibility.”

Often at international climate change meetings, youth from the global south are vastly underrepresented, so it's really refreshing to hear about the activism coming out of India this week on climate change.

Read the full article here

Climate change blamed for Caribbean coral deaths

It's been pretty slow on the climate change news front, though things are expected to really pick up in terms of negotiations in September in the run up to Copenhagen.

However, in the mean time I got this bit of news by Reuters that climate change has contributed to a flattening of the complex, multi-layered architecture of Caribbean coral reefs.

A study conducted between 1969 and 2008 in over 200 reefs showed that complex types of reef have been virtually wiped out in the entire Caribbean. The absence of such reefs (defined as being over 1 metre across with huge antler-shaped corals) act as a sanctuary for fish stocks, and are less effective in protecting coastal homes and villages from storm swells and tidal surges.

Documents show Canada is a Kyoto bully

The Montreal Gazette is reporting today that Canada's big ol' bully on the international playground when it comes to climate change negotiations.

Environmentalists say government documents show Canada bullying developing countries, backpedalling on commitments and attempting to exploit divisions in Europe. 

If you ask me, I'm not surprised.

Ever since the Conservative government placed "schoolyard bully" John Baird to the environmental portfolio, Canada has been brewing an international reputation of being hostile and uncooperative when it comes to climate change negotiations. Current Environment Minister Jim Prentice has shown that he is more diplomatic and even-headed, but it looks like the reputation persists with good cause.

Click here to read the full story from the Gazette.

Airbus A380 something not to be celebrated

Looking at all the hoopla this week regarding the the Emirates Airbus A380, it seems that people have forgotten just what an ugly carbon juggling blip this aircraft will become in the sky.

Showers, mini-bars galore, and not to mention the price tag of $10,000 for a ride.

While all the media outlets were excitedly discussing the latest arrival into Pearson airport, one story that was missing was one of over-indulgence, outdated luxury, and of a fuel-guzzling vessel to and from the heart of the oil business in the region.

During a time when thousands of people are losing their jobs, the world is creeping ever closer to a point of no return in regards to the climate and rising fuel prices, is a luxury airplane rise really worth getting excited about?

In case you missed it...

The Toronto Star published an editorial today taking Ottawa to task on their lack of action on climate change.

Read the article here

I have to say, it's really nice to be associated with a newspaper that consistently keeps climate change in the news, whether through editorials, through weekly columns by Peter Gorrie, or even for allowing space to do this blog.

It's easy to look at a newspaper as just a reflection and reiteration of the events that happened in the city and in the world. But the Toronto Star I think proves and understands its responsibilities as a newspaper in influencing discussion, placing priority on certain issues, and advocating for social justice.

Silla Watt-Cloutier speaks live today at 7:45pm - Streaming online

IsumaTV will be streaming Silla Watt-Cloutier's speech live from Iqaluit on Inuit Knowledge, Human Rights and Climate Change at the 9th annual LaFontaine-Baldwin Symposium.

The speech will be streamed live from 7:45pm-10pm EST at http://www.isuma.tv/hi/en

The LaFontaine-Baldwin symposium, founded by John Ralston Saul in 2000, is one of the "most prominent lecture series on issues concerning the public good in Canada." For the first time in history the lecture series will be held in Canada's North with Silla Watt-Cloutier. Watt-Cloutier is an Inuit climate activist and 2007 Nobel Peace Prize nominee. Siila Watt-Cloutier has worked on a range of social and environmental issues affecting the Inuit, and has most recently focused on persistent organic pollutants and global climate change.

Going low-carbon will create millions of jobs

A recent study has revealed that the US alone would gain 2 million jobs by relying almost entirely on renewable or low-carbon sources of electricity. The study was conducted by the Copenhagen Climate Council.

Jose Manuel Barroso, the current EU Commission President hailing from Portugal, says that similar commitments to wind energy and other clean sources could produce a million new jobs in Europe since ``change also brings big economic opportunities.’’

Barroso made his comments on Day 2 of a business climate summit where CEOs of major world businesses are focusing on how to help politicians negotiate the new global climate treaty in Copenhagen in December to succeed the Kyoto protocol.

What will be left for the next generation?

I received a really nice email from students at my old high school Heart Lake Secondary School in Brampton who (like me when I was in high school) are really concerned about the environment and issues of social justice and youth today.

I've given them the space to be able to express their thoughts on this pertinent issue - and if there's one thing I know for sure, is that allowing students and youth the ability and the platform to express opinions on issues today will not only hopefully create a dialogue, but will help shape them to become leaders of the next generation.

Without further ado...

What will be left for the next generation?
Lilly Vijayasekar and Karen Dhillon

This is no ordinary letter about keeping the world green. This is also not just a reminder to recycle. This is a letter from two high school students who want to see a future for the next generation. As privileged as we are now, we have taken a class in our final year of secondary school that looks at the environment in depth. We are scared about what the future will hold for our generation. Global warming is happening now and we as a global community have to do something about this issue. Evidence clearly shows an increase in the world’s temperature since the Industrial Revolution. With the world heating up, we are in serious danger. Humans have essentially become a cancer to the Earth. Our irresponsibility and ignorance has clearly left Earth in jeopardy. We, as humans, have become so lazy, that we have changed the future of our plant significantly. We should be stewards to the environment and we have an obligation to protect and save the world. As Bramptonians, we watch the creation of numerous Suburban neighbourhoods which are completely dependent on fossil fuels. Think of how much carbon dioxide an individual in Brampton emits by simply driving to work and back home. It is unsustainable and yet we still continue on with a path that is destroying the world.

As young adults, we want everyone to know that we all can make a difference and help. Recycling is a great way to start. If we all understand our recycling rules better and even pressure Peel to collect a broader array of recyclable items, we are changing the world positively. Please, hear this out from students who care about their future. We want to live in a world where we do not have to fix the mistakes that the generation left before us. Thanks.