8th Dec: Taking action10 December 2008
Frustration has been growing at the lack of progress inside the talks. In the past few days actions and protests have sprung up all around the conference centre.
Cyclists protest at the climate talks in Poznan
Global climate day of action
Over the weekend, hundreds of people took to the streets in Poznan. The protest coincided with others on climate change all around the world.
A Polish Santa led the cycling group. Hundreds more walked alongside chanting for climate justice in English and Polish.
On the march
The march was amazing. It looked more like a party than anything else. Protesters and bystanders alike were having fun and carrying banners.
Some were playing music and dancing. Others wore outfits or painted their faces.
But the message was serious. People were demanding that:
- Climate change is tackled now.
- Polluters must pay.
- The poor be protected.
World versus Bank
As delegates arrived for the talks this morning they were greeted by scenes of street theatre and protest. This was organised in conjunction with Friends of the Earth international.
But the action had clear demands. The World Bank must not take control of climate change financing.
Protestors call for climate justice
The World Bank is positioning itself as the world's climate bank. But it is also:
- The biggest funder of fossil fuel projects.
- Only accountable to rich northern countries.
- Funding destructive mining and deforestation.
Real solutions
Solving climate change needs money. But it must come through institutions that are
- democratic
- environmentally sound
- accountable to the UN climate convention.
More actions are planned this week. I'll keep you posted how they go.
© Friends of the Earth International
