Tensions are building9 December 2005
This is the second to last day of the Conference and things are getting more feverish by the minute.
Everyone is going into huddles, swapping intelligence, working out tactics and agreeing who to target in a last attempt to move things forward.
Yesterday, Prime Minster Martin referred to how Canada is already suffering the impacts of climate change.
Later, we heard moving testimony from some Inuit representatives about these effects.
Fighting to stay cold!
We heard from Inuit hunters and elders how the weather is changing and how they fear that their traditional culture and way of life is doomed.
The Arctic is extremely vulnerable to climate change.
- Some species are facing decline and even extinction.
- In the last few years they have seen unprecedented ice melt.
- Tides are higher which has affected clam digging.
- They cannot build igloos as often as before as the ice is not always thick enough
- There is always a haze so their sight lines are affected
Seeking redress
In a groundbreaking move, the Inuit Circumpolar Conference has submitted a petition to the Washington-based Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
In this, they are seeking redress from the United States for the violation of their rights by global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions.
The petition focuses on the USA because it is by far the largest emitter of damaging gases and refuses to join international efforts to reduce emissions.
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What is happening to us will happen soon in the rest of the world. Our region is the globe's climate change barometer. If you want to protect the planet.listen to what the Inuit are saying. |
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Inuit elder, Inuit Circumpolar Conference
We hope that the Conference will indeed listen and take strong action.
Greeting the Ministers
Today we had some VIP visitors. Firstly Siegmar Gabriel, the German Environment Minister came out and wrote a tile for our Climate Mosaic
Elliot Morley, UK Minister for Climate Change, with Tony Juniper. Elliot's tile reads: 'Climate Change - A Global Issue demands Global Action'
Shortly afterwards, our very own Elliot Morley braved the sub-zero temperatures (without hat and coat!) and was filmed with Tony Juniper, before doing a BBC interview in front of the wall.
Elliot Morley and Tony Juniper look at
all the messages on the wall
Dismantling the Mosaic
What goes up must come down! Sadly, this afternoon we dismantled the climate wall. Several people came up to film us or to express their regrets that we were leaving.
Staff from Environment Canada filmed the last few panels for a calendar they are producing. And then begged a few tiles as souvenirs.
Tense negotiations
Campaigners will be following proceedings late into the night as negotiators make a last ditch attempt to make positive progress. We'll send our final report tomorrow.
Katie Elliott and Joanna Watson, our Climate Campaigners are sending daily updates direct from the COP 11 talks in Canada.
© Friends of the Earth
