Civil society demands to be heard in debates on global warming!
As before, during this thirteenth official conference on climate change, no representatives of civil society were invited to participate in the debates or negotiations. The NGOs and unions invited could only attend with observer status, with no possibility of active participation. In spite of a lower turnout than expected at this shadow-conference, the representatives of civil society wish to be included in the debates which concern them because, above all, they have concrete proposals to make based on their experience. This shadowconference is in itself a victory for the opposition to the organization of an international conference on the environment uniting the leaders but ignoring civil society, but nevertheless concern remains about these decisions taken from on high. For example, the aspirations and needs of agrarian producers must be at the center of environmental politics, instead of the final word being given to the interests of businesses and the market. The Vía Campesina organized an exchange of experiences between the peasants of all countries to raise recognition of practical considerations.
Thought-provoking actions
Debates, demonstrations, a massive mistica (a cultural play), visits to villages or workshops; many were the ways to create understanding about ecological problems. The debates turned out to be constructive, notably concerning the question of biocarburants. Suggested as a possible solution to fossil fuels, biocarburants raise several questions, such as whether they will be an energy solution or a social and ecological problem for future generations. These questions create an obligation to educate people about the intensive global culture which results in massive deforestations and an acceleration of global warming.
The participants demanded the halt of campaigns in support of biocarbonates, as well as the introduction of a global policy on commerce and agriculture. The opportunity was taken to organize a “tribunal” to judge multinational corporations, responsible for negative effects on the environment and guilty of human rights violations, possibly even including murder. Besides these denunciations and debates, symbolic actions were taken. For instance one group of Indonesian men painted letters on their backs and stood side by side to form words: “Climate Justice”. The demonstrators, wanting to join the conference, collided with a special police detachment which barred them entry. What followed were long moments of a silent, motionless clash which was fed by anger and disbelief. In spite of the heavy and omnipresent police presence, this ambitious shadow summit for a greener planet was in and of itself a victory for the activists.
Also read: Resonances Asia N°21 - February 2008
