Last week, Bolivian President Evo Morales presented the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon with the People’s Accord —conclusions of the World People’s Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of the Mother Earth, Cochabamba, Bolivia. The People’s Accord calls for temperatures to remain below 1 degree Celsius, sets a 300ppm carbon reduction target, requests a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by developing countries between 2010–2017 period, presents a draft Declaration on the Rights of Mother Earth, and recommends the creation of an International Climate and Justice Tribunal.
A Spanish version of the Cochabamba People’s Accord circulated at the conclusion of the World People’s Conference on April 23, 2010. Here is an unofficial English translation:
“The shared vision is to stabilize the concentrations of greenhouse gases in order to give effect to Article 2 of the Framework Convention on Climate Change which determined[,] “The ultimate objective of this Convention and any related legal instruments that the Conference of the Parties may adopt is to achieve, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Convention, stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.” Our vision is, on the basis of the principle of common but differentiated responsibility, the developed countries to commit with scientific measures to a reduction of emission which permit to return the concentration of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to 300 ppm and thus, to limit the increase in average global temperature to a maximum level of 1 degree centigrade.“ (Translation, Joan Russow.)
A delegation will take the People’s Accord to Cancun, Mexico, the site of COP 16, in early December, 2010.
I know I’m going to get totally rtaosed for this, but I honestly believe that people who are extremely concerned about the environment should not have children. It is inevitable that each and every one of us has an impact on the environment, and I really believe it’s irresponsible to lecture others on their consumption of energy and goods if you’re hauling 3 or 4 kids around. Each of those kids is going to have a home some day, cars, kids of their own, etc.As to what can be done, we use those curly fluorescent blubs to conserve, and we burn wood for most of the heat in our home. We’re looking into converting all of our horse stuff (electric fencing, water heaters) to solar, and when we build a house, I would like some solar panels on the roof. Walking or biking instead of driving would help, too. I really admire the hell out of the people who live in Alaska and ride their bikes to work (or school) all year long. That is certainly a commitment to your beliefs!! It always amazes me how many people who live on a public transportation route refuse to take advantage of it. I would LOVE to take the bus to work – but the closest bus stop to my house IS at work.