A quick update from an exciting morning at the UN climate negotations…
Youth from all around the world have been running around the UN climate talks in Poland for the last 2 days rapidly building support for what has been termed the survival pledge: commiting country delegations to an international climate treaty that will “safeguard the survival of all countries and peoples.” That might sound like a very basic principle — and it is. Youth and many countries, particularly AOSIS (the Alliance of Small Island States who are most at risk from sea level rise), recognize that the negotiations have not been sufficient to guarantee universal national survival in the face of climate change. Pretty nuts, right?
Fortunately, thanks to the hard work of the hundreds of youth dashing around gathering pledges, handing out “survival” cards for delegations, and requesting mention of this new principle in speeches, this morning the COP (Conference of the Parties) president included the survival principle in his presentation of the draft text concluding from the conferece.
We will still await the outcome of the final days of the negotiations to see if the principle is fully adopted in writing. Yet, this morning’s speech from the COP president has created a wave of excitement already.
Why is this so significant? It is clear to youth and to the most vulnerable nations that in order to ensure the survival of all countries and peoples we must aim for bolder targets such as 350 ppm co2. The actions taking place here in Poznan are setting the stage for a new year of movement building towards 350. Get ready.
The voices and support from citizens around the world adding important momentum to the work of the young people carrying this message forward here in Poland. Please add your voice and sign on to the survival petition here: https://www.350.org/survival
More news to come soon.