On this last day, I close my UNFCCC COP 18 blog with an image of “The Big Spider,” which was the gathering spot we all used when we wanted to an easy place to meet.  “The Big Spider” is an excellent metaphor for what it’s going to take to address the climate crisis.  People talk about the three legged stool in the context of problem solving. With the complexity of climate change, the eight legs of the spider might be more appropriate.

Some of the take-home foci that come to mind from discussions here include: 1) Equity and Human Rights Centered Processes and Approaches; 2) Respect for and Harmony with the Earth’s Bounty of Natural Resources; 3) Gender Sensitivity in Responsiveness and Leadership; 4) Indigenous Sovereignty; 5) Faith Leadership; 6) Drastic Emissions Reductions, 7) Shift to Reliance on Clean Energy; and 8) Models of Sustainable, Livable, Resilient Communities.  This list is far from inclusive, plus it has multiple overlapping areas. We would need a centipede to encompass the intricacies of a comprehensive agenda!

Also notice that this particular spider is carrying eggs, which certainly represents the hope and promise for the future.  It is also symbolic of the responsibility we all share in making sure that those who inherit the earth have a safe and healthy environment in which to thrive.

In closing, the arachnid image also reminds me of one of my favorite proverbs which is apropos to concerns around the dominant influence of opposing forces who do not prioritize upholding human and earth rights. We must all remember that “When Spiders Unite, They Can Tie Up a Lion”—Ghanaian Proverb.”

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Chair Rajendra K. Pachuari started the panel off with opening remarks affirming the importance of this analysis and the need for more research in this area.

Trude Stovrelmo and Thomas Leirvik of Yale University started the panel off by describing some of the complexities around some “co-pollutants” such as sulfates that actually have cooling effect on the atmosphere. This analysis provides important considerations in advancing mitigation efforts.

Kevin Tu of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace provided a presentation on an issue that China and the United States share in common, their volley for top spot in contributing to the global carbon dioxide load due largely to coal fired energy generation.

Nick Nutall of United Nations Environmental Program provided an update on a global initiative called the Climate and Clean Air Coalition with founding partners Bangladesh, Canada, Mexico, Sweden and the United States. The coalition focuses on short lived climate pollutants, including methane from landfills, heavy duty diesel vehicles, brick production, and flaring from the oil and gas industry.

After opening remarks by the moderator, Reverend William Somplatsky—Jamon of Presbyterian Church USA and the World Council of Churches, we viewed a WCC film “Have You Seen the Rainbow: Hope, Change, and Faith in Tuvalu” which gave us a snapshot of the impact and threat of the climate crisis for the people of Tuvalu.

We then heard the grounding words of Sister Jayanti Kirpalani of Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University-Europe led us in a reflection on the powers of prayer and relationships, including our relationship with the earth. “When we protect nature, nature protects us,“ she stated.

Archbishop Seraphim Kykotis of Zimbabwe and Angola, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa spoke of equity and our moral obligation to act on climate change.

Father John T. Brinkman of Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers wrapped up with an in depth presentation on what it truly means to view this crisis through an equity and morality lens.

The Q&A brought insightful commentary from audience and panelists alike. The discussion began with a lamentation from one audience member, “Christians have moved away from focusing on salvation to focusing on prosperity.  He followed with a query from one audience member, “It is the responsibility of the faith community to bring hope. How do we bring hope?“ The discussion continued with someone asking if we are not missing the boat by not putting more emphasis on addressing population control,. To this, Father Brinkman replied that it’s not population that’s driving this crisis, it’s the excesses of a wealthy few that is at the core of the problem.

Sister Kirpalani stated that we needed to focus on generating the renewable energy of hope which is spiritual, immortal and eternal. An audience member gave us a charge going forward by invoking an earlier reference by Sister Kirpalani in saying that, as faith communities, our role needs to be engaging more prominently at future COPs in invoking positive vibrations at all climate talks going forward.

Following this panel, I joined the US Climate Action Network Panel, “Double Jeopardy: The High Stakes Reality of Climate Change in the U.S,” which focused on impacts of climate change felt in the United States.  The panel started with Doug Boucher of Union of Concerned Scientists detailing the science around climate change, how it applies to Hurricane Sandy, and what we will continue to see in the future.  Then I gave an overview of communities facing disproportionate impact of the climate change continuum in terms of both the drivers and the results of climate change itself and how communities are taking action to advance climate justice. Following me was Mary Minnette of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America who talked about how events like Hurricane Katrina in the US compelled ELCA to shift from a primarily international focus as it relates to their work on climate change, to also encompassing the US in their programmatic focus. The panel wrapped up with Amanda Nesheiwat of Sustain US who is a survivor of Hurricane Sandy as well as a climate justice activist. She described impacts in her community and what she is doing locally, nationally, and globally to address climate change.

For the presentation I gave, you might need to view the Power Point while listening to my narration, because the presentation was so visual.

Another World is Possible, Another US Is Necessary–UNFCCC COP 18

Also, here’s a link to a better rendition of the song “Climate Control”, by the “Get Your Green Class” at the High School for Performing Arts in St. Paul, Minnesota.

https://soundcloud.com/getyourgreen123/green-team-climate-control

A Q&A Session followed the presentations:

As I left our panel on my way to a rendezvous with a colleague, I heard a fracas which drew my attention down the hall to a demonstration calling for “ambition”, “justice” and “finance” in the response to climate change. I arrived just in time to hear a couple of rousing rounds of a civil rights anthem, “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around” led by a fierce young sister!

As we look towards tomorrow, as the last day of the UNFCCC COP18, most hopes are dim for any kind of just outcomes in the face of the growing urgency to address this crisis.  If the International Forum on Globalization’s report, entitled ‘Faces Behind a Global Crisis: US Carbon Billionaires and the UN Climate Deadlock”  has it right, 2012 may be another year where the COP earns its nickname, “Conference of Polluters”, as small island states and other nations, those least responsible and most impacted, go unheeded yet again.

“An important backdrop for my delegation is the profound impacts of climate change that we are already confronting. As we sit here, every single hour, even as we vacillate and procrastinate here, the death toll is rising. There is massive and widespread devastation. Hundreds of thousands of people have been rendered without homes. And the ordeal is far from over, as Typhoon Bopha has regained some strength as it approaches another populated area in the western part of the Philippines. Madam Chair, we have never had a typhoon like Bopha, which has wreaked havoc in a part of the country that has never seen a storm like this in half a century. And heartbreaking tragedies like this are not unique to the Philippines. Because the whole world, especially developing countries struggling to address poverty and achieve social and human development, confront these same realities.

Finally, Madam Chair, I speak on behalf of 100 million Filipinos, a quarter of a million of whom are eking out a living working here in Qatar. And I am making an urgent appeal, not as a negotiator, not as a leader of my delegation, but as a Filipino.

I appeal to the whole world, I appeal to leaders from all over the world, to open our eyes to the stark reality that we face. I appeal to ministers.

The outcome of our work is not about what our political masters want. It is about what is demanded of us by 7 billion people.

I appeal to all, please, no more delays, no more excuses. Please, let Doha be remembered as the place where we found the political will to turn things around. Please, let 2012 be remembered as the year the world found the courage to find the will to take responsibility for the future we want.

I ask of all of us here, if not us, then who? If not now, then, when? If not here, then, where?”

The headline of today’s paper shares the one of the commitments the Qatari government is making coming out of COP 18 as much emphasis is placed on shifting to clean energy.

During the panel, “Climate Change Resilience and the Role of Regenerative Cities in the Gulf Cooperation Council”.  The panel was opened by Najib Saab, Secretary General,  of The Arab Forum for Environment and Development, who gave an overview of their recently released report, Green Economy: Sustainable Transition in a Changing Arab World.  Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Director of Energy and Climate Change at the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs,  shares his analysis of present and projected impacts of climate change and response strategies including ‘regenerative’ development.

Next, on the panel, “Climate Action and Advocacy in the South: Civil Society Activists Share Achievements and Challenges, Ben Namikin of the Climate Action Network in Kiribati shared examples of the impact of climate change in this small island state and he described the actions they are taking nationally and locally as well as stating what is needed in terms of stronger leadership from other governments.

Youth from Sustain US expressed considerable disappointment at what they saw as contradictions between statements made by the US administration and lack of ambitious commitments put forth at the UNFCCC COP 18.

Quotes from past speeches by President Obama….

Demonostrating Inconsistencies between past speeches and current commitments

Further Inconsistencies

Here at the UNFCCC COP 18, there is scarce acknowledgement of World AIDS Day, as everyone is here to address another related and urgent crisis. Yet, there are many intersections between these crises and many characteristics that the AIDS Crisis and the Climate Disruption crisis have in common in terms of drivers, progression, and disproportionate impact for certain populations. Classism, racism, sexism, and corporate control of systems and people underpin both the genesis and the proliferation of each crisis.

Challenges around corporate domination of policy making around intellectual property rights, regulations, etc are true for both AIDS and Climate Change

Both crises are characterized by the rampant violations of economic, social, cultural and political rights. Both crises affect everyone but disproportionately impact many of the same communities, countries, and sub-populations. Each has been grossly commodified and plagued with false solutions that prioritize profits over people and fail to make real progress. For each crisis there is a false dichotomy between prevention and treatment in the case of AIDS, and mitigation and adaption, in the case of climate change.  In the case of each crisis, real change can only be affected when both approaches are fully integrated.

Philippines is once again caught in the cross hairs of the climate crises, maintaining its position of one of the top 10 countries most impacted by climate change, while data released on World AIDS Day reveals that it is also one of nine countries whose HIV&AIDS incidence has increased by more than 25%

Population control is one of the controversial solutions for climate change being touted while many call for an affirmation of a woman’s right to choose, but the need to focus on consumption reduction and better resource management, in the face of climate change. Similarly, with HIV&AIDS, the lack of effective integration of family planning is a challenge, in addition to attempts to control the rights of persons living with the HIV&AIDS to have children.

“Clean Coal”, one of the proposed techno-fixes for the climate crisis that many dismiss as being unproven. Plus, it doesn’t address the myriad challenges with the harmful nature of the coal based energy production process.

Both crises are challenged with gendered impact and historic failure to ensure gender balanced leadership.

Finally, for each crisis, it will take commitment from everyone to truly address the societal mores, systemic shortcoming, flawed policies and practices.  We must build on community, cultural, national, local, and family assets to end these crises and make the world a place that uplifts all rights for all, including Mother Earth.

Youth and other civil society members started the day at the Corniche in a peaceful rally under the banner, “One Environment, One People, One Earth”.  Arab youth from many nations, who have been visible and vocal throughout the negotiations, led the rally with a banner calling on Arab nations to take the lead in pushing for bold commitments on emissions reductions, energy efficiency, clean energy, and equitable finance.  Organized by “Oasis Doha, a Qatari civil society organization, this march was the first ever environmental protection march in Qatar.

It was sad to attend the US Climate Action Network Press Conference and see no people of color or people representing grassroots constituencies on the panel, particularly given the disproportionate of climate change on communities of color and low income communities. Though I understand the need to conserve resources for US based grassroots groups, I lament the stark dichotomy between the dominant understanding of the US as merely a wealthy nation not living up to its obligation, vs the most affected countries. In these talks, there is no acknowledgement of affected communities in the US that are not only disproportionately affected by climate change, but are also being directly poisoned by the polluting facilities that are primarily responsible for climate change.  Though the US on the whole has well earned the title of wealthy, big emitter…… many communities within epitomize an existence of marginalization, exploitation, contamination and poverty amidst plenty.  Those communities remain largely invisible and voiceless in these negotiations.

USCAN Press Conference Panel

At the same time, the press conference held by IBON International was very reflective of the needs and concerns and the imperative call for solidarity and joint action by communities and countries most affected by climate change and its drivers. At this press conference they launched the “Campaign for People’s Goals for Sustainable Development” which is a platform to “urge governments to pursue genuine sustainable development as the means through which to avert climate change, eradicate poverty, and achieve social justice.”

IBON International Press Conference

I attended a session, “Advancing Human Rights in the Climate Change Framework” which discussed the many human rights impacts of climate change.  Presenters  were from Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Kenya. Ms. Chi-Fang of Kiribati was particularly moving as she became emotional during the telling of how her country is affected and stands to be further devastated. Still she says they aren’t looking for a handout, but are seeking solidarity and partnership. “We don’t want outsiders coming to tell us what to do or doing things in our countries. We want people to work with us, not work for us.”

A session on transitioning to low carbon emissions raised many of the equity issues as “developing nations”, who are least responsible for the emissions that drive climate change, are being asked to reduce carbon while they are trying to scale up development processes. This has led to a discussion around “common but differentiated responsibility” which frames commitments to emissions reductions as universal but seeks a different level of reduction with consideration to factors such as level of per capita contribution to the global emissions and where a nation sits on a development scale.

PANEL: Transition to Low Carbon Economies in the EBRD Countries of Operation

Speaker from the Ukraine

What turned out to be a very full day was reaching a close as I attended a session on “Climate Forced Migration: On the Question of Rights and Responsibilities” which highlighted the fact that the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change in 2006and Turning the Tide,  a 2007 Christian Aid report in estimate displacement of respectively 200 million and 250 million people by climate change related phenomena like desertification, increasing water scarcity, floods and storm disruptions of monsoon systems and other rainfall regimes, by droughts of unprecedented severity and duration, and by sea level rise and coastal flooding’ etc. In effect, this would mean that 1 in every 45 persons stands to be displaced by climate change. Representatives from…..told of the impact of climate forced migration in their nations and communities.

PANEL: Climate Forced Migrants

I will leave you with a lovely 30-minute clip of a song performed by Xie Zheng—Chinese musician, activist, and environmentalist—featured in Brighter Green ‘s documentary What’s for Dinner?. The song is speaking to the animals saying, “We will never leave you. We will always be there for you.”

Climate Change Studio

I decided to spend some time in the “Climate Change Studio” listening to interviews with various delegates to COP 18.  After the fourth person, I was troubled by the theme of interviewing all European white males! Out of all of the women and global south nations here at this conference, was tis truly the best selection they could find? That was saddening/maddening.  Just as I wondered if this would be it, up to the mic stepped, Lord Mayor Ayodele Adewale, known for being the youngest mayor of Amuwo Odofin, in Lagos when he first took office. Though now he’s in his second term.  He spoke specifically about the extreme flooding that is now routinely taking place in Nigeria destroying crops and displacing communities.

Climate Risk

Actuarial science has a key role to play in the insurance sector’s assessment of climate risk and implications for the industry.  A panel led by the Munich Climate Insurance Initiative shared their work in different nations on predicting loss and damage associated with particularly the extreme weather events and sea level rise which will result from climate change, and also determining their role in mitigation given the stake in the industry in cost management and offering preventative services to their clients.  In conclusion, they see their primary roles as follows:

v  Foster adaptation in a meaningful mix of approaches to manage risk

v  Assess loss and damage potential

v  Incentivize loss reduction and resilience building

v  ‘Reduce financial repercussions of volatility and create more space for certainty in decision making

v  Provide timely finance to cover loss and damage

Munich Climate Insurance Initiative Panel

Nigerian Youth, Gender, and Tree Planting

On the panel of Nigerian youth, there was a repeat in the pattern of male domination in that there was only one woman on the panel out of 6 panelists, a representative from the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP).  When the UNEP rep was introduced, the moderator spoke at length about gender equity (GE) and so forth to such an extent that I assumed GE would be the theme of her remarks. However, as it turns out, he was only making those comments because she was the only woman on the panel!  J As she began, the UNEP rep did comment that it was pretty abysmal that out of 6 people she was the only woman on the panel and she said this needed to change in the future.  Otherwise, her remarks were about the importance of tree planning and the role youth can play in climate mitigation.

Mr. Taiwo Adewale provided a robust presentation on the myriad ways that trees are vital to both mitigation, through such mechanisms as the role of trees in absorbing carbon dioxide, as well as adaptation, as trees provide coverage/shade against the increasingly scorching effects of the sun. He then presented on the ways that youth are involved at local and national levels in Nigeria.

It was striking that out of the 25 or so people in the room, only about 6 of us were women and only 3 people weren’t from Sub Saharan Africa.  What is the ratio of men to women of African descent at this conference? Also, are only people from Sub Saharan Africa interested in hearing about the role of Nigerian youth in climate change mitigation? Why weren’t others present to learn and support this important work? Strange!

United Nations of African Youth Panel on Mobilizing to Plant Trees

Youth Artivism

As I toured the Exhibition Hall towards the end of the day, I came upon the space for the Youth Non-Governmental Organizations.  They were making their voices heard through a makeshift mural with messaging of their impressions of the UN negotiations thus far!