Frustration, overwhelming and inspiring: the first day of COP15 in Copenhagen in a nutshell.
After spending almost three hours in freezing Scandinavian weather outside the Bella Center where the conference is being held we finally got through the security check, into the photo taking booth and finally getting our holy non-governmental organization badges. What a feeling, we were finally formally part of the conference that was going, and will, change the world and we stormed the conference centre with our lime coloured sweaters. Looking back at the three hours spent in the queue for the registration, perhaps that time could give us some reflection on how slow and inefficient the UN actually is. As one wonderful Israeli woman next to me pointed out, the official delegates time wasted in the queue would add up to around 10,000 working hours totally. Imagine if all of those hours would have been spent on environmental efforts.
Once inside the conference we noticed that changing the world was not going to be that easy. People were running around the chickens, hippies were mixing with politicians and it was simply very difficult getting a grasp on what was going on in there. Perhaps the official delegates shared my feeling. The conference centre is divided into different areas with one area reserved for NGOs and exhibitions, another for the official meetings and a third for the delegations offices. It is hard to explain, but in one way it if very organized but in another way I would also label it as quite disorganized. But what could one expect from such a colossal meeting with everyone from average Joe to President Obama visiting.
On from the first day of the official meetings towards the Danish Film institute for some climate talk with the famous Al Gore. Yay! Very inspiring and mind refreshing from the day’s earlier talks, Gore is truly Jesus of Climate Change and we are all his followers in this religion. The most mind boggling that I recall from the speech was the fact that one hour of all the sunlight reaching the earth’s surface could be stored and transferred for one year of energy consumption – FOR THE WHOLE WORLD. Think about that kids when you are getting a tan! Now we all need some sleep for another day of saving the ice bears, the elephants, the people everywhere, the melting glaciers, the oceans, the rainforests, the monkeys, the red snapper, the rivers as well as the panda.
As people share their stories, everyone felt inspired. People felt, relaxed, chilled, like families, touched, they want more of this, they want to do it again, they were inspired. It was like collective orgasm- exchange of inspirations and outburst in celebration of vitality of life. We found ourselves being the source of inspiration for others by sharing the commitment we hold which brought us together 2 week before exam.
We had alumni - Amy Chang coming from work, long time partner- Alaw from CUHK, new members and current members, and Chan Yau!
Thanks everyone for being here, being you, being part of this movement for a better world.
Posted by Serena
Event Details:
A chance for new members and volunteers of Climate Chance (who applied before Nov 9th Monday), current members and alumni to gather together to have fun, get to know each other and set out vision and mission and plan for the network from Nov 2009- Sep 2010.
$100 per person, Elisa Cafe
Please confirm your attendance here at this facebook event page before Nov 10th.
MEET 11:30 AT MONG KOK MTR EXIT E1 Elsie cafe is next to UA Cinema in Langham Place. Call 61770953 if you have any questions!!!! =)
On November 14th, a group of us represented States and NGO and Business of India to attend the Copenhagen Climate Change Negotiation Simulation.
During the Simulation,eight universities in HK (plus the University of Richmond in VA and UIC in Zhuhai) each represent one of the eight countries in the simulation. Their task was to reach agreement among the ten countries about a post-Kyoto Protocol climate change regime.
It’s hard. It might be painful. It might be a certain moment of doubts on what we are doing. But, we finally made it! A revolutionary model UN negotiation— to speak up for the world we would like to see, to make us remembered, to hold on to what we believe is the right thing to do. So three cheers for US!
Thank you for working hard as a team. Thank you for creating this memorable moment full of vitality.
Summery of Stastics on which our proposals are based on:
- World Military Expenditure & UN Constitution
- Post-Unipolar World(Dominance of Multi-national Corporations and rise of China)
The world spent about $1,500 billion annually on the military. (2008) 48% of which by US. ($711 billion) Made of 44% of US Tax Payer’s money.
US is the biggest seller (38%), India being the largest buyer - 13%.
The top five countries profiting from the arms trade are the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council: the USA, UK, France, Russia, and China. the UN’s entire budget is approximately 1.8% of the world’s military expenditure,
Good news is: We live in an era dominated by corporate powers.
Out of the 100 largest economies in the world, 51 are corporations while only 49 are countries. The Top 200 corporations’ combined sales are bigger than the combined economies of all countries minus the biggest 10.
U.S. corporations dominate the Top 200, with 82 slots (41 percent of the total). Japanese firms are second, with only 41 slots.
Of the U.S. corporations on the list, 44 did not pay the full standard 35 percent federal corporate tax rate during the period 1996-1998. Seven of the firms actually paid less than zero in federal income taxes in 1998 (because of rebates). These include: Texaco, Chevron, PepsiCo, Enron, Worldcom, McKesson and the world’s biggest corporation - General Motors.
Good news is: We live in a post-unipoloar future.
US has a 10 trillion dollar economy and close to 300 million people, while China has a 7.199 trillion dollar economy (3-4 trillion if excluding Taiwan and the autonomous regions ), with more than four times the population. But those 7 trillion dollars can buy 70 trillion dollars worth of goods in China – where one dollar can buy what 10 or more dollars can buy in the West – and many other places in the world outside of the so-called “developed” countries in the West. Yes, if we compare the economies in terms of US dollars, China seems weak. But if we compare them in terms of buying power and productivity, China has many times the economy, and power, of the US. (http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig6/kelly1.html)
However, need to be noted - Rising middle class and upper class of China youth grow up in American Dream, many are educated in US and pro-US. They could either create another US, or lead the world towards a less egocentric world by cooperating with US.
Conclusion I do believe, now, more than ever, a social structural transformation towards a world united, as importance of nation-states decline, multi-national corporation rise.
I do believe, now, more than ever, power is decentralised , as the dissemination of information , by virtue of the social media network and corporate structure, are decentralised.
I do believe, now, more than ever, individuals have a power to make a change, as we are consumers, share-holders, who hold the ultimate vote to corporate fate and the world order we seek to create.
I would never imagine myself witting this or you reading this a few month ago, but once I have experienced what it feels to be part of something bigger, to relate to another human being in a way which reflects the interconnectedness of our realities, to be in service of others, I can no longer deceive myself.
Please come for a conversation to get connected and build our relationships. In Phase One, there will be no measurable outcomes. We are not coming to solve a problem.”
12:00 – 12:10 - Who and why we are here? - round-table introduction
12:10 – 12:20 - Q & A – Shoot away current members any questions on the intention, meaning of words, ideas (vision, mission, approach to change, leadership model, structure etc.) are written in our website – http://thenetworkforchange.org
12:30 – 12:50 - Anonymous Critique – Your most ideal version of a network - How would you have re-design it?
12:50 – 1:20 - Group discussion – What are the criteria you will set for yourself to evaluate your “success” at this network?
1:20 – 1:40 - Group report to everyone – changes and amendments to be made to the current vision/purpose. 1:40- 1:50 - Formation of independent ad hoc group to further discuss certain issues (if needed)
1:50 – 2:00 (potentially to 2:30) – Check out – anything you wish to say to make the process complete?
Please leave your comments or start a new post to propose new ones.
Hey, here comes a very good opportunity for FUNDING!! We can work Max’s plan into details and give it a try!
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Global Environment Fund Small Grants Programme China supports NGOs/NPOs implementing projects on biodiversity conservation, climate change abatement, protection of international waters, prevention of land degradation, and reduction of the impact of POPs while generating sustainable livelihood. UNDP/Global Environment Facility’s Small Grants Programme, China (UNDP/GEF SGP-China) announces a Call for Proposals to award US$1,050,000 totally and maximum US$50,000 to the most innovative initiatives in the following GEF focal areas:
Biodiversity conservation
Climate change abatement
Protection of international water
Prevention of land degradation
Reduction of the impact of Persistent Organic Pollutants
Time framework: Call for proposals: 10 November – 10 December, 2009 Review and select Proposals: 11 December 2009 – 11 January, 2010 Publish selected proposals: after 11 January, 2010 Projects duration: date of contract – 31 December, 2010
Eligibility: Chinese non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or non-profit organizations (NPOs) that are registered legally The above NGOs or NPOs with capacity of designing, preparing, managing and implementing projects directly
This year, world leaders will converge on Copenhagen to discuss the next phase of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, essentially deciding how the world will collaborate to address the issue of climate change. This is the 15th such negotiation, or Conference of Parties, and at COP15, it is critical that the youth voice is heard louder, seen larger, and felt more powerfully than ever before. The growing youth climate movement has gained one huge victory already, with our status as a Youth Constituency, recognizing our youth networks and movements as YOUNGOs (youth led NGOs). We hope to demonstrate another majority victory in Copenhagen, by having an international youth delegation that is as representative and equitable as the global climate deal we are fighting for. Youth all over the world have been working hard to ensure that we have the necessary funds to support the presence of Global South youth, particularly from the most under-represented and over-impacted regions of the world. We have received, and hope to continue to receive, funding for youth climate campaigners and activists from the global south - who would not otherwise have the opportunity - to attend COP15. This is the expression of support of NGOs, individuals and governments for youth from all over the world. The Dutch government, in particular, is providing a significant part of the funds available.
In the year 2009, March 25th – April 6th, Serena was part of the 60 students and recent graduates from 20 countries and 30 prestigious universities (e.g. Oxford, Cambridge, MIT, St
anford, Peking University , University of Hong Kong etc.) who embarked on a 12-day expedition to Antarctica, led by the polar explorer Robert Swan O.B.E. and the organization called 2041. They were called upon to collaboratively explore the paradoxes and potential solutions to the issues of energy and climate change in the most pristine land on this planet, and to experience first-hand how Antarctica is changing as a result of one of the biggest challenges of the century.
About the Speaker
Serena is the strategic partner of a youth-driven network called Climate Chance (previously known as the Hong Kong Climate Change Coalition), which she co-founded upon return from the UNFCCC COP 13 United Nation Climate Change Conference in Bali, 2007. She sees how climate change exposes deeper structural deficiencies while providing opportunities for human race to come together, to live together face to face in a way which reflects the deep interconnectedness of our realities.
Donnie Darko contains discussions about time travel, God, free will, education, and mental illness, and it also makes clear thematic references to child abuse, ageism, body type, and cultism. The film nearly collapses under the weight of its numerous ideas. At its thematic core is an issue most appropriate for a movie about a teenager—hypocrisy. Donnie is living through the last days of relative freedom in which he can explore the social world with impunity.
Awards
2001 — Richard Kelly won with Donnie Darko for “Best Screenplay” at the Catalonian International Film Festival and at the San Diego Film Critics Society. Donnie Darko also won the “Audience Award” for Best Feature at the Sweden Fantastic Film Festival. The film was nominated for “Best Film” at the Catalonian International Film Festival and for the “Grand Jury Prize” at the Sundance Film Festival.
2002 — Donnie Darko won the “Special Award” at the Young Filmmakers Showcase at the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films. The movie also won the “Silver Scream Award” at the Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival. Kelly was nominated for “Best First Feature” and “Best First Screenplay” with Donnie Darko, as well as Jake Gyllenhaal being nominated for “Best Male Lead,” at the Independent Spirit Awards. The film was also nominated for the “Best Breakthrough Film” at the Online Film Critics Society Awards.
2003 — Jake Gyllenhaal won “Best Actor” and Richard Kelly “Best Original Screenplay” for Donnie Darko at the Chlotrudis Awards, where Kelly was also nominated for “Best Director” and “Best Movie.”
Chinese Youth Action Network is recruiting about 20 Chinese students from all over the world to form part of the Chinese Youth COP15 Delegation. Please apply at www.cop15.cycan.org by October 21st Night.
Climate Chance is proud to be a partner and thus there are extra places reserved for students applied from Hong Kong but wishes to commit to Climate Chance as part of the Steering Committee for at least one year from Nov 2009- Nov 2010
On October 24th, this coming Saturday, the International Day of Climate Action, (coinciding with the UN day), there will be a massive rally at Hong Kong (the “350 Rally”) initiated by the Climate Chance.
On the day of the rally, we will be marching along the streets of Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei, Tsim Sha Tsui and take a ferry to Wan Chai, joined by local artists and musicians, doing creative actions, pop-song singing.
The photos taken will be displayed on the MASSIVE screens in Times Square, in the HEART of New York City, handed over to diplomats and delegates from around the world at the UN headquarters.
350 Rally Route :
Point A Mong Kok Road Playground, 659 Shang Hai Street 2:00pm (Gather by - 1:45pm)
Point B Intersection of Shang Hai Street and Waterloo Road, 347 Shang Hai Street
Point C Yau Ma Tei MTR Exit B1, Super Digital Mall, 525~543 Nathan Road 2:30 (Gather by - 2:15)
Point D Jordan MTR Exit A, Champion Building, 301~ 309 Nathan Road 3:00 (Gathering time - 2:45)
Point E King George V Memorial Park, Intersection of Jordan Road and Canton Road.
Point F Clock Tower and Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier 3:30 (Gather by - 3:15)
Point G Aboard Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to Wan Chai Ferry Pier 4:30 (Gather by - 4:15)
CROSS HARBOR TO WAN CHAI
Point A Wan Chai Star Ferry Pier 5:00 (Gather by - 4:45)
Point B Golden Bauhinia [Group photo: displayed on TV screen at Times Square, NY] 5:30
The UN Climate Change conference in Copenhagen in December is a major learning moment for Hong Kong university students concerned with the science and politics of the global environment.
We ask that you nominate one or two top students in your academic programs to participate on a team from THE UNIVERSITY OF HK in a Model-UN style simulation in November in HK of the Copenhagen treaty process in December.
The Hong Kong America Center, the Government and International Studies (GIS) Dept of the HK Baptist University, and the National Democratic Institute/HK are jointly organizing an inter-university project this fall involving eight teams of students, each playing the role of a major country in a simulation, on Saturday November 14 in the Council Chamber of the HKBU.
They will negotiate their own version of the UN treaty on climate change. There will also be a student team from the University of Richmond in the USA (playing the role of the USA) and a team from Sodertorn University in Stockholm (playing the role of Sweden) who will both participate live electronically in the simulation.
The eight HK university teams will gather for a one-day briefing on Saturday October 24, also at HKBU, on the science and politics of climate change as relate to the negotiations by eight nations playing key roles in the Copenhagen conference. Please se that attached schedule for the briefing.
After the actual UN treaty conference in Denmark, which ends on Friday December 18, we will hold a live “webinar” online from the Copenhagen Business School (CBS) directed expressly to the HK students who will have participated in this simulation here in HK. (CBS is consistently ranked one of the very top business schools in the world).
Our students will hear directly from a panel of experts (including government, business and green NGO speakers) who will have followed the UN conference in Copenhagen and can interpret for our students in HK how the actual treaty negotiations went, what was the “final deal” they reached, and what countries signed on to commitments to mitigate global climate change.
We will give an award to the university team in our November simulation that most closely approximates the position of its country in the Copenhagen negotiation in December. All nominated participants shall attend three Saturday sessions (Oct 24, Nov 14 and Dec 19 of 2009) at the HKBU.
