For the next two weeks I will be on the ground with Project Survival Media in Durban, South Africa at the Conference of Parties (COP) of the UNFCCC. The COP is gathering for the 17 session of yet another attempt to try and prevent the impending climate crisis.
In an all too predictable way, acting on scientific fact to ensure our survival is being disrupted by money & politics. The rich nations of the world are trying to kill a follow up accord to the Kyoto Protocol and are insisting on voluntary emissions binding agreements. The idea that this will solve the crisis is laughable and the poorer nations aren’t falling for it. In fact, Durban might bring some interesting tactics, including an Occupy by the LDC’s. (The Guardian has more on this story.)
The lack of progress at the UN to solve the climate crisis has seriously disillusioned many people, including myself. But, when I see and work with the dedicated and inspiring groups and people all over the world working on this, I know we will solve this problem. For hope, I look no further then the youth at COP, their organisations and networks that collectively organize, share and create real change back home.
So, will the nations of the world wake up and put aside their differences and put us on a path to save the only planet we have, or will we be reduced to more bickering and delays? At Project Survival Media we will be reporting on the conference and bringing the under represented voices to the forefront. Keep an eye on Project Survival Media page for our reports, multimedia pieces and coverage of the Durban Climate Talks.
If you are interested in some of my past work with climate activists, click here.