Concerned citizens of the San Francisco Bay area gather at City Hall on Dec 11th 2009
With the collapse of Copenhagen and the failure on the part of the heaviest polluters to bring anything to the table that showed their commitment to a cleaner planet we have been given a clear message. When it comes to the planet and the welfare of the majority, big business and corporate profits will continue to be the priority. Obama’s pre election promises of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 have now fallen by the wayside. The deal that was hoped to be brokered in Copenhagen is now widely believed to have been derailed by the two biggest emitters China and the US. The non-binding accord contains NO targets or date to end global emissions growth. This together with the ramping up of a war in the middle east and the environmental costs of that taken into consideration, I’m beginning to see where Obama’s real sense of urgency lies. I voted for him. It’s now my responsibility to keep my eye on him, to ensure he’s keeping his promises on the platform that meant that he got the X beside his name on MY ballot paper. He managed to seriously disappoint me in Copenhagen with his rhetoric and the echo of empty promises. What I’ve realized is that when it comes to the change we wish to see in the world, that change will not be affected by politicians. It will be affected by ordinary people in the street paying attention, learning how to live more sustainably, demanding justice and system change.
The following video is from a series of actions in the Bay Area recently that sought to draw attention to some of the biggest corporations that are actively participating in a blockade to environmental policy change. Bank of America is the third largest financier of oil, gas, and coal in the world, and is heavily involved in financing mountaintop removal coal mining. On Nov 30th Rainforest Action Network, West Counties Toxics Coalition, Greenpeace, Urban Habitat, Center for Biological Diversity and the Mobilization for Climate Justice West to name a few voiced their discontent at a rally held outside B of A headquarters in San Francisco. On Dec 7th many of these same groups made their way to Chevron headquarters in San Ramon California to voice their opposition to Chevron’s continued expansion of crude oil refinement and pollution causing severe health problems for the communities nearby. Incidentally the Chevron Richmond refinery is also California’s leading greenhouse gas polluter. Photos from these events can be found here at my Photoshelter page http://www.photoshelter.com/c/michellemccarron
The Rising Tide from Michelle McCarron on Vimeo.
The mainstream media would like us all to believe that the movement for climate justice and responsibility is a fractured one made up of few people. 100,000 people in Copenhagen demanding clean energy policy and environmental protection for the earth, it’s people and it’s animals is hardly a few. The individuals who managed to make it there for the Conference were the representatives for the fastest growing grass roots movement alive today. When you actively participate with them this becomes much more evident.
Perhaps for 2010 we could all pledge to support an organization in our localities that is fighting to protect the planet, ourselves and the animals we share it with. Participation in the process of the government of our country and it’s policies doesn’t end when the polling booths close. For a better, fairer, safer world we vote everyday in the actions and decisions we make when we shop, when we eat and when we pay attention.
If you make any news years resolutions this year make it one that means a real investment in the future of our children and the earth. There are hundreds of groups out there that are active in the fight, highlighting local issues that have global significance. Pick one in your community and pledge to participate in continuing to make your voice heard. Also remember that in how you choose to live and consume everyday is the strongest vote that you can make for a greener future and a more balanced world.
Some organisations that need your support and involvement here in the Bay Area and internationally :
Center for Biological Diversity
Mobilization for Climate Justice West
