Young Greens Planting Trees

Sebastian Power, FYEG Co-Spokesperson, with other FYEG members, was participating in the street action of GYG in Berlin, last Friday 13th of August. Plating trees still being one of the biggest symbol of green movement around the world, but it is more than a symbol, it a real action that contribute to save the planet. Greening our streets physically and ideologically is one of our goals.

The Federation of Young European Greens is really happy to contribute to the wonderfull project of Global Young Greens

FYEG at GYG Congress

From the 8th to 14th of August is taking place in Berlin the II Congress of Global Young Greens (GYG). Women and men from Africa, Asia and Pacific, Latin America, Canada and Europe were together to a great event organized by Grüene Jugend in the building of the Heinrich Böll Foundation. GYG was born in 2007 in Nairobi in the context of the World Social Forum and now it is growing. GYG is a network of young people from across the globe working towards ecological sustainability, social justice, grassroots democracy and peace.

During the II Congress, 130 young greens from all over the world were working together to build this network and to empower green activists and green organizations worldwide . The local preparatory-team organized spaces to get to know each other and break borders, workshops on specific topics, an anticolonialistic tour around the city, beautiful places to share ideas and feelings and has provided all the instrument to make all the delegates fill comfortable and involve this common process.

GYG is a network based on consensus, thus during the firsts days there were regional and other meetings to discuss a proposal of restructuring the statutes, which on Thursday ends which the approval of new statutes that gives the main guidelines to proceed to build the network. On Thursday also there was an instantaneously initiative to make a women’s luch which was really beatifull, helped the empowerment of women and allowed to carry out a common initiative that guarantee the positive action for women in the GYG representation; from now on, all the candidates from a region to the Steering Committee have to be at least 50% of women.

Moreover, different resolutions have been presented. FYEG presented and coordinated the amendments to a resolution on the UNFCCC process. After putting all the ideas togheters, we presented a text with an strong and clear position about the outcome that we want for the next COP-16 in Cancun.

FYEG strongly support and works for this greens global network that coordinate efforts and empower green young individuals, NGOs and youth political organizations. Be aware of the different realities and understand diversity as an added value is one of our main goals as greens. GYG is the reality of the lemma of “think globally, act locally”, this exchanges give us energy to continue fighting  for climate and social justice worldwide.

For more information http://www.globalyounggreens.org

FYEG intervention in last AWG-KP session “will you marry me?”

Presented by FYEG delegate Anna Buccio. The intervention was applauded by NGO participants and delegates.

“My names Anna and I will be 69 in the year 2050.

Mr Chair, John, I have a question for you.

Will you marry me?
Because, as an annex 1 citizen, I love the Kyoto Protocol. And I want to enter into marriage with it to ensure our love is legally recognised.

But true love needs commitment, something we haven’t seen from the Annex I Parties during this week. In fact, we haven’t seen it for the last 4 years, ever since the negotiations on a second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol started.

We can build commitment gradually, but it starts now with an adequate 2nd commitment
period with Annex I targets that follow the science to keep temperatures below 1,5°.
So this means an aggregate target for Annex I Parties of at least -40% based on 1990, without offsets and loopholes, and an review of its adequacy.

This means everybody must do their share.

It means, we need them to make more ambitious targets public before we meet again.

It means these targets MUST be ambitious enough to enable a 1.5
degrees future.

As we said, true love needs commitment. I want to marry the Kyoto Protocol, I want to enshrine this commitment in law.

If Annex I countries commit, everyone can look forward to their wedding invitation arriving in the post.

But time is not on our side, we need to order the cake.

To do this we need a location, please tell us that we can send the cake to Cancun and hold the wedding ceremony there.
Because I am young, I won’t, we can’t wait for you forever!”

STOP PRESS: Annex 1 marries Kyoto Protocol in emotional ceremony

Speech from the ceremony witnessed by members of the UNFCCC secretariat, delegates, observers and the press:

“Dearly Beloved,

We are gathered here in the presence of the UN to witness and bless the exchanging of vows that will bind Annex 1 and the Kyoto Protocol together in the covenant relationship of marriage. When this ceremony has ended, they will leave as wife and wife having been joined together by the UN in Bonn.

Of the three institutions ordained by the UN, marriage is the only one which is legally binding. Since it has its origins in the UN, it is honourable and is to be held in esteem by all mankind.

The institution of marriage is not a casual one and should not be taken lightly.  Since we live in an age where so many people have no respect for it, we need to constantly reassert and reaffirm that UN ordained marriage is for our good and that it should be viewed as holy. So holy is the relationship of marriage that the apostle Secretariat has likened it to the relationship of business and government.

Annex 1 and Kyoto Protocol, your love for each other should be an Eternal Triangle – the UN is at the apex and you, Annex 1 and Kyoto Protocol, are at the base of the triangle. When both of you are joined together with the UN at the top, then you will never be separated from each other at the bottom.

Your marriage should be the union of two lives – two hearts that beat as one – so welded together that they walk together; they work together; they bear each other’s burdens and share each other’s joys. I want to remind you to be friendly, loving and tenderhearted, and forebearing of one another in love. Remember, the vows you are about to take are as binding in adversity as they are in prosperity and that these vows are to be broken only by death.

I want you both to remember the great responsibilities you have: love and commitment. These are serious, yet magnificent. Our saviour, the UN, has given us the perfect eaxample of them.

Vows and exchanging of rings

The union of Annex 1 and Kyoto Protocol in heart, body and mind is intended by the UN for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is the UN’s will, for the procreation of policies and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the UN. Therefore, marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, delibertly and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by the UN.

Into this holy union Annex 1 and Kyoto Protocol now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now or else for ever hold your peace.

[Everyone is delighted to continue]

I require and charge you both, here in the presence of the UN, that if either of you know any reason why you may not be united in marriage lawfully, and in accordance with the UN’s word, you do now confess it.

[silence]

Annex 1, will you have this Kyoto Protocol to be you partner; to live together in the covenant of marriage?

“Yes, I will”

Will you love Kyoto Protocol, comfort Kyoto Protocol, honour and keep Kyoto Protocol, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to Kyoto Protocol as long as you both shall live?

“Yes, I will” [round of applause and happy cheers]

Kyoto Protocol, will you have this Annex 1 to be you partner; to live together in the covenant of marriage?

“Yes, I will”

Will you love Annex 1, comfort Annex 1, honour and keep Annex 1, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to Annex 1 as long as you both shall live?

“Yes, I will” [round of applause and happy cheers]

The wedding ring signifies to all the uniting of Annex 1 and Kyoto Protocol in holy matrimony and symbolises the never ending nature of their love.

May I have the rings please?

Annex 1, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honour you.

Kyoto Protocol, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honour you.

[round of applause and happy cheers]

Now that Annex 1 and Kyoto Protocol have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and with the giving and receiving of a ring in the presence of this company, by the authority of the secretariat, and that of the all-mighty UN, I pronounce that they are partners for life. Those that the UN has joined together, let no one put asunder.

[to Annex 1]

You may kiss the bride.

[round of applause, happy cheers and some crude whistles probably from the business sector]

Ladies and gentlemen, I am very happy to present Mrs and Mrs Annex 1 Kyoto Protocol.

[Huge applause and happy cheers, cries, stomping of feet, hanky waving, screams of “good luck”, “well done” and “congratulations”. Someone rudely shouted “finally”. Probably a young green.]

[P.S. Annex 1 and Kyoto Protocol were last seen locking themselves in the gentlemen’s toilets. We are praying for the procreation of beautiful policies in the very near future]

Amen.

FYEG Demands Russian Authorities Release Noize MC

The famous Russian rapper Noize MC (real name : Ivan Alexeyev, 25 y.o.) has been arrested on July 31 after a concert in Volgograd. On Monday a court found him guilty of disorderly conduct and sentenced him to 10 days in prison.

Noize MC is well-known for his strong lyrics in which he often attacks Russian authorities and criticizes corruption, police brutality and unfairness of justice. He has already received several ”warnings” after his song Restore Justice (Mercedes S-666) based on a road accident involving Anatoly Barkov, vice-president of Russia’s oil giant Lukoil, in which two women were killed.

This new arrest is an evident attack against freedom of speech in Russia. Putin’s administration wants to show with this act that no dissident voice will be accepted in today’s Russia. They say to all Russian citizens: “Shut up!”.

FYEG demands the immediate release of Noize MC and all other political prisoners. We also call on the Russian authorities to respect Human rights, freedom of speech and the liberties of all Russian citizens.

Signed

Delfina Rossi, FYEG Co-spokesperson

Sebastian Power, FYEG Co-spokesperson

Alexis Prokopiev, French Young Greens Spokesperson (+33613495384)

Q&A with AWG-LCA Chair

AWG-LCA = Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention

Question:

“During the open LCA meetings there seems to be a serious lack of cooperation and too much focus on structure instead of the substance of the negotiations which has lead to a worrying lack of progress. For example the lengthy expenditure of time discussing spin off groups to the AWG-LCA.

How can this situation be urgently improved and momentum gained?”

Answer:

“We need to spend this time on process to reach consensus. I hope in China we can focus on what can be achieved. Let’s work with the parties to see what is achievable. What is not, must be put aside for now. Let’s isolate what is achievable from what is not.”

Back to the art of necessity V art of possible (see previous post)? Unfortunately the EU seems to think what is necessary is not achievable, so basically they’ll continue to exclude necessary targets from their policy making. Good to know.

Regarding the question regarding the LCA meetings now being closed to civil society, the business rep seemed very happy with this. I wonder why?

Young activists marry Kyoto Protocol!

Press Invitation

YOUNGO action in the climate conference August 5, 2010 at 9:15AM Lobby area of Maritim Hotel near the registration area

Greetings!

YOUNGO, the youth constituency in the UNFCCC negotiations, cordially invites you to our action during the Bonn climate conference. We are very much willing to take part in the Bonn climate talks and let our voices be heard. We will no longer sit around as we cannot tolerate complacency. You will see many heart balloons and a symbolic marriage in front of the lobby on August 5, 2010 at 9:15AM.

As shown on our t-shirt logos “I love KP“, we intend to show how important commitment is on keeping the Kyoto Protocol even after 2012 while there is no other fair, ambitious and legally binding agreement on further reduction of emissions. Although it has some loopholes, we cannot afford to lose it after 2012. Concerning climate justice, we want a legally binding agreement and not just the Copenhagen Accord.

This event will be a good opportunity for photos and stories.

YOUNGO contact persons:

For International media – Shenna Sanchez [FYEG]

shsanche@vub.ac.be

+32474412175

For German media – Kathrin Henneberger [FYEG]

kathrin.henneberger@gruene-jugend.de

0179 9534423

Unhappy birthday

We have past the 18^th birthday of the Unite Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. We are still waiting for concrete commitments from the US and ambitious targets from Annex 1. At some stage we are going to need a framework which makes it financially extremely uncomfortable for the US and others to continue this behaviour. If we don’t, climate change will.

Art of necessity V art of possible

During the discussions towards the end of the recent Climate Action Network side event, the European Union delegate stood up and delivered a speech, offering insight into the rather alarming and unambitious ‘commitments’ of the EU. During the speech, he mentioned the following:

“It’s not about the art of necessity but about the art of the possible”

At what stage are the negotiators going to pull their heads out of the sand and take a close look at the facts and consequences of climate change and the adequate policies to address them? I would say what is necessary MUST be possible. We have no other option. The laws of nature don’t care about what the EU thinks is possible. The challenge can be seen as an attempt to jump across the Grand Canyon but the EU is telling us it’s only possible to jump half way.

If you don’t have the ambition and the will, if you don’t believe you are capable of creating policies to achieve fundamentally important targets necessary to safeguard the future of humankind, then you are holding us all back, ruining our only opportunity to prevent this possible catastrophe.

This is the question the EU, US and other Annex 1 countries need to answer:

“In order to stop runaway climate change the art of the possible will need to meet the art of necessary very soon. When do you expect this happy meeting to occur exactly?”

Fortunately a Climate Action Network (CAN) speaker had the last word – “what is necessary NEEDS to be possible”. Yes we CAN!

P.S.

After the event had finished, I overheard the EU delegate say to his colleague “this is the real carbon footprint”, referring to two children running past. So he’s not willing to take the step forward necessary to safeguard these two children’s future, but is willing to refer to them not as human beings but as “carbon footprints” in a way which suggested there existence is simply an environmental compromise. I normally try to refrain from ad hominem attacks, so please excuse me, but what an absolute idiot. We really don’t need these idiots standing in the way of our future.

FYEG Co-Spokesperson to present question to AWG-LCA Chair

Tomorrow morning YOUNGO, the youth constituency at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will ask two questions to the Chair of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-Term Cooperative Action under the Convention (AWG-LCA) at the Bonn Climate Talks. The second question will be presented by Sebastian Power, FYEG Co-spokesperson.

Q1: Presented by Jon André Hvoslef-Eide, YOUNGO:

“It has come to our attention that the doors of the negotiations of the LCA-track are closed. We understand that the negotiations are to be party-driven and that there may be some practical issues, but as often stated by the parties, the role of civil society plays an important part in conference.

We respect the use of closed meetings in order to fast forward to proceedings but that should be the exception rather than the model. We request more information from the closed meetings to be shared faster as the current information received is too late.

We want to know if the chair could give us a daily briefing from closed meetings to therefore grant us information as soon as these meetings are concluded.”

Q2: Presented by Sebastian Power, FYEG Co-spokesperson:

“During the open LCA meetings there seems to be a serious lack of cooperation and too much focus on structure instead of the substance of the negotiations which has lead to a worrying lack of progress. For example the lengthy expenditure of time discussing spin off groups to the AWG-LCA.

How can this situation be urgently improved and momentum gained?”

We hope to increase our participation at the Talks and also get the Chairs opinion on the reasons for the frustrating lack of progress.

More updates on how it went tomorrow!