Post-Copenhagen- the Pros and Cons

With all the reports, controversy, and rumors that have been swirling over the past two weeks, it's been a challenge keeping up with and making sense of what really went down in Copenhagen. Various parties involved hold very contrasting views over how negotiations turned out. China, UN Secretary Ban Ki Moon and even the vulnerable country of Bangladesh took a positive outlook, while Sweden, Bolivia, Brazil and others felt the resolution was unacceptable and demanded much stronger regulations and emissions cuts than what the U.S.-brokered "Copenhagen Accord", reached Saturday, calls for. Nonetheless, here is an attempt to break down the accord, in terms of both potential pros and cons:

PROS: During negotiations major countries, including China, the U.S., India and Europe, agreed that the risks of climate change could not be left unchecked. Included in the final Copenhagen Accord was a goal to restrict global temperature rise to no more than 2 degrees Celsius. Another section of the accord covers the commitment to support climate change adaptation projects in developing countries through a collective international fund of $100 billion per year until 2020.

CONS: The non-legally binding Copenhagen Accord, however, was not adopted by the UN -- only "taken note of" -- and it was not supported by all countries represented at negotiations. The accord was labeled by the Sudanese Chairman of the G77, the largest developing country bloc represented at the COP15, as comparable to a "suicide pact" -- which he would not be entering into. Also, the accord's emissions targets do not fall in line with what science says is necessary to actually meet the goal of keeping global temperature rise under 2 degrees Celsius.

While this may be oversimplifying things, all in all it seems that though hopes for a global treaty were high prior to last week's summit (a potential climax of decades of debate), realistic expectations were probably quite a bit lower. Perhaps a more realistic goal for the close of Copenhagen was the laying of groundwork necessary to continue talks of a binding treaty into 2010. This goal may indeed have been realized, as historically speaking no preceding summit has reached such a consensus on the urgency of climate change. As stated by UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer, "We now have a package to work with and begin immediate action.” Only time will tell.

For more on the summit outcome via a first-hand account from the Mother Nature Network's blogger Karl Burkart, click here.

Update for Saturday's Climate Justice Stunt

The time has come to make our big push on global leaders in Copenhagen, and demand that they deliver a fair, ambitious and binding climate agreement next week at the close of the summit!

As a reminder, we will be gathering Saturday in downtown San Francisco from 12-4pm, to ask passersby to sign giant holiday cards, wishing our global leaders a happy holiday and asking them for a REAL DEAL, which we will then be photographing and sending to representatives in order to add San Francisco to the list of cities taking action around this important issue.

TWO THINGS TO NOTE:

1) Due to the unfortunate forecast, we have been forced to find a back-up location for where we can do this stunt. IN THE EVENT OF RAIN, we will be convening under the overhang outside the Virgin Records store (2 Stockton, cross streets Ellis/Market). If for some reason it DOES NOT RAIN, we will be gathering at the ORIGINAL LOCATION (corner of Stockton/Geary, Union Square steps). Please check the sky before attempting to find us! We will be in one of these two places, only 2 blocks apart.

2) For those interested in actively VOLUNTEERING with us tomorrow (a.k.a. holding signs/cards, handing out candy/buttons, gathering signatures), please come in your fanciest holiday attire. This includes: reindeer ears, elf hats/shoes/stockings, Santa hats, Hanukka pins, ugly holiday sweaters, or anything else you have to express your holiday spirit of choice and draw attention. We will have a few Oxfam t-shirts on hand, face paint and extra flare if you have none or forget yours. And remember to dress warmly!

By participating in the event tomorrow you will be joining a global action of thousands (maybe even millions) of concerned citizens, so we hope to see you Saturday!

The World Wants a Real Deal!

Just as the climate negotiations start to heat up, the world needs to rise up and tell our leaders that the World Wants a Real Deal.

On the 12th day of the 12th month people will come together in various cities around the world to demand a Real Deal – the most important global signing event for the future of the world. This massive action will send a simple, clear message to their leaders: It is time to sign a fair, ambitious and binding climate treaty.

The timing of the action is planned to take place exactly at the midpoint of the Copenhagen climate talks. At this crucial moment, amidst the culmination of years of preparation, organizing, and negotiation around the globe, the World Wants a Real Deal will send a resounding message to the world leaders and negotiators in Copenhagen that the public is ready to sign a Fair, Ambitious and Binding treaty. Hundreds of events will be taking place worldwide!

Want to get involved in San Francisco? Here are two opportunities!

Sign a Real Deal! - Planning Meeting:
When: 6:30pm, Monday, December 7, 2009
Where: Milano's Pizzeria, 1330 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122
(between Irving St & Judah St., accessible off the N-Judah Muni, and the 43, 44, and 6 buses)
Why: To plan the details and assign responsibilities (and costumes!) to those who would like to contribute to the climate stunt in SF on Dec. 12. We will also be practicing our "elevator pitches" to make sure everyone is comfortable talking with people about climate change.

Sign a Real Deal! - Climate Stunt:
When: 12pm - 5pm, Saturday, December 12, 2009
Where: Union Square steps on the corner of Stockton and Geary, Downtown San Francisco
Why: To raise awareness about the urgency of creating a comprehensive international climate treaty at Copenhagen, by collecting signatures on giant holiday cards from Oxfam to the global leaders participating in the conference. In the spirit of the holidays, we will be dressing as elves, reindeer, Santa and anything else people can think of!

If you can't directly participate, or attend the planning, we would still love to have you come to the stunt on the 12th to add your signature to enormous holiday cards we will be asking passersby to sign to global leaders.

RSVP to Oxfam.sf@gmail.com or to the Facebook invitation HERE

Coldplay Concert Success!

Many thanks to the amazing volunteers who gave their time Monday night and joined the movement to end hunger, poverty and injustice with thousands of other Coldplay fans around the world! The outreach effort was a huge success, as we surpassed our goal and collected almost 900 petition signatures and E-Action Alert sign ups! All this while having fun and hearing great music!!!

What you should consider doing...

*Click HERE to follow Oxfam America's Soha Yassine as she goes on tour with Coldplay.

*Interested in volunteering at a concert? Email oxfam.sf@gmail.com and let us know!

*Want to make sure you don't miss any urgent climate change campaign actions? Join the Climate Change Action Team!

House Passes Historic Climate Bill!

On Friday, June 26th, the US House of Representatives passed the historic American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) by a vote of 219 to 212. Thank you to everyone who took action in support of this legislation! Members of the Bay Area's congressional delegation who voted for this critical bill included Barbara Lee, Anna Eshoo, Nancy Pelosi, Jackie Speier, Mike Honda,Zoe Lofgren and Lynne Woolsey. We applaud their votes.

Websites of the Congressional Quarterly, Washington Post, and the Committee on Energy and Commerce offer summaries of ACES.

The legislation does contain some investments in climate adaptation projects that will help the world's most vulnerable communities better cope with the effects of climate change. Greater funding for these cost-effective projects is needed. Responding to the House's action, Oxfam America President Raymond Offenheiser said the bill "finally addresses the immediate needs of vulnerable communities everywhere who are being hit first and worst by the negative impacts of climate change."

ACES now moves to the Senate, which is expected to consider it in September. Before becoming law, the Senate must approve the bill, a conference committee must reconcile any differences between the House and Senate versions, and final votes must be taken. Then President Obama will be empowered to sign it into law.

Stay tuned for more information...

Take Action for Climate Justice!

As the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) heads to the floor of the US House of Representatives, it's vital to preserve and enhance the climate adaptation funding, which will invest in life-saving projects to help vulnerable communities cope with climate change, found in the current version of the bill. Take a moment to add your voice to those calling for climate justice by completing this quick-and-easy form.

A May 21 Oxfam America press release included an assessment of international adaptation funding as passed by the Energy and Commerce Committee:

International Adaptation — The bill establishes an important program for international climate adaptation in the most vulnerable developing countries, but the bill allocates only 1% of the value from the bill (about $750 million a year) for the program. This is an important start but far short of the significant need in developing countries already facing serious climate-related impacts and the amount that will be necessary to achieve a global agreement.

As noted here, current adaptation funding in ACES is only a small step in the right direction. Ask Congress to take advantage of this opportunity to stop harming the environment and start helping those already suffering from climate change through greater investment in adaptation. Stay tuned for developments!

Congressional resolution recognizes the plight of women in the face of climate change

Oxfam America praised a resolution introduced in the US House of Representatives recognizing the disparate impact of climate change on women and the efforts of women globally to address climate change.

Introduced last week by Congresswomen Barbara Lee (D-CA), Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA), House Concurrent Resolution 98 affirms the commitment of Congress to support women globally to prepare for, build resilience for, and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

"The efforts of Congresswomen Lee, McCollum, and Eshoo will help raise awareness about the impacts of global warming on women. The resolution is timely, especially as Congress undertakes legislative action on global warming," said Vicky Rateau, manager of Oxfam America's climate change campaign.

When natural disasters strike, they hit poor communities first and worst, according to Oxfam. Since women make up an estimated 70 percent of those living below the poverty line, they are most likely to bear the heaviest burdens. At the same time, women are often left out of the conversation about adapting to climate change, even though they are sometimes in the best position to provide solutions.

The resolution affirms the commitment of Congress to empower women to have a voice in the planning and implementation of strategies to address climate change so that their roles and resources are taken into account. The resolution also encourages President Obama to consider the impacts of climate change on women while developing policies and programs to address climate change.

Co-sponsors of the resolution include Rep. Baldwin, Rep. Butterfield, Rep. Capps, Rep. Christensen, Rep. Clarke, Rep. Edwards, Rep. Hastings, Rep. Kucinich, Rep Lewis, Rep. Payne, and Rep. Speier.

"As we work to address the devastating impacts of climate change on a global and national level, we must ensure that our policies help women prepare for, build their resilience, and adapt to the adverse impact that climate change has across the globe," said Rateau.

We are thrilled to announce that Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (14th District) has accepted Oxfam's invitation to become a Sisters on the Planet Ambassador! She joins many other prominent women leaders across the US who have accepted leadership roles in highlighting the effects of climate change on women. Other S.O.P. Ambassadors include Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius; award-winning journalist Elizabeth Becker; Reverend Sally Bingham; and League of Women Voters president Mary Wilson.

We are also thrilled to announce our upcoming FREE San Francisco Screening of Sisters on the Planet!

When: Sunday, March 1st, 1:00-3:00pm
Where: Grace Cathedral- Gresham Hall
What: FREE Screening and Informative Afternoon
Why: See previous post below=)

RSVP to oxfam.sf@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!

Women as Agents of Change

When natural disasters strike, they hit poor communities first and worst. And since women make up an estimated 70 percent of those living below the poverty line, they are most likely to bear the heaviest burdens. At the same time, women are often left out of the conversation about adapting to climate change, even though they are sometimes in the best position to provide solutions.

In most poor communities, women play dual roles. As providers, they usually work in agriculture or other informal sectors, and they collect food, water, and fuel. As caretakers, they look after the children, sick, and elderly; the home; and the family’s assets. As a result, women often have invaluable knowledge about adapting to erratic environmental changes. When women are included equally with men in disaster preparedness training, their survival rates improve.

However, socially constructed roles and responsibilities usually put women at a disadvantage in preparing for climate change. Women have less access to resources, are frequently unable to swim or leave the house unattended, and are less likely to migrate to look for shelter and work when a disaster hits. Statistically, women (and children) are more likely to die than
men during disasters.

When women participate in decision-making at national and community levels, they can help devise effective climate change solutions that build stronger communities.

Click here to download a PDF Climate Change and Women Fact Sheet!