The 17th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP17) with the theme “Saving Tomorrow Today” was held in Durban, South Africa from 29 November to 9 December 2011. Mariëtte Wheeler, an APECS Council member, who is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, was able to attend the second week of this conference as part of the delegation from York University (www.yorku.ca) in Canada. Here are some of my reflections on COP17.
Much can be said about what was achieved by the Parties at COP17. There are many international opinions: some claim success while others are pointing fingers. But for me and those who surrounded me at COP17, the true successes of COP17 were not achieved in the negotiation venues. For us, it was achieved at the side-events, at the booths and at the various other public events that raised the voices of the people on the ground. There were booths from various institutions and organizations working with children, women, farming communities, indigenous people etc. I was fortunate to be part of the delegation from York University that also incorporated the Nanisiniq: Arviat History Project (http://nanisiniq.tumblr.com/). The booth specifically focused on emphasizing the impacts that climate change has on the livelihood and daily lives of the Arviat people. Here in South Africa, we are experiencing some impacts, but it was interesting to see how directly people from other parts of the world (particularly also in the Arctic) are influenced. In the photograph are the two Arviat youth (Curtis Kuunuaq Konek and Jordan Konek); Ewa Modlinska from York University and Mariëtte Wheeler. Photo credit to Alta Reynolds.
One of the highlights of the week for me was a dinner held on 6 December 2011 with indigenous people that was hosted at the Vintage Hotel in Morningside, Durban. Approximately 150 indigenous people from all over the world (some in their traditional dress) attended. It was an event where we overlooked differences and celebrated unity and a common voice against climate change. In the photograph are a few of the indigenous people who attended the event and Mariëtte Wheeler. Photo credit to Alta Reynolds.
On 7 December 2011, I attended a side-event on the beachfront entitled “Africa Roars” that was organized by TckTckTck, CAN and Greenpeace volunteers. After some presentations and fun activities, the school learners formed a massive lion-shaped human banner on the beach. The artwork was guided by renowned international artist John Quigley. The aim of this banner was to raise a voice on the plight of the African youth as well as youth from across the world. For an aerial photograph of the banner, see www.greenpeace.org/africa/en/Multimedia/slideshows/2000-Children-Roar-for-Climate-Action/ .
Also on 7 December 2011, I attended an evening event where the UNEP (United Nations Environmental Programme gave the responsibility of the UN Billion Tree Campaign to the children of Plant-for-the-Planet. The UN Billion Tree Campaign was initiated in 2006 by Wangari Maathai and Prince Albert II of Monaco. Thus far, 12.5 billion trees have been planted worldwide. Plant-for-the-Planet was initiated in 2007 by the then 9-year old Felix Finkbeiner, who was inspired by Wangari Maathai and proposed that school children should also plant trees. Prince Albert II officially handed over the campaign to Felix from Plant-for-the-Planet and in his acceptance speech Felix stated that the new aim was to plant 1 trillion trees by 2020. This hand-over also served as a symbol, raising the fact that the next generation will be severely impacted by climate change if positive action is not taken. For further information on Plant-for-the-Planet, see www.plant-for-the-plant.org.
At COP17, I also learned a bit more about networking during a humorous incident. As we as Early Career Scientists sometimes still battle with networking at such big events, I thought I should share it with fellow APECS members. One of the York University delegates, a South African lady in the medical sector named Ingrid Gruen, is excellent in networking. On the first morning that I attended COP17, three of us were walking towards the International Convention Centre. It happened to be windy and Ingrid had a straw hat on. The wind blew her hat off her head and a few meters on. A gentleman stopped to pick it up and Ingrid started to talk to him while we walked on. Within a few minutes she joined up with us again, with the business card of the man who had picked up her hat. He turned out to be a medical doctor from Ghana. Instead of just saying thanks (as I am sure many would have done), she started a conversation. So make use of moments like these, you never know who might be picking up your hat J.
I found it interesting and enlightening to talk to so many people from different countries and different backgrounds at COP17, most with the same goal in mind: to curb climate change. Although one sometimes feel that one can do little to help, the above events all served as examples how people can work/network together around a common goal. So, in our daily lives as well as in our careers, we as APECS members should ask ourselves, how can we make a difference and where can we Rethink/Reduce/Recycle.
