[Cja] CJA: THE PEOPLE'S REPORT BACKS from 1000 CANCUNS and COP16

[Julie Gorecki]

*CJA***

*1000 CANCUNS  *

*COP 16 CANCUN *

*THE PEOPLE’S REPORT BACKS *



Before the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) or COP16
Cancun began on November 29th, Climate Justice Action (CJA) sent out a
newsletter supporting La Via Campesina’s callout for 1000 Cancuns. We also
requested information from groups, individuals and organizations who may be
planning for 1000 Cancuns, OR who will be and are in Cancun attending the
conference. The following is a report back on actions, events and projects
you have told us about from your home and city, or directly from the ground
in Cancun Mexico.



The report backs are separated into two series. This is the first. It is a
reflection on the days of November 29 to December 4th - the official first
week of COP16- plus some 1000 Cancuns actions and report backs that occurred
a few days before the conference began. The second series of report backs
will be sent out at the end of week two of the conference and will still
include some report backs from week I. If you are interested in writing a
report back or sending us information on your 1000 Cancuns action, or if
you’re participating in a climate justice event in Cancun please send an
email to info at climate-justice-action.org or directly to
gorecki.julie at gmail.com <http://goog_1137575122>  .




In solidarity with our friends and allies towards building *system change
not climate change*,



Climate Justice Action





*24 NOVEMBER*



La Via Campesina’s call out for 1000 Cancuns is being heard around the
world. Here is the direct link to the list of updated global actions planned
around 1000 Cancuns:



http://www.viacampesina.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=971:list-of-events-organized-for-thousand-of-cancuns-around-the-world&catid=50:thousands-of-cancun-for-climate-justice&Itemid=195



*26 NOVEMBER*



Moving “Beyond Parts Per Million”



26 November 2010, Montreal - Just a few days before the start of the COP16
in Cancun, Climate Justice Montreal and Climate Justice Co-op, released the
first edition of *Beyond Parts Per Million: Voices from the Frontlines.* The
title of the publication recognizes the environmental crisis is “beyond”
climate crisis solutions proposed by scientific numbers of carbon parts,
statistics and false economic global market solutions.  Page three of the
publication explains the “need for a paradigm shift within the climate
movement…a shift that recognizes that climate change is the result of a
system based on infinite growth, on a finite planet… a shift towards
building a movement that can shut down destructive industries and replace
them with strong communities.” The image shown on the cover of the
publication is a silhouette of a plant intersected with a wrench. It is a
powerful visual that seems to imply the intersection between social justice
and environmental struggles. The image also suggests the commitment and hard
work put forth by climate and social justice communities and activists who
tirelessly strive towards the objective of ‘fixing’ the social and
environmental destruction of the climate crisis and those who have imposed
it.



Appropriately the sixteen pages of content do the same. Ranging from topics
such as chemical industry cities, to indigenous struggles, to climate
justice and gender, *Beyond Parts Per Million* tells global stories of
“frontline communities” who are directly affected by the environmental
destruction. That solutions are not only “beyond” science and failing
structures of economy, but are also about waking up to the reality of
contaminated water, rising cancer rates, gendered violence, complete
destructions of ecosystems and life cycles, and a long list of environmental
catastrophes that are destroying communities and decent living conditions.
As the last line of page 3 reads, “In short we need a shift that realizes
that the protection of life, land and culture will require solutions that
are not considered politically feasible, and that means moving beyond polar
bears and parts per million.”



Check out and download a copy of the entire publication here:
http://www.mediacoop.ca/story/climate-justice-montreal-releases-beyond-parts-million-voices-frontlines-climate-justice/525



European Assembly for Climate Justice Kicks off with Strong Critical Mass
Spraying “System Change not Climate Change” in front of EU Buildings



26 November 2010, Brussels- The European Assembly for Climate Justice in
Brussels kicked off with an energized critical mass of about 120 riders. The
route consisted of Brussels busiest streets. The riders were successful in
occupying a high traffic road, where a stop was made to shout loudly in
front of the Council of the European Union building. Activists chanted
climate slogans, drummed and shouted for climate justice to an audience
attending an event inside. Afterwards a spontaneous action took place where
the words  “system change not climate change” were sprayed on the road that
exists between two European Union buildings, so all who roam within the
buildings could see the message. Even though it was a cold and frosty night,
the group’s energy remained high and climate justice messages were heard. To
end the evening activists reconvened where the ride began, still loud and
ready to take action.  A final message of “system change not climate change”
was again sprayed in hot pink and blue in front of the European Assembly
against the verbal resistance of security and police.





*29 NOVEMBER  *

* *

Diálogo Climático: An Open Space for Climate Justice Discussion and
Solidarity in Cancun



The Diálogo Climático is an alternative COP16/Cancun space for all
individuals and movements who are involved in the struggle of climate
justice. The space was created to enable diversity of climate justice groups
to share thoughts, methods of actions, mobilize and debate.



The website states “Although not all social movements and networks are part
of this confluence/space, it was agreed that we would continue looking for
unity (in Mexico and at the international level), proposing that the
different social movements that will be organizing parallel activities join
in the December 7th mobilisation and elaborate a common declaration. We also
propose that we strengthen our efforts through mutual support, in terms of
promoting activities, doing joint press work, coordinating as much as
possible our debates and panels and respecting the role and autonomy of each
space.”



So far discussions within the space have ranged from women and the
environment, debates on system change not climate change, mobilizing direct
actions and discussions on Copenhagen to Cochabamba and moving forward with
the People’s agreement.



After the arrival of the La Via Campesina Caravans on December 3rd and 4th,
a “Climate Justice Forum” will be held in the space from December 5th-10th,
while talks and mobilizing is occurring right now for a potential Global Day
of action which would take place on December 7th.



For more information go to http://www.dialogoclimatico.org/.





Direct Action Against the International Emissions Trading Association in
Brussels



29 November 2010 Brussels- The weekend was not over for direct action
activists after three days of workshops and a “Sing for the Climate” march
on Sunday that was part of the European Assembly for Climate Justice. On the
first day of Cancun COP16 talks, a group of activist walked into and
occupyied the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) building in
Brussels. IETA is known for its business approach of advertising and
investing in false solutions to the climate crisis such as faulty
international carbon markets. Carbon trading and offsetting allows companies
to continue exploiting the environment and communities without cutting
emissions.  The target of the action was to disturb the prominent carbon
trading lobby groups within IETA. The direct action successfully blocked a
functioning workday within the building making their message of “Our Climate
is not for sale!” and “Carbon Trading is a false solution” heard. Jana
Timmerman who took part in the action said that “ ‘Carbon trading is a false
solution to the climate crisis. Relying on carbon trading means big profits
for the polluting industries, while they continue business as usual. Lobby
groups such as IETA are promoting carbon trading in the interest of their
big business members. We need real action to transform the way in which we
produce and consume, in order to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.’ ”



For more information check out http://www.angrymermaid.org/ieta





*30 NOVEMBER  *



Red Road Cancun: Indigenous Voices Broadcasting from COP 16



The Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) has sent a delegation of
Indigenous peoples to the COP16 in Cancun. This Indigenous presence has
organized a series of outlets for COP16 news, information, discussion and
action that can be found at http://redroadcancun.com/ .



The *red road cancun* live radio and live stream is among these excellent
sources of real climate justice advocacy and information. The show streams
live for one hour a day. It is a newscast made from Indigenous observations,
thoughts and real on the ground experiences happening in Cancun right now.
The show ranges from discussions on the destruction of the Tar Sands, to
quieted marginalized climate justice voices, to interviews with Indigenous
activists. Even though the Indigenous community is in Cancun to put pressure
on the negotiating process occurring behind the doors of the conference, red
road cancun does not stray away from the real climate crisis solutions that
will not be solved by COP16. During November 30th’s broadcast, Kandi Mosett
of the Indigenous Environmental Network said “we’re here to create change,
to create a paradigm shift” while prominent Indigenous activist Tom
Goldtooth explained “what we’re doing here is to lift up the contradictions,
and also lift up the importance for industrialized society. The importance
of the world to revaluate, what its relationship is to the sacredness of
mother earth. So there has to be a new paradigm in thinking as far as
looking at the root causes of what is causing climate change. “



The website also hosts updated COP16 information such as written articles
that range from BP’s exploitation of Indigenous land and the “four
principles of climate justice”. The last post explained Indigenous activists
traveling for three hours in high traffic zones in order to access the
convention center, while government officials are tucked away in $300
dollar/night hotel rooms in inaccessible locations outside of the city
surrounded by a heavy police presence.



Check out the *red road cancun* website at http://redroadcancun.com/





*2 DECEMBER *



 “Statement by the CLOC-Via Campesina on the Climate Summit in Cancun”



2 December, Cancun- La Via Campesina released the “Statement by the CLOC-Via
Campesina on the Climate Summit in Cancun” proposal in support of “Thousands
of Cancuns for Climate Justice.” The proposal states:“…we affirm that the
Peoples' Accord emitted at the Summit on Climate Change and the Rights of
Mother Earth, held in Cochabamba, Bolivia, is one of the most interesting
proposals…As CLOC / Via Campesina we believe that the capitalist model based
on the exploitation of natural resources, with the idea of unlimited
progress, is primarily responsible for the environmental disaster that we
are now experiencing.”



The current market economy has proven to be incapable of providing basic
human rights such as water, but also hinders the means to a safe, healthy
livelihood by limiting the development of food sovereignty and paralyzing
the process of effective and significant reductions of carbon emissions. The
natural disasters which wipeout communities and displace populations, and
the future of a livable planet for all are a result of today’s global market
economy. In turn the proposal offers 9 statements of steps towards real
climate crisis solutions.



Check out all 9 steps and the entire article here:
http://www.viacampesina.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=983:statement-by-the-cloc-via-campesina-on-the-climate-summit-in-cancun-&catid=48:-climate-change-and-agrofuels&Itemid=75





*3 DECEMBER*



Indigenous Peoples Action on the Steps of COP16 Conference



3 December, Cancun- About 30 indigenous delegates held a peaceful
demonstration in front of the COP16 conference center on the 5th day of the
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Cancun. The delegates
called for the end of their exclusion from the COP16 negotiating process by
chanting slogans and singing native indigenous songs while wearing
traditional dress.



Delegates from 192 Nations are currently attending COP16. Even though
Indigenous communities strive to continue the structure of their ancient
nations within today’s newly defined boarders, not one Indigenous delegate
has been invited or permitted to join the 192 delegates in negotiating
processes. The climate justice community and the people inside the
conference understand that Indigenous communities are among the peoples most
affected by the climate crisis. This Indigenous demonstration was also a
response to the disturbing and unacceptable discussion of some States
wishing to take out the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the UN Declaration
negotiation text. This group of Indigenous delegates made their message
clear by holding up banners in Spanish and English that read “Respect
Indigenous Peoples Rights.”



For the entire story on this demonstration go to
http://redroadcancun.com/?p=1263



La Via Campesina Caravans Arrive in Cancun



3 December, Cancun- La Via Campesina has organized a total of six caravans
that are a “series of mobilisations that seek to publicize the grave
conditions of social and environmental deterioration found in the cities,
communities and towns of Mexico, due to the privatization of public goods,
the impunity with which industries operate with respect to environmental
regulations and to the violation of the social and labor laws of the
citizens.”



On November 28th, the first three Caravans left and travelled through San
Luis Potosi, Guadalajara, Acapulco and then Mexico City before reaching
their final destination of Cancun on December 3rd.

The Caravans have focused on topics such as contaminated water and
watersheds, soil erosion, and the contamination of food within Mexico. Each
Caravan represents a different climate crisis. The first three Caravans
focused on the rejection of Canadian mining, the death of the Lerma Santiago
River and resistance against the hydroelectric Dam la Parota.



Now that the Caravans have reached Mexico La Via Campesina has released an
ambitious and confident agenda for the start of the second week of the
conference:



**Dec. 4, 10.00am: Press conference: Arrival of caravans and program of La
Via Campesina in Cancun. Start of the World Alternative Forum "For Life and
Environmental and Social Justice." Where: Camp.

**Dec. 5, 10.00am. Presentation of Report: "Overview of the Social and
Environmental Devastation in Mexico." Where: Camp.

**Dec. 6, 10.00am. Press conference: "Announcement of the massive rally in
Cancun and world mobilisation of the «THOUSANDS CANCUN.» Where: Camp.

**Dec. 6, 6pm. Press conference: ""Announcement of the massive rally in
Cancun and world mobilisation of the «THOUSANDS CANCUN.» Where: Moon Palace

**Dec. 9. "Meeting of the Bolivian President, Evo Morales, with members of
the camp." Place and time to be confirmed ( Found:
http://viacampesina.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=984:the-international-caravan-of-la-via-campesina-advances-for-cancun&catid=48:-climate-change-and-agrofuels&Itemid=75)



To check out the details of La Via Campesina’s Caravan mobilisation go to:
http://viacampesina.org/en/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=984:the-international-caravan-of-la-via-campesina-advances-for-cancun&catid=48:-climate-change-and-agrofuels&Itemid=75





*4 DECEMBER*





*Hundreds gather for People’s Assembly on Climate Justice in Toronto: *

Activists, Organizers, Neighbourhood Participants discuss community response
to the Climate Crisis**



Toronto – On Saturday December 4th, the Global Climate Campaign’s
International Day of Climate Action, hundreds of activists, community
organizers and neighbourhood participants gathered for the second Toronto
People’s Assembly on Climate Justice at Sidney Smith Hall, on the University
of Toronto campus.



“The People’s Assembly on Climate Justice is a people’s  alternative to the
corrupt and illegitimate solutions which are being pushed through the United
Nations,” says Julien Lalonde, a community organizer with Toronto Bolivia
Solidarity and a core facilitator at the Assembly.  “By using channels of
collective dialogue and community empowerment we are working together  to
become a movement that understands the fundamental interconnectedness of our
struggles for social, economic and environmental justice.”



Building on the horizontal process established during the Reclaim Power
People’s Assembly in Copenhagen last December, the Toronto Assembly was an
ambitious all day affair. Using a combination of breakouts and plenaries,
participants discussed movement building, building alternative spaces,
accountability to front-line communities, economic reform, offgrid energy
solutions, and much more, in response to the initial framing question asking
what we can do together to create a stronger movement for Climate Justice.  In
the afternoon seven People’s Council’s were created to begin formulating
responses to topics identified by the Assembly as priority issues.



“Through a horizontal people’s process, the Assembly seeks to create a space
where we can work together to share experience, knowledge, and resources in
order to build a local response to a global crisis,” says Brett Rhyno of
Environmental Justice Toronto, who participated in the original Reclaim
Power People’s Assembly. “The challenge of the climate crisis can only be
met with a coordinated response that will bring forth our power in numbers.”



As the Canadian government works to obstruct progress in Cancun by opposing
a second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol and at home by killing the
Climate Change Accountability Act, the need is clear for communities to step
up and start building their own solutions. The goal of the People’s Assembly
is to generate new possibilities and new hopes in order to bridge the gap
from separately operating groups, communities, and individuals, to converge
into one diverse, united movement.



The Toronto People’s Assembly is in solidarity with La Via Campesina’s call
for 1000 Cancuns and, after successfully bringing the People’s Assembly
model to Canada in advance of the G20, it collaborated with the Council of
Canadians to produce a national call for People’s Assemblies which has
resulted in fourteen People’s Assemblies happening across the country during
the UN negotiations in Cancun.



For more information on the People's Assembly go here
http://torontopeoplesassembly.wordpress.com/
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