JOIN The People's Climate March!
“Today the lottery of where one is born substantially determines one’s life chances. So we end up with grave injustices delivered to part of the human family on the basis of geographic location. For example, the people least responsible for the carbon emissions from the industrial revolution onwards are the most vulnerable to climate change and least able, with current resources, to mitigate and adapt to a low carbon future.†Kumi Naidoo (2010) Boiling Point: Can citizen action save the world?
All over the world, from rural communities to prosperous industrialists, from environmental activists to government representatives, people talk about climate change and global warming. And the questions on everyone’s lips are: what can we do to reduce carbon emissions? How can we act now to avert the worst risks that will affect in particular those who are most vulnerable, in years to come?
Below you will find links to a range of organisations that act on climate change, readings, resources and films to brush up your understanding and to engage with.
Importantly, join in the action planned for SUNDAY 21 SEPTEMBER!
PEOPLE’S CLIMATE MARCH: “A WEEKEND TO BEND THE COURSE OF HISTORYâ€
On 23 September, heads of state under the auspices of the UN are meeting in New York City for a historic summit on climate change. With our future on the line, organizations, communities and activists will take this weekend and use it to bend the course of history. Thousands of people will be going to NYC to participate in a march led by young peopleto build our power to achieve a just, safe, peaceful world. Marches will also be taking place across the globe, including in South Africa!
The demand is for Action, Not Words: take the action necessary to create a world with an economy that works for people and the planet – now.
JOIN THE GLOBAL WEEKEND OF ACTION!
Climate change is the biggest threat to nature and humanity in the 21st century.
It's nearly impossible to overstate the threat of climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions are rising more rapidly than predicted and the world is warming more quickly in response.
Global warming will have catastrophic effects such as accelerating sea level rise, droughts, floods, storms and heat waves. These will impact everyone, especially the world's poorest and most vulnerable people, disrupting food production and threatening ecosystems.
Despite compelling scientific evidence, governments and businesses have failed to respond adequately.
In South Africa, there is a growing environmental justice movement. Organisations at the forefront, are linking climate justice to socio-economic justice, advocating for alternative models of production and distribution to achieve a sustainable and just future for all: “for people, planet and peace over profitâ€! Organisations are using a combination of popular education, participatory/community research and campaigns to advance their vision.
Find events/marches on 21 September in South Africa (Johannesburg; Durban; Cape Town; East London and more) here:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/event/climate/
To find out more about the march:
Links:
Visit South African organizations/campaigns for climate justice and alternative models of production:
§ http://www.groundwork.org.za
§ http://www.climatejobs.org.za
Useful Resources and Articles:
§ Articles accessible at www.newint.org:
o http://www.newint.org/features/2009/01/01/keynote-climate-justice/
o http://www.newint.org/columns/essays/2003/09/01/reinventing-power/
§ This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein http://thischangeseverything.org
§ Climate and collusion: 'The window to halt runaway climate change is closing fast' by Patrick Bond http://links.org.au/node/4035
§ We Need System Change to Stop Climate Change by Chris Williams http://www.socialistproject.ca/bullet/1037.php#continue
§ Slow Poison: Air Pollution, Public Health and Failing Governance http://www.groundwork.org.za/specialreports/Slow%20Poison%20(2014)%20groundWork.pdf
§ Unpacking Climate Change: Background Notes to the Catastrophe http://www.groundwork.org.za/specialreports/FINAL%20Unpacking%20Climate%20Change.pdf
§ I Am No Lab Rat: A Handbook on Genetically Modified Food http://www.spp.org.za/booklets/lab_rat_booklet.pdf
§ Rural Resistance in South Africa: The Story of the Food Sovereignty Campaign http://www.spp.org.za/booklets/resistance_booklet.pdf
§ Basic Principles for Organic Cultivation and Livestock Production http://www.spp.org.za/booklets/organic_booklet.pdf
§ Food Sovereignty for the Right to Food: A Guide for Grassroots Activism http://www.populareducation.org.za/content/food-sovereignty-right-food-grassroots-activist-guide-copac
§ Building a Solidarity Economy Movement: A Guide for Grassroots Activism http://www.populareducation.org.za/content/building-solidarity-economy-movement-guide-grassroots-activism-copac
§ One Million Climate Jobs Campaign Booklets http://www.climatejobs.org.za/index.php/research/campaign-booklets
§ Climate Change Controversies: A Simple Guide https://royalsociety.org/policy/publications/2007/climate-change-controversies/
§ Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth http://therightsofnature.org/universal-declaration/
Images:
§ http://freakymartin.com/2008/06/12/wwf-advertising-campaign-18-photos/
Film Clips:
§ The Bill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWfb0VMCQHE
§ Wake Up, Freak Out – then Get a Grip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T_3WJPYY9g
§ Sir David Attenborough: The Truth About Climate Change http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9ob9WdbXx0