Where the real action is at Rio+20

Elaine Gilligan

22 June 2012

I've just spent an inspiring afternoon marching through humid downtown Rio alongside 50,000 people - spirits undampened by bursts of tropical rain. The excited mood during the peaceful demonstration couldn't have been more different from the sterile conference centre where the official UN talks are happening.

The mass march is part of the alternative People's Summit, a huge event taking place at the same time as Rio+20 on the other side of town. Tens of thousands of people from around the world have got together to share experiences and come up with ideas about how to get out of the mess we're in.

You can check out some photos here.

What hits you first is the sheer number of people enthusiastically getting involved, from religious groups and students to musicians and artists. And the rights of people who are living with the impacts of environmental problems are a priority. So members of Brazil's many indigenous tribes are centre stage here - unlike in the official process where they've been sidelined. Over 9 days, there are workshops and meetings, debates and concerts. It's a chance for people to have their say on how to tackle the problems we're all facing.

The energy is amazing - during the march, 200 young people lifted the crowd's spirits by jumping up and down to an infectious drum beat, singing and dancing - it was impossible not to join in.

A recurring chant was 'Life is not for sale' - a message to politicians in the centre not to put short-term economic growth over the long-term health of the planet we all rely on.

Back at the conference centre, the deal on the table is pretty rubbish. It looks like international leaders could do with some new ideas. I suggest they come over to the People's Summit to get a shot in the arm of energy and passion for change. Our world needs it.

Elaine Gilligan, Head of Programmes