Sunday, November 29, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Proposal to exclude Canada from the Commonwealth.
http://en.cop15.dk/news/view+news?newsid=2735 A very nice picture of our Prime Minister doing his best in a bad sitaution.
The Albatross of Natural Resources
I read this story by Robert Roach at themarknews.com and thought it would be of interest:It is about the perception of employment in Alberta and the actual reality. NOT all hewers of wood and drawers of water need we be: http://www.themarknews.com/articles/689-the-albatross-of-natural-resourcesBecome a
" Citizens Before Politicians"
While world leaders dither on climate change, ordinary citizens are taking matters into their own hands.
Read this story by Gwendolyn Blue at themarknews.com and thought it would be of interest: http://www.themarknews.com/articles/694-citizens-before-politiciansBecome
Read this story by Gwendolyn Blue at themarknews.com and thought it would be of interest: http://www.themarknews.com/articles/694-citizens-before-politiciansBecome
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The official stuff: COP 15.
View Attachment: meabulletin81.pdf
Actually the official stuff takes lot of reading- and is actually quite boring for a person who is more interested in people. So I greatly appreciate when Ken Beck Lee, Candidate New Westminster--Coquitlam (British Columbia) By-Election (Monday,November 9, 2009) is one of 41 official RESEARCHISTS for COP-15. No mean feat , unless ,of course he enjoys that kind of reading. Even David Suzuki admitted on radio this morning; that he was tired of the three -ring circus these events have become- and actual agreements are signed behind closed doors. So again , another stage set.
visit: http://www.iisd.ca/mea-l/meabulletin81.pdf. To read past issues and to sign up to receive the PDF version, visit: http://www.iisd.ca/email/mea-l.htm
Actually the official stuff takes lot of reading- and is actually quite boring for a person who is more interested in people. So I greatly appreciate when Ken Beck Lee, Candidate New Westminster--Coquitlam (British Columbia) By-Election (Monday,November 9, 2009) is one of 41 official RESEARCHISTS for COP-15. No mean feat , unless ,of course he enjoys that kind of reading. Even David Suzuki admitted on radio this morning; that he was tired of the three -ring circus these events have become- and actual agreements are signed behind closed doors. So again , another stage set.
visit: http://www.iisd.ca/mea-l/meabulletin81.pdf. To read past issues and to sign up to receive the PDF version, visit: http://www.iisd.ca/email/mea-l.htm
Klimaforum09 program
The Klimaforum09 programme includes over 150 debates,
talks and workshops and there is a huge variety of different
topics to choose from. Speakers range from global climate
authors and international scientists to Brazilian rainforest
activists and Bangladeshian fishermen.
The overall programme can be viewed on our website.
www.klimaforum09.org/programme
Some highlights:
9.12.Wed.-Fast Transition to Sustainable Energy
10.12.Thurs -Helping the South cut emissions - Why technology transfer is needed
10.12. Thurs.-Indigenous People Speak Out
11.12.Fri-Will the Amazon survive climate change?
11.12 Fri-Claiming rights for Environmental Refugees
12.12.Sat-Climate Change and Natural Agriculture
13.12.Sun.-Building a Global Climate Campaign
Carbon capture and storage. A new solution or another problem?
Monday 14th December
Farewell to the Fossils. How to get rid of Fossil Fuel Cars
Tuesday 15th December
A global tax on Carbon Dioxide?
Wednesday 16th December
Sustainable Transport and Mobility
Wednesday 16th December
Climate Change and Conflict/Future Wars
Thursday 17th December
Where does the Climate Movement go after COP15?
talks and workshops and there is a huge variety of different
topics to choose from. Speakers range from global climate
authors and international scientists to Brazilian rainforest
activists and Bangladeshian fishermen.
The overall programme can be viewed on our website.
www.klimaforum09.org/programme
Some highlights:
9.12.Wed.-Fast Transition to Sustainable Energy
10.12.Thurs -Helping the South cut emissions - Why technology transfer is needed
10.12. Thurs.-Indigenous People Speak Out
11.12.Fri-Will the Amazon survive climate change?
11.12 Fri-Claiming rights for Environmental Refugees
12.12.Sat-Climate Change and Natural Agriculture
13.12.Sun.-Building a Global Climate Campaign
Carbon capture and storage. A new solution or another problem?
Monday 14th December
Farewell to the Fossils. How to get rid of Fossil Fuel Cars
Tuesday 15th December
A global tax on Carbon Dioxide?
Wednesday 16th December
Sustainable Transport and Mobility
Wednesday 16th December
Climate Change and Conflict/Future Wars
Thursday 17th December
Where does the Climate Movement go after COP15?
Copenhagen Agreement as written by the people.
a. Large amounts of money will be transferred from rich to poor;
b. Poor countries can invest heavily to get on track of necessary sustainable development;
c. Carbon based activities can be made as expensive as we think necessary;
d. The price of carbon will be automatically calculated all down the production chain;
e. The deadlock in the negociations about who has to reduce how much and who has to pay how much will be broken;
f. We will be freed of all fraudulous and not working mechanisms like carbon emission right trade, REDD and CDM.
I find a lot of supporting opninions in the latest literature on the matter.
www.beunder.com
Post's attachments
CopenhagenAgreement-v0.25.pdf 184.81 kb,
Hugo Beunder
The Netherlands
e-mail: hugo@beunder.com
b. Poor countries can invest heavily to get on track of necessary sustainable development;
c. Carbon based activities can be made as expensive as we think necessary;
d. The price of carbon will be automatically calculated all down the production chain;
e. The deadlock in the negociations about who has to reduce how much and who has to pay how much will be broken;
f. We will be freed of all fraudulous and not working mechanisms like carbon emission right trade, REDD and CDM.
I find a lot of supporting opninions in the latest literature on the matter.
www.beunder.com
Post's attachments
CopenhagenAgreement-v0.25.pdf 184.81 kb,
Hugo Beunder
The Netherlands
e-mail: hugo@beunder.com
Variouse delegates of Civil Society
Angelica never travelled before in her life- Her first big trip goes to Copenhagen in order to do a healing ritual. Local people from Copenhagen are hosting her. I think she is an indigeneous delegate. From where?...I do not know.
Decision: Not going due to ill health and finances.
God has other plans for me. I am too ill ,weak, and arthritic to "rough it" in Copenhagen. Besides
there are enough Canadian women attending. Mardi Tindal,Moderator of the United Church of Canada; Liz May ; Naomi Klein,who has charmed the European youth; some girl
from Willowdale,Ontario for the Young Liberals staying in some posh hotel;and the Liberal Federal candidate for Gulf-Saanich Islands. They all seem to be women of wealth and good health. NHG , the organising committee for accommodation is now confirming..But it will be too expensive and useless for this old
sick woman to go. At first I thought I might go in the spirit of fun and observation- but NHG
reminded me of the nature of UN security, usually imported from New York.
I hope that some day I will be able to swallow food; and regain my strength.
" Lord grant me the courage to change the things I can;
And the wisdom to accept that which I can Not."
I hope that every body who goes has a good time!!
My Attendance is cancelled- but I will try to keep up to date from my sick bed.
Med Venig Hilsen/Best Regards,
*UPDATE: 26.11.09 Thurs. NHG confirmed me a place in Helsinger at Helsingor, Denmark.
from the 13/12-18/2009; But that is nearing the Peak Christmas traveling season- and flight prices skyrocketed; And Malmo, Sweden 10-13th/12th/2009...I think that would be too long and expensive for me. Who knows I might end up living in 'Christiania' - and never return to Winnipeg,Manitoba.
UPDATE: 29.11.09 Sun. Helsingor has a population of 4,000 Roma Gypsies. And according to Stew there is unnecessary chaos at the WTO meeting in Geneva.Oh dear!
there are enough Canadian women attending. Mardi Tindal,Moderator of the United Church of Canada; Liz May ; Naomi Klein,who has charmed the European youth; some girl
from Willowdale,Ontario for the Young Liberals staying in some posh hotel;and the Liberal Federal candidate for Gulf-Saanich Islands. They all seem to be women of wealth and good health. NHG , the organising committee for accommodation is now confirming..But it will be too expensive and useless for this old
sick woman to go. At first I thought I might go in the spirit of fun and observation- but NHG
reminded me of the nature of UN security, usually imported from New York.
I hope that some day I will be able to swallow food; and regain my strength.
" Lord grant me the courage to change the things I can;
And the wisdom to accept that which I can Not."
I hope that every body who goes has a good time!!
My Attendance is cancelled- but I will try to keep up to date from my sick bed.
Med Venig Hilsen/Best Regards,
*UPDATE: 26.11.09 Thurs. NHG confirmed me a place in Helsinger at Helsingor, Denmark.
from the 13/12-18/2009; But that is nearing the Peak Christmas traveling season- and flight prices skyrocketed; And Malmo, Sweden 10-13th/12th/2009...I think that would be too long and expensive for me. Who knows I might end up living in 'Christiania' - and never return to Winnipeg,Manitoba.
UPDATE: 29.11.09 Sun. Helsingor has a population of 4,000 Roma Gypsies. And according to Stew there is unnecessary chaos at the WTO meeting in Geneva.Oh dear!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Something interesting from "The Climate Project Canada"
The Trans-Siberian rolls east.
Climate challenge to railways - The Kyoto to Copenhagen journey - Train to Copenhagen
Source: http://www.traintocopenhagen.org/
The climate has always presented a challenge to railway builders, not least when the Trans-Siberian was being laid across East Russia. Copious amounts of dynamite was necessary to make an impression on land gripped by permafrost, and was used to create a bed for sleepers and rails.
...If at train stops for any reason the staff have to set out three caps on the rails a kilometre from each end of the train. If another train approaches the caps explode under the trains wheels - warning the driver to make an emergency stop.
Source: http://www.traintocopenhagen.org/
The climate has always presented a challenge to railway builders, not least when the Trans-Siberian was being laid across East Russia. Copious amounts of dynamite was necessary to make an impression on land gripped by permafrost, and was used to create a bed for sleepers and rails.
...If at train stops for any reason the staff have to set out three caps on the rails a kilometre from each end of the train. If another train approaches the caps explode under the trains wheels - warning the driver to make an emergency stop.
Polling Alberta citizens about the Tar Sands.
Nov. 20 Globe & Mail: "Polling the Oil Patch. Dirty oil? Not in Alberta.
58% of respondents have a positive opinion of the industry. 79 % Believe what oil and gas companies have to say. 32 % Think environment is the area industry most needs to improve on (water, site cleanup and pollution reduction were top concerns; greenhouse gas emissions came farther down the list)"
58% of respondents have a positive opinion of the industry. 79 % Believe what oil and gas companies have to say. 32 % Think environment is the area industry most needs to improve on (water, site cleanup and pollution reduction were top concerns; greenhouse gas emissions came farther down the list)"
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monsanto wins legal battle, may lose war.
 Monsanto wins legal battle, may lose war - Winnipeg Free Press* | ||
 |  |
Psalm of David 23.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Walking to Copenhagen 2009
Pushpanath Krishnamurthy, or Push as he is more usually known, set out on foot from Oxford yesterday morning, hoping to cover 10-15 miles a day. The 57-year-old Oxfam campaigner is equipped with a pair of MBT shoes, breathable waterproofs, a pair of long johns, a copy of An End of Suffering by the writer Pankaj Mishra, and an unquenchable rage that he hopes will fuel him all the way to Denmark.
"I am so angry about the way that the African people, the developing countries, who have done so little to cause climate change, are the first to suffer, and lose their homes. But Gandhi said that we should use that anger as energy. This is a personal walk of redemption."
"I am so angry about the way that the African people, the developing countries, who have done so little to cause climate change, are the first to suffer, and lose their homes. But Gandhi said that we should use that anger as energy. This is a personal walk of redemption."
Sunday, November 22, 2009
"...For the Travel Savvy delegate."
If you are coming from Sweden, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen Dec 7-18th, SJ will add an extra stop in Örestad to allow for participants of the conference to travel in an environmental friendly manner to and from the conference. The extra stop in Örestad is only during the conference, by all X 2000-trains between Sweden and Copenhagen. Read more at www.sj.se
----------------
What I pray most from God is for a miracle that my health holds out, and that I am strong spiritually,physically and mentally; that my mind will be sharply focused ; Gosh- it was so easy to traipse across Europe when I was younger, with only a prayer ... now I am older, who appreciates the good things in life.. I might
cancel at the last minute due to weakness, and potential financial folly.- but things have been slowly building since August. God have mercy on me!! ;and help me do the correct thing.
----------------
What I pray most from God is for a miracle that my health holds out, and that I am strong spiritually,physically and mentally; that my mind will be sharply focused ; Gosh- it was so easy to traipse across Europe when I was younger, with only a prayer ... now I am older, who appreciates the good things in life.. I might
cancel at the last minute due to weakness, and potential financial folly.- but things have been slowly building since August. God have mercy on me!! ;and help me do the correct thing.
The Trans-Siberian Train rolling West
We left Vladivostok yesterday and are heading off to the Lake Baikal!(Train to Copenhagen)
Alexis Smirnov- Head of Forest Program :
"China’s burgeoning economy with its incessant hunger for resources is the final destination for the Russian forests. A hunger fed by the world-wide demand for cheap goods. Along with the forest goes the remaining habitat of the Amur tiger and the Amur Leopard, and the life-style of the indigenous Ainu.Until recently the story of the Amur Tiger was one of conservation success. In 1950 there were just fifty or so tigers left in the wild. WWF worked with the local authorities to establish reserves and anti-poaching patrols and the numbers grew until by 2000 there were around 450 tigers – one of the world’s largest remaining populations of tiger.
But since then logging has destroyed the tiger’s habitat. Tree’s like the Korean Pine Nut whose nutritious seeds feed boar and other Tiger prey animals have fallen victim to the chainsaw. Now the only area of pristine forest is that around the headwaters of the Amur.
Alexis Smirnov- Head of Forest Program :
"China’s burgeoning economy with its incessant hunger for resources is the final destination for the Russian forests. A hunger fed by the world-wide demand for cheap goods. Along with the forest goes the remaining habitat of the Amur tiger and the Amur Leopard, and the life-style of the indigenous Ainu.Until recently the story of the Amur Tiger was one of conservation success. In 1950 there were just fifty or so tigers left in the wild. WWF worked with the local authorities to establish reserves and anti-poaching patrols and the numbers grew until by 2000 there were around 450 tigers – one of the world’s largest remaining populations of tiger.
But since then logging has destroyed the tiger’s habitat. Tree’s like the Korean Pine Nut whose nutritious seeds feed boar and other Tiger prey animals have fallen victim to the chainsaw. Now the only area of pristine forest is that around the headwaters of the Amur.
Farm Crisis in the Interlake Region of Manitoba
Jon Gerrard recently paid a visit to the soggy land of Arborg in the Interlake.
He took great photographs. Since I do not have a car, my travel is limited to the grid in Winnipeg. But this is what he writes about in his blog:" Farms in the region near Arborg and Fisher Branch in the Interlake have been suffering badly this year with the excessive rainfall. Indeed, four municipalities, Fisher, Bifrost, Armstrong and Gimli have all declared disasters and called for provincial and federal government aid.
The situation is so bad, one farmer reported to me he had a muskrat building a house in his grain field. Some photos above help show the situation in the area with much water in the fields. Farmers like Les Jacobsen are using very wide tires, or multiple tires or even caterpillar tracks to drive their farm equipment in the fields.(which have been getting stuck in the mud during the harvest) Brian Johnson, of Johnson seeds, deals with local farmers and hears of the problems every day.
There are major problems with cattail clogged provincial drains (bottom photo), and water management issues which have been poorly attended too.
Farmers in the area need better short term and long term solutions. For some farmers this is the third year in a row of problems. "
He took great photographs. Since I do not have a car, my travel is limited to the grid in Winnipeg. But this is what he writes about in his blog:" Farms in the region near Arborg and Fisher Branch in the Interlake have been suffering badly this year with the excessive rainfall. Indeed, four municipalities, Fisher, Bifrost, Armstrong and Gimli have all declared disasters and called for provincial and federal government aid.
The situation is so bad, one farmer reported to me he had a muskrat building a house in his grain field. Some photos above help show the situation in the area with much water in the fields. Farmers like Les Jacobsen are using very wide tires, or multiple tires or even caterpillar tracks to drive their farm equipment in the fields.(which have been getting stuck in the mud during the harvest) Brian Johnson, of Johnson seeds, deals with local farmers and hears of the problems every day.
There are major problems with cattail clogged provincial drains (bottom photo), and water management issues which have been poorly attended too.
Farmers in the area need better short term and long term solutions. For some farmers this is the third year in a row of problems. "
Kyoto to Mexico?
Tuesday 17 November 2009 at 17:28 :: The Kyoto to Copenhagen journey ::#61 leaders_delay
As we start our journey we’ve learnt that the politicians have decided that there is not going to be a binding agreement (with targets) at Copenhagen.
Does this mean we have a new destination ahead instead of Copenhagen? Mexico in December 2010? But prepared as we are for our journey from Kyoto we don’t have the luggage for that journey so we strongly encourage the global leaders to rethink this decision!
Politicians are used to making compromises but you cannot compromise with Nature.
Copenhagen should demonstrate this – there should be at least a commitment to agree to a binding agreement. Then we still can arrive in Copenhagen with the sense of being part of a success.
As we start our journey we’ve learnt that the politicians have decided that there is not going to be a binding agreement (with targets) at Copenhagen.
Does this mean we have a new destination ahead instead of Copenhagen? Mexico in December 2010? But prepared as we are for our journey from Kyoto we don’t have the luggage for that journey so we strongly encourage the global leaders to rethink this decision!
Politicians are used to making compromises but you cannot compromise with Nature.
Copenhagen should demonstrate this – there should be at least a commitment to agree to a binding agreement. Then we still can arrive in Copenhagen with the sense of being part of a success.
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