Climate Actions around Copenhagen conference, November 30, 2009

[url=http://12dec09.dk/arkiv/20091018_platform_of_12dec09_initiative.rtf]GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION[/url]

International Demonstrations on Climate Change December 12.

Aims:

In Denmark:

To carry out a peaceful demonstration with tens of thousands of participants representing a broad spectrum of people from Denmark and around the world. To call on world leaders to take urgent actions on climate change and show that climate issues have broad public interest.

Internationally:

We intend to stage synchronized peaceful demonstrations around the world in as many places as possible, calling on world leaders to take urgent action on climate change. In order to make the demonstrations as strong as possible, our principal aim is to secure a diversity of participants, including people from NGOs, labour unions, and private individuals.

Background:

The Copenhagen Climate Talks are the world's last chance to secure an emission reductions agreement that will replace the Kyoto Protocol before it expires. There is a growing consensus among scientists that we have as little as five years to stop and reverse the global growth in greenhouse gas emissions before 'runaway' climate change becomes uncontrollable. That means the international talks being held in Copenhagen in December 2009 could be our last chance to avert a global catastrophe of unimaginable proportions, making it perhaps the most important international meeting ever held. Therefore we feel there is an overwhelming need to demonstrate a global will for urgent and effective action at this time.

The 'Call to Action' for the demonstrations is as follows: "We demand that world leaders take the urgent and resolute action needed to prevent the catastrophic destabilization of the global climate, so that the entire world can move as rapidly as possible to a stronger emissions reductions treaty that will be effective in minimizing dangerous climate change while maintaining principles of social and global justice.

We demand that those industrialized countries that have emitted most greenhouse gases take responsibility for climate change mitigation by immediately reducing their own emissions while investing in a clean energy revolution in the developing world. Developed countries must take their fair share of the responsibility in paying for the adaptive measures that have to be taken, especially by low-emitting countries with limited economic resources.

Climate change will hit the poorest first, and hit them hardest. All those who have the economic means to act therefore must do so urgently and decisively."

Slogan:

The overall slogan of the demonstration is: Planet first - People first / Kloden først - Mennesker først. Any organization, group or individual attending the demonstration is allowed to carry whatever slogan they like during the demonstration.

The demonstration website should make it clear that the demonstration is family friendly, and that civil disobedience will not be accepted when taking part in the demonstration.

Time: Saturday December 12, 2009 starting at 1.00pm.

Route: The route planned for the march is from Christiansborg Slotsplads (Parliament Square) to the Bella Centre, where the Conference is taking place. See route map.

After the demonstration, transport to the central part of Copenhagen should be arranged.

Organization of the demonstration:

The organization is structured in two levels, with a coordination group and a broad assembly of supporting groups, organizations, individuals etc.

The coordination group has the right to make principle decisions relating to the overall framework for the demonstration as outlined by the assembly of supporting groups that met on September 23, 2009.

The coordination group needs to be small and efficient. Time is short, ambitions are high, and we want a broad range of representation at the demonstration.

The coordination group consists of representatives from 5 organizations from the various networks behind the demonstration, and one coordinator representing each of the three working groups: one from the Mobilization Group, one from the Logistics Group, and one from the Communication Group (see the enclosure). The spokesperson/spokespersons (if not already part of the coordination group) and two individuals from the secretariat who are responsible for finances will participate in the coordination group meetings, where they will have the right to speak.

Once every three weeks a meeting between the coordination group and the assembly of supporting groups will be arranged. Here information can be shared, suggestions and advice given etc.

In the coordination group, decisions are to be made in the following manner: as far as possible decisions should be based on a consensus. If a consensus cannot be achieved, a majority of those present have the right to make a decision. It should be stressed that the effort is a cooperative one, and that as far as possible, the interests of all parties should be incorporated into any decision made. Once they have been accepted by the assembly of September 23, the principles in this paper cannot be altered.

A number of working groups will also be established, with a co-coordinator from each working group appointed at the September 23 meeting. Any one can join the working groups. The working groups carry out their work with a mandate from the coordination group, and are obliged to report back to them. Each of the working groups refers to representatives from the coordination group.

A secretariat will be formed to assist the coordination group and working groups in carrying out their tasks. An important task for the secretariat is to manage the economy and forthcoming finances. The practical arrangements concerning the secretariat will be settled in a dialogue between the coordination group and the donor funding the secretariat.

Budget:

The coordination group will work out a detailed budget as soon as possible, and will start fundraising immediately.

Mobilization:

Mobilization is another high priority, and should take place nationally and internationally. The broader our profile, the broader our mobilization is likely to be, and the coordination group is responsible for facilitating mobilization and contacting relevant organizations both in Denmark and abroad.

Communication:

Communication is a central key to mobilizing people and making the demonstration a success. Clear professional communication is needed, together with strict guidelines for spokespersons. Two people representing the coordination group are to be chosen by the coordination group as spokespersons for the demonstration. As with the coordination group, these two are bound to act according to any agreement reached on September 23.

Logistics:

Arranging a demonstration with tens of thousands of people in December requires a huge logistical setup. Good communication with the police, the local municipality and other relevant actors is of great significance. The coordination group is responsible for all logistical aspects of the demonstration, and for establishing and maintaining good contact with relevant actors.

[url=http://www.rabble.ca/news/2009/10/movement-stable-climate-goes-global-we... movement for a stable climate goes global this weekend[/url]
by Bill McKibben

[url=http://de.indymedia.org/2009/10/263838.shtml]Danish government is passing harsh laws to allow crackdown on climate demonstrations.[/url]

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[url=http://another-green-world.blogspot.com/2009/10/protest-danish-plans-to-... the letter-writing campaign to oppose Denmark's criminalization of protest[/url]