Climate Action Now!
August 3-9 2009, near Antwerp
On November 30th, 2009 the governments of the world will come to Copenhagen for the fifteenth UN Climate Conference (COP-15). This will be the biggest summit on climate change ever to have taken place. Yet, previous meetings have produced nothing more than business as usual.
Once again, the people who created the problem are telling us they also have the solutions: carbon trading, so-called "clean coal," more nuclear power, agrofuels, even a "green new deal." But these are not real solutions, they are neoliberal illusions. It is time to move beyond these illusions.
There are alternatives to the current course that is emphasising false solutions and market-based approaches. If we put humanity before profit and solidarity above competition, we can live amazing lives without destroying our planet. We need to leave fossil fuels in the ground. Instead, we must invest in community-controlled renewable energy. We must stop over-production for over-consumption. All should have equal access to the global commons through community control and sovereignty over energy, forests, land and water. And of course we must acknowledge the historical responsibility of the global elite and rich Global North for causing this crisis. Equity between North and south is essential.
It is with all this in mind that various individuals from throughout Belgium and the Netherlands have come together to create this summer's Camp for Climate Action. Taking inspiration from both the UK and German climate camps, our camp will be a week-long event focusing on education, direct action, carbon-neutral living and movement building. This is our way of building a climate justice movement capable of tackling the root causes of climate change.
We want the camp to be as inclusive as possible and we are reaching out to all those who share our vision. The camp is a place for anyone who's fed up with empty government rhetoric and corporate spin; for anyone who's worried that the small steps they're taking aren't enough to match the scale of the problem; for anyone who thinks present climate policies are only increasing inequalities and injustices; and for anyone who's worried about our future and wants to do something about it. It is not only a place for experienced activists, but also for all those who are interested, who want to learn more, and are looking for ways to become active.
Get involved! Come to the camp, or, even better, join in the preparation process. We are all volunteers and all help is welcome. Whatever your background, there is a role for you.
Get in touch: info@climateactioncamp.org
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