Happy New Year

Have a Happy New Year, and a toast to a 2010 that will bring with it a real change in the people, the government and the world's policies, views, and actions on climate change.

I wish the leaders of all countries good luck in Mexico in December at COP16, let the history we have learned from Copenhagen, allow for us to make a better push and get our governments on top of this.

The best lesson from Copenhagen is that it can't be done by the government, we need the grassroots movements, people, communities, towns, cities, provinces or states to lead in this movement. Working from the top down isn't effective.

I Don't Think Climate Scientists Ever Rest!

http://www.copenhagendiagnosis.org/default.html

This is the newest climate report, I have yet to read it, I'm in the process...

Blame For Copenhagen's Lack Of Success

Personally according to what I know from my personal experience, the www.gaurdian.co.uk newspaper, and the www.huffingtonpost.com as well as many other sources.

I am blaming the lack of success on China primely, then the United States of America, India, and the EU. The developed nations are not solely to blame on the lack of success, China the worlds biggest emitter, and most likely the main power in this century was the biggest problem. No I am not cutting Obama, or developed countries any slack. The current initiatives by protesters, and most news articles have a lack of focus on the emerging developing nations like China and India's move to block this climate treaty.

Although being from Canada I'm still very mad at my government for it's horrible stance and negative impact at this climate summit.

Home

After a turbulent last day, and night sleeping in the airport, I got home, eventually. It is amazing to finally be able to stop, rest, sleep, and do nothing.

Anyways all of the posts on this blog about Copenhagen have been PGed because of who I know is reading it, if you want to know more about what I did, ask me.

Day 15 OksneHallen 16 Copenhagen Accord 17 Sleep

The youth space at Oksnehallen, right by the People's Climate summit, Klima Forum is open. From there we plan events, but mostly sit around, talk, blog, and watch the happenings in the Bella Center on a live feed on two giant screens.

What happened in the political world you ask? Nothing that we could watch. All of the actual things are now occuring behind closed doors. The spirit in hear is very disheartened as most of us are just waiting for something intersting.

The U.S. top people, like Nancy Pulosi, Waxman, etc. gave a press conference. It was pretty good and actually quite funny. Although they keep Green Washing their 14 - 17% commitments, based on 2005 levels rather than 1990 levels as the rest of the world. So in fact their contribution is only 4% below 1990 levels by 2020. Canada's commitments are equally fals, 20% below 2006 levels, aka, 3% below 1990 levels by 2020.

Next day, begins in the same way, nothing really happens until 1030 at night. During the day I saw some intersting things, Yadda, Yadda, Yadda.

BUT HERE IS THE BIG NEWS! At 1030 Obama gave his press conference, then promptly left before the signing of the actual document. He gave nothing important that we didn't know. His 3 main points were Mitigation, Finance, and Adaptation. As well, they promised to keep the warming below 2 degrees Celsius. One of Obama's most interesting points is that essentially this deal was made in a backroom by the U.S. China, India, Brazil, EU, South Africa, and Bangladesh. 2 of the biggest powers in the world, 4 of the most emerging developing nations, and one nation that would be hard hit by the effects of the global climate crisis first. No representation from Africa, or small island nations.

30 frantic minutes later we got a copy of the most recent draft text (the text changes constantly, the one we had before was from December 16th, and there were many differences). The new draft texts biggest and newest number was that Japan had promised 11 billion dollars (US Figures) to an adaptation fund, meanwhile the EU promised 10.6 billion, and the US a measely 3.6 billion. All other numbers and interesting text changes that we were able to see were exactly what was expected. No 2010 deadline for binding targets to be set, a new 2020 baseline will be used in 2020 (according to what I understood), and many other smaller changes most of which benefited the emerging developing economies (Brazil, China, India, Mexico, South Africa). Some which were good for the Least Developed Countries, and Small Island Nations. But the agreement, called the Copenhagen Accord was definetly not legally binding. Definetly a tiny, baby step forward though.

Then we saw the Non-Governmental Orginizations (NGOs) press conference. The Christian Aid Foundation, Oxfam, Greenpeace International, and CAN International were represented by their heads. The most important point that I took out of this was their outrage but also Kumi Naidoo (Greenpeace Internationals Head) called for peaceful, civil protests, where large numbers of people may be arrested as the only way that leaders will see that they need to change, similar to the Vietnam War protests, and many other social movements in the past, like the anti-apartheid movement.

As soon as this finished I got an email saying 200+ youth had come to the Bella Center entrance to shout our views, chant, and show the world leaders we are still here, and still listening. Eventually it got up to about 500 youth (oh and by the way this is from 1230 am - 230 am outside in the cold). Eventually due to the cold it dwindled to 100 people, and that is when I was to cold to stay. Afterwards I headed home to sleep.

Now today, nothing has happened, been touring around Copenhagen, but politically no large movement against signing the deal has broken. I am still reading through and understanding the 10 page document.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/science/earth/20091218_CLIMATE_TEXT.pdf

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/copenhagen/article6961367.ece

The first is what I think is the latest draft text version.

The second is kind of a quick summary of what most of the points mean.

Thanks for reading, Zack Bernholtz

Another Long Night Tonight

Will be posting a long post on last 3 days, well 4 now it's 12:01 here and a ton of press conferences happened, Barack Obama, then (now) Non-Governmental Orginizations. Then soon hopefully EU but they are still discussing and pouring over text. Signing period is soon, tomorrow or later tonight. Most world leaders have left, Obama, Chavez, etc.

Day 12, 13, 14: Last Day in Bella, Touring, Riots

They have decided to only allow 20-30% of NGO's into the Bella Center for Tuesday, 10-15% Wednesday, 140 NGO's Thursday, 90 Friday, and these numbers are the maximum. The youth voice has been shut out of negotiations. The people who this affects have been excluded from the process.

During my last day in the Bella Center I tried to use the most of it, protesting, meetings, meeting delegates, seeing people, etc. etc. Details aren't important. For the 7 days I was allowed in the Bella Center, as well as the days after, other than Sunday, and Tuesday I get back to the boat I am staying on past 1, and I awake for the next day by 8 at the latest.

I am running on just pure adrenaline.

Tuesday was a day of rest. Slept in until about 2. Went out, in an awesome snowy wintery scene, walked around town with my favourite roommate/person in my delegation, Emily! Bought gifts for mom, dad, and sister. Saw the town, and had just an overall great day.

That night I went to a 350 event, and met some cool people, and ended up returning to the ship at 4 am! Man work is hard. Up at 8 the next day though!

RIOTS:

Reclaim Power, a movement whereby people who could still be in the Bella Center (some NGO's), and people outside of the Bella Center, some accredited, some showing up for the People's Climate Summit stormed the Bella Center, or walked out of the Bella Center. From 3 sides we attacked, and came within 20 meters of the center. The police held us back, and shot tear gas into the crowds. That is when I dispersed. Those closer to the front brought in a barracade and pushed against the police more, then the police beat them back and over 250 people were detained. There are great videos of this violence around the net already.

Later in the day, I met Naomi Klien, and Bill McKibbon (not sure if I am spelling that right) (but he is the director of 350). I missed meeting Jack Layton by about 5 minutes :(

In actual negotiation news:

No progress was made, in fact, a large portion of text was created but it is all in brackets. That was a full nights work, most delegates were sleep deprived. So really no progress within the Bella Center has been made, and a fair, ambitious, legally binding climate deal is pointless. No matter what happens it won't be a good deal, and no deal is better than a bad deal.

I have lost hope but I would really like to see more protests.

TOMORROW:

I and many other people here (today already in our time) will be fasting for 24 hours. No food, just water


You may have heard by now, but in solidarity to those who are fasting for climate action, 350.org has asked all of us to join them tomorrow (Thursday). - http://action.350.org/p/salsa/web/common/public/signup?signup_page_KEY=4729

I plan to join the worldwide fast. No food, just water.

Please also remember to call the Prime Minister asking Canada to commit to science-based emissions targets - and a fair, ambitious and binding treaty. - http://action.350.org/p/salsa/web/common/public/content?content_item_KEY=6778

God only knows what world governments will come up with this Friday in Copenhagen. The stakes are incredibly high. Keep up the pressure. Now is not the time to give up.

Thanks for reading this really long post, ZACK FROM COPENHAGEN!

More of Lord Monckton's Hitler Youth related comments!

Lord Monckton is HILARIOUS! OMG! Please everyone watch this video and the one relating to this please.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne-X_vFWMlw

If you didn't see the video before this where he called us Hitler youth, here it is!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZw8yF5alkM

My GOD! We actually received Hate Mail about this from people who support Lord Monckton's views, although judging by his current rapport in England, and hopefully around the world.

Grassroots Cities

Recently I was able to get a picture with Mayor David Miller and talk to him about the solar panel gala that myself and Natasha Rodrigues are planning, he would most likely be able to come, I have contacted his secretary/planner Rachel already and I am waiting for her to get back to me.

General Post: Crying!

So tears have been shed, many times here by many countries, people and groups. Crying and moving speeches can not move the positions and hearts of our leaders, I am calling for actions now, the technology is here, the words have been spoken, the actions need to occur.

The grassroots movements from Canada, the main inhibator towards a climate agreement being reached need to stand up in the streets. We need to stand up against the government for change, we need to demand that they invest in our future. We need to show them that we aren't ready to give in, we need to show we are the future and we want a sustainable Canada for us, our children and all future generations!

Day 11: Negotiations!

During the Kyoto Protocol based meetings the Developed Countries walked out! So, during the Long-Term Cooperative Action the Developing and Least Developed Countries walked out!

Negotiations have literally become a clusterfuck, we are doomed. Throw down big government let's start over...

Day 10: Day Of Rest

Sunday nothing happens in this city, just about everything closes early. We sat and talked and just discussed about our next week/slept-in most of the day. Then we went out to see some amazing speakers, including Wangari Maathai, and Elizabeth May speak about climate change, what we can do, and what is being done. It was great, then I headed off to a meeting with US Youth to plan out our actions for the week ahead.

Why US Youth? Because there are 500 of them, so something larger is much easier, as well, Canada's position is to be a climate barrier, Canadian youth (82) have had some good actions relating to the Tar Sands, but policy based actions and such are not their thing. That is why I personally go to the US Youth meetings, as well, in the global scheme of things Harper is waiting on Obama. They set 4% below 1990 levels by 2020 (COMPLETELY INACCEPTABLE!) We set 3% below 1990 levels by 2020. They green wash their number, we green wash our numbers.

So I have decided to be a bigger part of the US Youth movement in this area. Then headed home to the ship, Norrona, early. One of m friends who is staying on the ship is leaving so we had a goodbye thing with her.

Now I am in my last day (Probably) at the Bella Center, because they are essentially Leaving Youth Out In The Cold! By giving out about 25% of the Secondary Badges that NGO's will need to get in to the Bella Center to youth or youth orginizations. Personally, we have allocated a building as our headquarters/command center during this lockout and that is where I will most likely be situated, if not at the Klima Forum (The People's Climate Summit). Tomorrow will be different, so I will make sure to take a ton of pictures today!

Day 9: Largest Climate Based Protest EVER! NGO Party

Missed both of the policy meeting, and Brewery Tour I planned to go to. Leanred some of the language, Kylling = chicken, Skinke = ham, Tun = Tuna, Aeg = Egg, Frugte = Bread, Salade = Salad, Breze = Pretzel, Laks = Salmon.

Started the day singing and dancing on the top deck of the ship with people from the Will Stieger Foundation.

Walked over to the square right by the Dubliner Bar (Where I tried the best beer 3 nights ago, Kilkenny).

For the 100,000 people protest! Tried to meet up with people by phone, tried to describe landscape to them. "We are by the Panda bears with flames on their head, and the kids climbing up on the telephone poles, by the river, and the red party van.", "We are by all the people with the purple flags, and behind us is a dragon, and on our left there is a Santa Claus with a gun, and a bunch of pirates." It was pretty hilarious, but we eventually found everyone! (We would lose them again soon)

We all went and got breakfast, and saw the best street performers ever (Like I ACTUALLY GAVE THEM MONEY!) It was 5 guys playing songs by blowing on bottles, but like really really well, they played I'm Walking on Sunshine, Under The Sea, Jingle Bells.

One of our group, Moey was dressed as a mermaid because she is the bottom liner (coordinator) for the youth policy on adaptation group I am in and her adaptation plan was to become a mermaid! We made fun of her a lot throughout the day and night though!!

Now for the March, we started out together and singing and dancing by a party bus. Then we reached the top of a hill, looked back and saw 10's of thousands of people carrying signs and walking for this protest! Incredible! We continued to walk, dance, yell, scream, and join in the chants, WHAT DO WE WANT? CLIMATE JUSTICE! WHEN DO WE WANT IT? NOW! and many many more.

We got split up and then danced to Paper Planes for a while, filmed a ton of things, walked and found our people eventually. I could go in to great detail about this march, but I won't because Unless you were there you can't fully understand it. The funniest part was seeing all the police in riot gear in front of a Macdonalds, then starting to chant again!!

At the end we all met up again and bought like candles/torches. It was like hemp/burlap wrapped up about a meter in height covered with wax, it worked really well as a candle, and then me, Moey, Caroline, Kat, Katherine, Reed, Jeremy, Chelsea, Zach, etc etc. danced around in a circle with our candle type things, because we were at the end of the march, there was a stage and music playing and speakers and we just danced and went crazy and awesome, and had our fire sticks, and it was incredible. Then we heard the speakers and proceeded to leave.

100,000 people leaving at the same time created a huge amount of congestion on buses, so we as well as many other people ended up walking about 3 stations down (probably 1.5 kilometers) so we could get on a train.

While we were walking we sang, we realized that there are very few songs we knew all the lyrics to so we often sang just the chorus!! But we ended up singing all of Bohemian Rhapsody, may Beatles songs, Disney Songs, Journey songs, more chants, 1985, and Staceys mom. It was incredible and I connected with these people and attempting to describe the ecstasy that I felt as I marched, cheered, hoped, danced, and led a revolution with 1000's in Copenhagen, and millions world wide is impossible.

We finally got onto a train, and got to the station we wanted. It was like riding the 84 Sheppard West in the morning but for 45 minutes, and with about 10 more people in it.

We went out to dinner to a vegetarian buffet place, which was great! The food tasted great (probably due to 5 hours of walking and dancing and shouting. At the end due to our cheapness, me, and Zachary, and some other people went and got a plate of bread and tinfoiled it up for later (it was my breakfast and lunch today) because we payed 90 kroners, 20 canadian for our food, and we wanted it to last! :P

we found more people as we headed out to the NGO party at VEGA (an incredible club that was booked for all NGO's which means people from like 65+ down to teenagers (me) in the same place, drinking, and dancing till 3 am)!!!!

We stopped and danced to a live band in the town square for a while then found the right bus and headed out to the party. In the coat check line, me, reed, josh, and ethan said the cahnnukah prayers, and sang Maotsur (no idea how to spell it) Even though we are all from different cities we all had the same tune, it was incredible. I danced with some girl in the coat check line (gonna cross that off of my To Do List :P)

Then we headed upstairs danced to the first band (a Salsa band), the second band played Middle Eastern/Jewishy music. It was amazing, then it was midnight. The next 3 hours was like one loooong song, it was all just that type of music you just want to move your body to and that's what we did, all night long! It was incredible to see people from around the world, from 16 - like in their 80's dancing literally all night long! It was possibly the best way to end a day filled with an experience I will never forget!

The last two days of this trip were incredible, and I love this city.

Day 8: Work, Work, Fun, Fun!

Slept in, realized that one of my roommates Emily, is like my ideal older sister.

In the morinng I participated in a tar sands protest with indigenous activists from North American as well as many people from Canada and the U.S. At first we just stood at the entrance because our original plan to march through the Bella Center's busiest corridor was shut down. After our indigenous speakers gave there speeches we decided to march anyway. Security called for backup half way through so we dispersed.

Afterwards I attended the Fossil Of The Day Awards. EU 3^rd for not taking leadership, Canada 1^st, and 2^nd due to tar sands, Jim Prentice, and our usual inactivity, and blockading of discussions. David Miller the Mayor of Toronto accepted the first place award. Afterwards I was able to get his card, and a picture with him so I think he will definetly be showing up at our solar gala in April!

Headed to the SustainUS booth (the organization that accredited me), talked to people about the youth policy on adaptation updates (Moey Newbold), discussion of the days issues, they poked fun at my Canadian identity due to our Fossil Of The Day Awards leadership.

Oliver Bruce on Twitter tweets about the free food that can be gotten inside the Bella Center, when and where. Since we are all trying to live as cheaply as possible, and food in Copenhagen is incredibly expensive we all want to meet, and hug Oliver Bruce. He has actually feed me for probably 2 days.

Went to the Rapid Response where we Skyped people all over the world, (because they signed up for our facebook group) telling them to show up at their specific town, city, or regions candle light vigil the next day for climate justice.

We took a break, had a massage circle, talked, and ended with some yoga (it was about 1030 and there was no one else in the Bella Center really), security stared at us really awkwardly.

More free food

Went out for dinner/drinks to a place called Riz Raz, 25 people. Met up there with 25 more.

Walked around afterwards, headed to a 7-11 and (BTW 7-11 is everywhere here, as well as McDonald's, except I haven't seen one Starbucks. Never the less, beer and hard liquor is sold at like corner stores here, and 7-11 really chepaly, a little bit overwhelming at first.) But I am 16 so I didn't drink... Also there is no paper bag, or plastic bag, its just really incredibly open here.

Then! We all headed out to a bar, too high of a cover, headed out to another bar, too crowded, third bar just right. Good dancing, good people, (Dom, Me, Sven, Jeremy, Amanda, Beth, Michelle, Kimberly, Caroline). After a while (time wasn't something that I really remember being concerned about). We met up with more people and ended up partying/dancing all night long, I got home at 9 AM! We actually got on the train to head home at 6 but we all fell asleep then woke up at 830 and at the next stop we all just ran off the train even though it wasn't where we needed to go!

9AM policy meeting that morning, ya no chance, so I slept until it was time to go to the march the next day! But unfortunately I missed an 11 AM Carlsberg Brewery tour :(

Day 7: Protest Continued

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/gallery/2009/dec/10/copenhagen-climate-conference-day-four?picture=356709848

WOO HOO! The Guardian! WOW! I feel a little over exposed :)

Day 7: Protest

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viIAsu7O0CE

Oh Ya! It was AMAZING! More to be posted soon.