Hey everyone! It’s a pleasure to start writing to all of you. I was a youth delegate at the COP 15 United Nations Climate Conference this December. It was quite the experience, and I’m more than happy to share some of those moments with you. As a Canadian, it was truly interesting to see how our image has changed in the eyes of the international community because of our inaction on climate change.
Before leaving for Copenhagen, I engaged with my local community through the creation of something called PLUG OUT TUNE IN. It started out as a way to bring people into the discussion on climate change: urging people to power down and tune in to the issues, until it grew to become an advocacy tool urging youth to become informed on environmental topics as well as becoming part of the solution. You can read more about my journey through COP 15 in photos and videos on http://plugouttunein.com.
For know, here was one of the thoughts that came to me amidst constant protests and actions going on around me inside the Bella Center last week as well as right after Canada won the acclaimed fossil of the day award for the 4th time:
Wow we just won the award for FOSSIL OF THE DAY. Not only did we win 1st prize we also got 2nd place. How is that possible? It is possible because of our country’s abysmal efforts to combat climate change. Mayor David Miller accepted the award for Canada.
So here it is folks: This is the EROSION OF THE CANADIAN LEGACY. Canada has been viewed for years as a nation of leaders. Our historical track record in regards to peacekeeping, foreign policy, and human rights has made us recognized as a positive middle power.
Lately our power in the international community has grown, and along with it our political representatives have dragged Canada’s good name through the dirt. I am embarrassed to constantly hear my country looked down upon as the barrier to change and progressive policy.
Enough is enough. Let’s stop the erosion of our nation’s name and reinstall the rightful feeling of pride for our country. Canada needs to definitely get on with doing things very differently especially in regards to their climate policy (or lack thereof). Right now, I’d like to take the opportunity though to remind people that the tar sands don’t represent everything about Canada.
I know that in order for positive change to continue, you have to acknowledge it and call for more. I’m going to do that right now.
Let’s look at my home province of British Columbia: it certainly is NOT perfect, in fact the Provincial Government has undertaken many initiatives that are terrible for the environment, but it’s important to recognize BC’s great successes in policy as well.
For example, look at the plans for carbon neutrality and decreased emissions. They are a start to better climate leadership right here in Canada. Even our cities are taking leadership. Vancouver has committed to becoming the greenest city in the world, and Councillor David Cadman is the chair of ICLEI with a strong environmental voice here in Copenhagen.
If my city of Abbotsford carries out its committment to become carbon neutral by 2012 without offsetting, it too could become a climate leader. Throughout Canada communities and provinces are moving ahead with great progress. Lets think of the Ontario Green Energy Act for example.
As much as it is my job as a Canadian to call my country’s government and its policymakers and politicians out for their inaction, I also have to recognize some of their great acts of leadership. Canada is not simply defined by the Tarsands – we can see that- this country has the capacity as represented in smaller areas, to become a great force on climate change.
I know Canadians and especially Canadian youth DO care
So…lets PLUG OUT TUNE IN -the time is now.
Alexandria Mitchell is involved in sustainability initiatives across the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, Canada. Mitchell’s background in film and television, in addition to a passion for community action and commonsense solutions, allows her to speak to organizations, decision makers, and businesses on the need for an integrated approach to community sustainability through an environmental lens. Alexandria attended the COP 15 United Nations Climate Conference in Copenhagen, and is the creator and developer of Plug Out Tune In: http://plugouttunein.com, an online portal for sharing stories and connecting on causes.
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RYSE is the youth branch of RAN, Rainforest Action Network, which works to protect the Earth and support human rights through education, grassroots organizing, and non-violent direct action.
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[...] One of the biggest complaints from members of the International Youth Climate Movement during the Copenhagen Climate Conference was that world leaders weren’t grasping the urgency of climate change. At COP 15′s [...]