http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/603977
The Climate Change Lobby

The number of lobbyists seeking to influence federal policy on climate change has grown more than 300 percent in five years, with a slew of new interests from Main Street to Wall Street adding to the challenge of addressing global warming, according to a new Center for Public Integrity report, The Climate Change Lobby. The report provides a first-of-its-kind look at the universe of special interests shaping debate in the United States and how it has sharply expanded between 2003 ? when Congress previously voted on climate change ? and 2008.

Among the report?s findings:

* More than 770 companies and organizations hired some 2,340 lobbyists to work on climate change and spent at least $90 million lobbying in 2008. The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity ? a group of 48 companies ? topped the list of those solely focused on the issue, spending $9.95 million.
* In 2003, 70 percent of the interests weighing in on climate were energy companies and manufacturers. But by 2008, those sectors made up only 45 percent of the total, despite their strong growth, because so many new interests had joined in the fray.
* Finance, insurance and investment firms, with virtually no presence in the climate debate on Capitol Hill in 2003, last year had as many lobbyists as alternative energy firms ? about 130. Their interest is in shaping the rules of a market-based ?cap-and-trade? system.

The Climate Change Lobby features a fully searchable database of climate lobbyists, using disclosure reports filed with the U.S. Senate?s Office of Public Records, as well as brief profiles of some of the most prominent lobbyists. ]]> Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/603977 55.6666667 12.583333355.666666712.5833333 http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/561143
(Originally written for the book "Water Voices from Around the World" www.watervoices.org )

To the people of the World

“…The powerful flame ignited by the will of the Mexican people was felt throughout the city. As an alternative to the 4th World Water Forum, hundreds of civil society events where going on all month long. After this, “business as usual” at water forums will never be the same, and it took the efforts of people from the entire globe to spark this shift”…….Helen Samuels

In my city, after a rainfall, it is not unusual to see puddles of dirty, rotten water evaporating from the largest paved surface on earth. The remaining fresh water flows into sewers and mixes with black waters, destined to never complete its natural cycle.

This may not seem a tragedy to many, but for some of us it is. Mexico City used to be a water-city where the challenges have traditionally been an excess of the vital liquid not the lack of it. What was called the Valley of the 5 lakes now steals half of its water from rivers kilometers away. The remaining half comes from diminishing watersheds and almost 50% of the total water supply available is lost from leakages in the delivery system. Millions of people have only poor quality water dripping into their homes a few hours per day.

Does this sound ridiculous? Well it is. A region inhabited by 22 million people, originally characterized by its huge lakes now finds itself sinking in its own thirst, and the international private sector is taking full advantage of this situation.

The good news is that not everything is grim concerning water these days. During the 4th World Water Forum held in Mexico City in March 2006, Mexican civil society movements such as worker’s unions, indigenous and youth organizations, environmentalists, punks, NGOs, feminists, independent activists, students, professionals and a diverse multiplicity of people, decided to unite forces in a common vision to face the unilateral strategy of privatization of water and its related services. The results where an amazing series of events offering the public a vast array of choices in appropriate technology and water management. Projects such as “Mirror of Water” and the “Green Room” were created so that a wide range of visitors could participate for free in conferences, forums, debates, video projections, NGO expos, workshops, concerts, art, fairs, games for children, photography exhibits, street theater, native ceremonies and cultural exchanges. The civil action provided a pro-active citywide forum for demonstrating “do it yourself” technologies such as rainwater collectors, dry toilets and local organic production amongst others. Strategic alliances emerged spawning hundreds of new community projects and long-term regional management strategies.

People took action because of their personal responsibility to this and future generations, proving that respect for water is a powerful motivator. It was the driving force that brought together 50,000 citizens in a march held on the day of the inauguration of the “official forum”. We achieved a celebration of diversity and set the groundwork for a global movement of civic response not seen during prior World Water Forums.


In a devastated world, social movements that are born to defend basic human and Earth rights offer a sign of hope. In March, two hundred and forty civil organizations came together in Mexico City under the banner of “Alliance for the Defense of Water and Earth”. This movement, which coalesced spontaneously, has already begun to implement a new vision of decision making and participation. Self-management with responsibility enables a community to work efficiently to improve quality of life and water. This also reduces the dependence on consumption of “market products” as a quick fix solution. Informed self-monitoring makes the community aware of how much water they have and how to best use it. This is far more valuable than money.

The solution to the global water problem is not privatization and taking the decision making process away from the people; everybody has to get involved. We all have to take a deep look into ourselves and go to the root of the problem…,our anthropocentric view of the world that leads us to believe that we, or the “privileged few”, have the right to manage the essential elements that provide life for all.¬ We have to build an improved paradigm of civilization if we are to survive, and take the next step towards evolution where society has access to knowledge and the wisdom of the people prevails over international marketing strategies.

Water does not belong to anybody, it is an inalienable right not only for humans, but also for animals, plants and all living creatures on Earth. Einstein said “problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them”, so, can corporate solve the problems that it helped create? Not without changing. Fortunately, the collective efforts of regional and global communities worldwide are beginning to provide sustainable strategies for water protection and management.

It is a common perception that water scarcity will be the cause of the next world wars. The social phenomena in Mexico City has shown us that the shared desire to build a new relationship with water has the power to unite people with varying points of view and backgrounds. Mutual understanding empowers people to set aside their differences for a greater good.

I firmly believe that if we could achieve this in Mexico City, then it can be done everywhere, to demonstrate that people can build a pathway of peace towards a different and new relationship with water and life. If we liberate water, we will free ourselves and live in peace, not war, and for this we have to come together in one voice and take action as a grass root global movement for a free, just and living world. Water is a reason to create community not war!


Carlos García-Robles

]]> Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:23:00 EST http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/561143 55.6666667 12.583333355.666666712.5833333 http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/560313
http://www.carbontradewatch.org/index.php?option=com_contenttask=viewid=228Itemid=36

Cheers!]]> Sun, 28 Dec 2008 15:45:00 EST http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/560313 55.6666667 12.583333355.666666712.5833333 http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/560299
http://www.foei.org/en/campaigns/climate/kyoto-protocol/world-bank-out-of-climate-change-finance.pdf]]> Sun, 28 Dec 2008 14:32:00 EST http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/560299 55.6666667 12.583333355.666666712.5833333 http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/559893
http://www.carbontradewatch.org/index.php?option=com_contenttask=viewid=31Itemid=45

some good youtube resources:

International Rivers - The Great Carbon Offsets Swindle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2pI-8wEvtgfeature=related

Direct Action at the COP 6 bis in Bonn in 2001. people from Rising Tide network came together and did lots of actions against the use of flex mex in the talks and the lack of climate justice in the talks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ITPoUBOJ6M

Problems with the EU-ETS and carbon trading in general
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boH1st9Eu3wfeature=related

Problems with the Clean Development Mechanism
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xG8Hpnagg0

Problems with the voluntary offsets market
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk9Ev91jjQ8feature=related]]> Sat, 27 Dec 2008 11:13:00 EST http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/559893 55.6666667 12.583333355.666666712.5833333 http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/559369
AAPSO resolution on Climate Change


The earth is on the brink of a climate change catastrophe, caused by human actions. Humans need to start acting immediately to avert planetary ruin and loss of species, including themselves.



We recognize that mankind is very close to triggering certain runaway feedback effects that would result in global warming getting out of control. We take note of the consensual position of scientists expressed through the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that the globe as a whole should take to a path of steep decline in fossil fuel use and Greenhouse Gas emissions, starting almost immediately. We note that even if countries of the world take emergent action, the developing nations, most of them in Africa and Asia, face unavoidable serious impacts of climate change through weather disasters, disease spread, heat stress, drought, water shortage, crop yield decline, sea level rise, large scale migration and such other.



We take particular note of the fact that world peace is gravely threatened by climate change induced food riots, water wars, displacements, migrations and depleting natural resources.



We denounce the corporate-backed denial and distortion of climate science and the consequent inexcusable foot-dragging by the rich nations of this world in facing up to the situation. We particularly condemn the largest polluter, the USA, for its attempts so far to sabotage the UN-based collaborative decision making process.



We note the gross inequality that exists in sharing the atmospheric space – with developed countries historically occupying it with their GHG emissions far in excess of their share of world population, depriving the developing countries of their present development needs. The latter face the most damage from climate change and have the least capability to adapt to it. By any reckoning of equity - based on equal rights to global commons for all people of the world - the countries of the North owe a huge carbon debt to the countries of the South.



We hold the view that justice and equity – and the polluter pays principle - should be the bedrock on which any framework of burden sharing for future emission control and adaptation to climate change impacts should be based. We hold that equity – based on per capita emission rights, historic and in the future - is the only practicable principle on which an international accord can be based. We hold that equitable development is the best adaptation method. We consider that the current financial crisis that has enveloped the entire world system and the attempts by various governments to adopt Keynesian stimulus packages provides an opportunity to rapidly switch to a green development path by choosing the right directions for the government spends.

We condemn the slow pace of international negotiations to arrive at a concerted action plan, primarily due to rich country resistance to accepting the equal rights to the atmosphere principle. We ask the governments of Asian and African countries and of all other developing nations to stop being reactive and demand immediate action worldwide, to mitigate and adapt to climate change with the rich countries shouldering most of the cost burden based on per capita rights, responsibilities and capabilities and on the premises of polluter pays and carbon debt. We hold that it should be the right of the majority of the people of the world to determine future technology directions towards a low carbon path and demand that market-based approaches that do not work should be given up.

We hold that the current economic order of globalization that is based on ever increasing consumption and production of goods for profit – a large part of it planned for obsolescence, use and throw and some, downright harmful – as primarily responsible for the unsustainable use of fossil energy. We subscribe to the view that more human-centered and community based development is the need of the day and profit–motivated instruments should not be trusted to deliver core solutions.


We demand that the governments of all developing nations initiate a massive climate awareness generation programme among their people and initiate a wide public consultation process on energy and policy options before their nations. We demand that these government adhere to the principle of equity in entitlement to the use of environmental resources among all their peoples and uphold the rights of the less energy consuming sections of their societies.


We call upon the non governmental organizations of Asia, Africa and all other developing countries to take the climate message of the environment to their peoples and to empower them to demand their ecological debts and developmental rights outside as well as inside their borders.


We hold that the aggressive capitalist system that has caused the current meltdown of the financial structure of globalization is also at the root of mankind's rampage of its natural surroundings and a return to harmony with the environment involves rejection of this destructive system. We call upon all non-governmental organizations of the world to build broad coalitions to work towards such societal change that would lead to a more equitable, humanitarian and eco-sensitive world order, the only guarantee to a long term sustainable future for life systems on the planet, even while working for practicable urgent action needed to avert the imminent climate change disaster. ]]> Fri, 26 Dec 2008 10:11:00 EST http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/559369 55.6666667 12.583333355.666666712.5833333 http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/559347
have a look at the COP 14 ceremony... ridiculous as it sounds and looks, as it was..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRQhluUK4gE]]> Fri, 26 Dec 2008 08:46:00 EST http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/559347 55.6666667 12.583333355.666666712.5833333 http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/559345 No rest for the...
(Originally written and posted Dec 15 www.foei.org/en/blog)

I had decided to take Monday off, but, guess what? Even though there are no formal negotiations today, I'm here at the conference attending all sorts of press conferences, side events and meetings. So much for taking it easy.

Here at the COP 14 most people are talking about CDMs, REDD, FCPF, LCA and..GEF. Hold on.. what!!?? No, I didn’t get it either. Uhh well, some of these things have to do with offsetting.. aha, yes ..well, this means for example that if I throw rubbish in my back yard, I can pay my poor neighbor some money so he doesn’t cut his grass so the wind can blow some of my rubbish in his backyard and then he keeps it there well hidden, because this would mean ..it would mean... no I don’t know what it would mean!!

This is ridiculous, wouldn’t it be easier not to throw any trash at all? And in this case, stop emitting Co2??

To me it just sounds like legalized bribing to keep polluting so big business can keep making more profit and governments are letting this happen just because they are scared their economy will collapse. But then again, isn't this happening already??


Cheers!


Carlos
]]> Fri, 26 Dec 2008 08:03:00 EST http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/559345 55.6666667 12.583333355.666666712.5833333 http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/559341 (originally written and posted Dec 08 at www.foei.org/en/blog)

YEAAHH!! On the morning of the 6th I just couldn’t get up, not only because of this exhausting week - the party last night also had something to do with it. However, thinking that I was going to bike and march for the climate just pulled me out of bed.

After a good breakfast, we headed to the "castle" in downtown Poznan where at least 200 people were ready to send a strong message: if we as people from all over the world can get together to move around the city without emitting any Co2, why can’t everyone else?

Our Polish friends made arrangements so that everybody could have a non Co2 emitting two wheeler and they did it very well. We had a great ride.

A polish Santa was leading the group shouting climate change stuff in polish, while we were waving at the crowds gathering on the pavements. Everybody was smiling and having fun, plus it was the best way to get to know and feel the city.

And after the ride, the march! It was amazing. It looked more like a party than anything else, people were cheering, laughing, dancing, playing music and having fun. Some had all sorts of crazy outfits, banners and painted faces.

And yes, as always in these kind of demonstrations the police were all over, it was crazy, after the bike ride we saw this police guy with a tank of tear gas, guess where, in front of the MC...yes... pathetic.


The scene was amazing though, people gathering on the streets to fight for the climate were surrounded. Front and back there were police cars and police men following us all the way on the sides. The, almost, armored horses were blocking the side streets and a helicopter was following us all the way to the conference venue.

There was so much positive energy and determination though, for most of the time, the police were merely a slight distraction.

At the end it all turned out well and people felt they had accomplished what they set out to do. We had this feeling that at last something had happened that was worth being happy about.

Now its Sunday morning and the Friends of the Earth International folks are having a very technical meeting reviewing all the outcomes of the week. I’m just sitting here trying to look smart and taking notes.


There's a lot of talk about the Climate Justice Now - a coalition Friends of the Earth of involved with - because of the great response there was to the march which they organized. Lots of groups had Climate Justice Now banners, especially the ones from the South. This movement could be a force to be reckoned with.

Thanx for reading!
Carlos
]]> Fri, 26 Dec 2008 07:59:00 EST http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/559341 55.6666667 12.583333355.666666712.5833333 http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/559171
Hello all!
(originally written Dec. 5th 2008 www.foei.org/en/blog)

AHHH I am exhausted and it is only the 4th day of negotiations at COP14!

All this energy from so many people with so many diverse interests and concerns is overwhelming .. but you know, this makes me think that all of this movement, all these side events, workshops and negotiations and so on is like a smokescreen or a diversion from really engaging in real concrete action and just going directly to the point!!

Yeah yeah I know.. it's "very complicated" but aren't all these people attending this conference just too busy keeping busy on so little?

People! We have a deadline to try to save the planet! Scientist's have said repeatedly that if we, (meaning we as all of us no matter from which country or region) do not stop emitting so much Co2 and other green house gases by

RIGHT NOW!! we will reach the point of no return very soon.

I don't want to apply scare tactics on you or anybody, I just would like to hear a country delegate say.. "ok my country will stop emitting hazardous gases to the atmosphere NOW! We will do it by changing our consumption patterns, our transportation habits and by the way, this will not be a problem for the people, will not increase hunger, unemployment...etc., etc..."

Ok ok ok.... I'm being a little pessimistic. Yesterday some countries actually proposed some serious and provocative statements, like Gabon and Brazil. That was great! But these are just little baby steps compared to what needs to be done! And it has to be done now!


I sound repetitive, but yes, its all about the money and the power, and some people are ready to compromise the climate and the planet just to get them.

Not all hope is lost though. The amazing thing about these international conferences is the amount of amazing people from all over the world with a legitimate interest to stop climate change and start working together. This

generates huge networks where information, projects, points of view and experiences are shared. This is where my hopes are. On the people. All Friends of the Earth's friends that are here are just giving it all to keep up. They are working with so much passion and are managing to spread the message that we need to speed up! We together as people can make a difference! Keep up the good work.



Cheers.



Carlos
]]> Thu, 25 Dec 2008 12:18:00 EST http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/559171 55.6666667 12.583333355.666666712.5833333 http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/559169 (originally written Dec. 4th)
Right now there is a climate conference going on in Poznan, Poland. Actually it's the 14th conference of its kind and it is properly known as Conference of the Parties or COP 14. A bunch of FoEI members from all over the planet will try to post as much as possible so you all get the feel of what is going on down here in this amazing city.

OK Lets start! The weekend is over and already so much has been going on and we are already exhausted! The youth international group had their conference this weekend it's filled us up with so much energy! These guys are so well organized.

We were also inspired by the launch of a new coalition called Climate Justice Now. This could be the beginning of an international civil society climate movement and could be an amazing voice at the climate talks.

Something that made us laugh was the Climate Action Network's Fossil of the day Award given to countries who seem to be doing the least to combat climate change. Today Poland was the fossil!!

Friends of the Earth folks for the next couple of weeks will be focusing on emission reduction commitments by developed countries (or Annex I countries), conservation of forests (REDD) and finance technology and adaptation. But this blog will be also talking about other activities in and outside of the COP, including the highly active social movements.

COPs are just talk talk talk but the range of NGOs and civil society groups (particularly youth) who are here pushing for equitable and sustainable action on climate change gives inspiration and hope. The welcoming ceremony this morning gave us all plenty of warm fuzzies with statements such as "we are all children of mother earth" (Polish Environment Minister and President of COP14) and plenty of calls for real commitments despite the global financial crisis - which many countries are currently using as an excuse for evading climate action. Whether this talk actually translates into action is another matter entirely.

AHH, I almost forgot, at the welcoming ceremony governments, markets and business were mentioned as crucial to combat climate change but... what about people? People were the big absent actor as a factor of change.

Today's action: the car advertisement covering half of the front entrance to the COP venue disappeared last night, replaced by a 'let's create a climate for change' COP banner, a smart move by the organizers!!

See you!

Carlos ]]> Thu, 25 Dec 2008 12:11:00 EST http://carlosgarciarobles.tigblog.org/post/559169 55.6666667 12.583333355.666666712.5833333