Can the Climate Change its spots?

When the land runs red beneath your feet

2007-11-02T13:35:00.000+05:30

You might have heard about it. Some 25000 odd deaths in the last ten years. More 4500 deaths in the last seven years alone, all this while their leaders were busy selling farmlands to set IT cities. In fact at one time there was a joke about the capital city of this state; "It's actually made up of two cities, Hyderabad and Hyperabad" Yes, you've guessed correctly. This post is all about Andhra Pradesh.

The funniest part however is that everyone seems to believe that this is a brand new event even though official records show that the farmer suicides have been going since the early 1990's. What has completely devastated several districts, including Anantapur, is a long running drought that began in 2001 and is yet to end. At the Nairobi summit of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, there was a strong focus on the fact that those most likely to be severely affected will be people who had no hand in propagating the anthropogenic factors that have escalated climate change. It will be the poorest of the poor, the landless, the economically backward, the socially marginalized. All of which describe the farmers of Andhra Pradesh.
The most terrifying truth about this scenario is the fact that these farmers are being crushed between the jaws of the Globalisation mantra and unreliable climate patterns. The Indian farmer has traditionally relied on the monsoons for sustenance, they are his benefactors. They are his cruel masters; to whose whims and mercies lies bound, inextricably, his life. In the WTO regime, that really, desperately wants us to believe that 'the world is flat', people such as these farmers have no voice, no power and no access to the wealth that the WTO promises to bring to people exactly like them; honest, hardworking and desirous of a 'good life.'
Now, that promise stands forfeited. There is no salvation in sight for these people with no financial lending institution or government organisation willing to take up the responsibility for improving the situation. Indeed many of the small scale private banks which were supposed to exist as the farmers friend now no longer give out loans to them. Their new clientèle is the upper middle class urban population.
To spice up things, Andhra Pradesh regularly experiences the same troubles as Orissa. Storms, cyclones near the coasts and prolonged drought inland. Nature's double whammy which, compounded by the failure of government policy and the competition from cheaper food grain imports, seems to be the surefire solution to India's overpopulation problem; 'Kill them all!'

I know I shouldn't sound so depressing and negative, but most of what I typed above is so terribly true, I don't know if it makes a difference if I package it in tinfoil and ribbons.
Going back to the discussion on climate change, it is not really difficult to imagine how climate change is going to further worsen the situation in Andhra Pradesh. Erratic precipitation, unending droughts, government apathy and repeatedly failing crops. India is already incapable of feeding her masses. Now farmer after farmer is giving up on agriculture. There is little left to imagine about what the future holds unless some corrective action takes place.
References:
P Sainath on the state of farmers in Andhra and Maharashtra
p.s. - Palagummi Sainath is this year's winner of the Ramon Magasasay award. He is the rural affairs editor for The Hindu, a leading daily in India.

More Ecogees (Eco - Refugees!)

2007-10-23T18:43:00.000+05:30

The Rainbow Warrior sailed on past the east coast and docked yesterday at the Chennai port. There was also an amazing action last morning where the climate action team painted the message 'Cut Coal Save Climate' on the hull of a cargo ship (the INS Sridevi) laden with coal. India right now, (actually based on 2002 data) stands at fifth place on the list of the world's largest polluters. The current development plans envisage an addition of 73 new coal fired power plants. By themselves, these coal megaliths will raise India to the third position. Greenpeace and Solar Generation are strongly against this kind of blind development plans. We need clean power if we want to stick around long enough to see India as a world leader, in whatever field it is.

In the last post I mentioned how officials sent to survey the population of the Sunderbans were shocked to discover that an entire island had disappeared beneath the sea. A Kolkata based scientist, along with his team of oceanographers at the Jadavpur University have identified another island that submerged at about the same time, although there is no record of any human settlement on that island.

Around the same period, a series of cyclones and droughts battered the coastal state of Orissa. Although the Orissa droughts and Super-cyclone made it to media prime-time, little corrective actions can be said to have taken place. As of today this state continues to suffer from the effects of climate change. An already poor people (Orissa scores a meagre 1 - 1.5 on a scale of 5 in the economic development indices), the Oriyas today are struggling to sustain their lives. Orissa has to its credit several dubious distinctions, including supposed trafficking in women, highest numbers of infant mortality due to malnourishment and record numbers of migration due to rising sea levels eating into the coast.

If truly there are climate change hotspots in India, Orissa figures at the top of the list. Greenpeace and Solar Generation India have separately documented the effects of climate change already being experienced by the Oriyas.
Given below is the first video created, directed and shot entirely by the team of Solar Generation. Take a look:

One is forced to feel ashamed about the clueless leadership that seems to prevail in our country after one witnesses the suffering that these people seem to have accepted as part of their lives.

I didn't want to drag this post on for too much longer but couldn't help but share this story.

The region over which Orissa stands now is roughly the extent over which a medieval Indian kingdom, that of the Kalingas, once stood. The Emperor Ashoka waged a lengthy and bloody war on the Kalingas and defeated them. At the end of this war, the king who was known as Chandashoka, "the cruel Ashoka," was so moved by the suffering he had imposed on the Kalingas that he gave up all violence and adopted Buddhism, giving up his traditional Vedic religious beliefs. Later, Emperor Ashoka was rechristened, from "the cruel Ashoka" (Chandashoka) to "the pious Ashoka" (Dharmashoka).

I wonder if the descendants of the Kalingas will once again be forced to embrace oblivion in the face of senseless greed.

Errata

2007-10-22T17:30:00.000+05:30

there's a tiny omission in the last post. The refugees from Lohachara are officially the FIRST climate refugees per se, anywhere in the world. The fact that Lohachara had sunk didn't even register with the authorities. It was during the 2001 census that the surveyors realised that one of the islands listed as inhabited wasn't to be found! The first islands to have submerged however are officially in the Papua New Guinea.

Updates.... Refresh your self here.

2007-10-20T22:27:00.000+05:30

As of right now, one of the 'x'-solargen (x stands for extra talented!) members, our great guru of cool, Mr Amrit Bakshi is enjoying an amazing cruise aboard the Rainbow Warrior! Well, actually, he's only sailing from Kolkata (where he was part of all the Greenpeace (India) activities that took place in Calcutta and the Sunderbans) to Vishakhapatnam or Chennai depending on which port gives the Rainbow Warrior clearance to dock. For new readers, Amrit has been a member of Solargen India since it's inception and has been a moving force behind almost everything Solargen has achieved. He also represented SGi at the Montreal UNFCCC and then again there's his famous freak dancing; which I'm told floored quite a few at Montreal. Besides he's also like the 'as cool as they come' dude.
But this post isn't a tribute to Amrit. It's a report on the people who Amrit is trying to raise a voice for. While we sit and try to argue whether climate change is real or not, who's to blame for it and what corrective measures might work, there's already a lot of people who lives, livelihoods and cultures are already being washed away in the mighty tides of climate change.

Amrit (along with the others from Greenpeace India) was protesting against the apathy of Governments with regards to climate change issues. Most the of anti-climate change lobby refuses to accept the reality of the climate change refugee. Well, like it or not, we have some of our very own climate change refugees. Right here, in India. They are the inhabitants of one of the of the Sunderbans. Sunderbans, incidentally is the largest mangrove forest formation in the world, strecthing from Indian territory to Bangladesh. It is also home to Royal Bengal Tiger, which already facing near-extinction. Apart from tigers, the Sunderbans are home to several species of birds (including the magpie robin - the national bird of Bangaladesh) and crocodiles. It has also been identified as a major mating spot of the endangered Olive Ridley Turtles and is home to the River Terrapin, the Gangetic Dolphin and the Horse Shoe crab among others . Apart from the flora and fauna the Sunderbans are also home to some 4.5 million people. Of these at least 7000 are eco-refugees, who lost their homes when the island Lohachara was lost to rising sea levels in the year 2001. An estimated 15% of Sagar Island, the largest in terms of land mass and human population, is already under water or erdoded.

Shown here is an infrared map of the Sunderbans.A rise of 3.5 mm (0.13 inches) will lead to a loss of 15% of the total land mass of the Sundarbans and will displace a further million people from there homes. These are conservative estimates.
A large part of the effects of climate will be suffered by people who are aged less than 25 years today, i.e., the youth. 53% of India's population is less than 25 years of age. That means a lot of us. A LOT OF US. It's time we demanded our rights and took an active role in the climate change dialog.
So will you wait till the sea's at your doorstep? Or do you want to make a change now?

References:
Wildlife Institute of India
Project Tiger
Climaction.blogspot.com
Population Census of India

2007-10-17T19:03:00.000+05:30

Hey people, this is an article I picked while browsing around. Sorry about the cut and paste job :p

Dean Williams and the Science of Climate Change
By Roger Witherspoon
Oct 12, 2007, 14:29

When the United Nations’ International Panel on Climate Change contacted the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and asked for help there was, at first, consternation.

Dean Williams, senior research computer scientist at the Laboratory, recalled “Our program director, Dave Bader, came to me and said they want us to coordinate and standardize all this data from around the world. Can we do this?

“I said we can not not do this. And then we set out to figure out how and it led to the creation of the Earth System Grid.”

The awarding of the 2007 Nobel Peace Price to both former Vice President Al Gore and the International Panel on Climate Change has cast an international spotlight on the behind the scenes work of Williams, one of the world’s most influential black research scientists.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the prize jointly for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change.

It is difficult to envision the impact of global warming – or to determine its existence and causes – considering the disparate impact it has on climate conditions around the globe.

Parts of Texas this summer had 18 inches of rain a few hours while much of the southwest was experiencing record setting drought and fire conditions, and the northeast was wet and unseasonably cool. On a global scale, the disparate impacts are even greater.

It would have been impossible for the International Panel on Climate Change -- IPCC – to have come to the unanimous conclusions on trends in the earth’s climate and the impact of human development were it not for the contribution of Dean Williams, whose work over the past 15 years has provided the computational underpinnings of global climate science.

Williams’ first contribution was the development of the Climate Data Analysis Tool – CDAT – an open source analysis and visualization software package which allows researchers to simultaneously look at multiple climate models and compare observed results.

This was followed by the development of the Earth System Grid, which standardizes how data is collected and provides a common framework for the world’s climate modeling centers. It has changed the way the world’s climate scientists operate.

During the development, Williams sent out terabyte discs to every major climate modeling group, and has since uploaded more than 300 terabytes of data into the Earth system Grid for the IPCC.

At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Williams said, “we are a neutral climate model center. All the world’s models come in to get vetted. We do comparisons of all the climate models and inter-comparisons around the world.

“The works is scientists will run a model at their site, and then run it through our filter to get a standard format.”

It was this system which provided the world’s scientific community with the certainty exhibited in the current IPCC panel on climate change validating the human cause of global climate disruptions.

The Earth System Grid has been expanded to provide operational nodes at 23 climate research sites around the globe so new information can be downloaded directly for all climate researchers to use.

When informed of the Nobel Prize Award to the IPCC Williams, stunned, at first could only keep repeating “Wow! This is awesome!”

“I’m speechless at this award,” he said after a few minutes reflection. “Everyone in the climate community is a winner today. Our whole team should be jumping up and down.”

Williams grew up on South Central Los Angeles knowing the direction he wanted to take in life at an early age.

“I was always best in my class in math,” he said. “I told myself in fourth grade I’d be a master in math one day.”

He earned a bachelors degree in applied mathematics and statistics, and then a master’s degree in computer science at California State University at Chico and then joined Lawrence Livermore. When he is not standardizing the world’s climate research, he coaches high school track.

© Copyright 2004 by Career Communications Group, Inc.

Greenpeace garners support of 1,00,000 voices for “Ban the Bulb”

2007-07-13T17:11:00.000+05:30

Bangalore, 13 July, 2007: Greenpeace today announced the completion of collecting 1,00,000 petitions for their “Ban the Bulb” campaign addressed to the Union Power Minister to implement a ban on inefficient light bulbs in the country by 2010. The campaign aims to collect a million signatures (ten lakh) from the public till the end of the current year.

To commemorate the occasion Greenpeace organised a special event at Christ College joining the hands with Green Army, the environmental cell of Christ College in Bangalore attended by a few eminent names like the young director Master Kishen and Dean of Science, Christ College Mr Chandrasekhar amongst others.

Representatives of Solar Generation from different campuses such as St. Joseph college,Mount Carmel College,St. John's Medical College,Mahavir Jain College,Dayanand Sagar Dental College and National College were present at the function.

Launching the “Ban the Bulb” Campaign on the 16th April 2007, Greenpeace handed over a copy of the model legislation to the Power Minister, mandating that light bulbs with an efficiency of less than 25 lumen/watt should be phased out by 2010. The incandescent bulb falls into that category and Greenpeace demands it to be phased out by that period. Another step for more efficient lighting should follow in 2012 and 2015 so as to raise the minimum efficiency level of lighting to 35 and 55 lumen/ watt respectively.

A decisive measure taken by the Union Minister to phase out the incandescent bulb and ushering in a process of continuous improvement in the efficiency ratings, would save roughly 12000 MW of electricity, while reducing our CO2 emissions by a minimum of 55 million tonnes annually.

Greenpeace will continue collecting petitions from the public, with the aim of collecting 10,00,000 signatures in the coming days. On-line signing of petitions can be done at the campaign web-page " www.banthebulb.in "

The Kyoto Round-Up

2007-05-22T21:16:00.000+05:30

Athena is the face of Greenpeace's climate and energy campaign in Asia. She has just returned from Kyoto, where she led a team pressuring the Asian Development Bank to put their money where their mouths are and invest in Clean Energy. Here's her round up.
2 weeks ago I welcomed myself back to the city of Kyoto with high expectations: for the Asian Development Bank to honour the spirit of one of the most important environmental agreements in history – the Kyoto Protocol.
I finally got to see Kyoto on the last day of my visit to this historic city. A visit to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and a walk along Gion made me appreciate its beauty – something I missed10 years ago during my first visit. The people of Kyoto should be proud of their home. The ADB could have made them even prouder, but they were a few steps short…

Following a gruelling week of no sleep, limited food, stress and countless meetings and writing sessions – we surprised ourselves at the impact we had on this giant institution. A team of 18 people from 10 countries, Asian led I must add, managed to rock the institution and send nervous ripples running through it.
From the starting act of the love shirts, to the kimono girls to the sumo-wrestling match, to high-level debates on coal and clean energy, our team was formidable and relentless. We countered each ADB statement, welcomed their initiatives and called for more. More importantly, we blocked a major attempt at putting nuclear on the agenda; stopped ADB expanding the Mae Moh coal plant in Thailand and applied the pressure that resulted in the ADB announcing an impressive array of clean energy initiatives. However, the one thing that keeps cropping up is coal and we will continue to push the Bank hard to phase-out coal from its portfolio.
Yes, the Bank is moving and its response to mounting public pressure has been significant. But I can’t stop wondering whether these commitments are real or not. Half way through the ADB meeting, I finally escaped from the Conference Centre to join the Peoples Forum activities at Doshisha University. Once again I listened to Maliwan, the Mae Moh community representative and to the Cambodian woman whose community was destroyed by an ADB funded highway project. They carried direct testimonies from people whose lives had been devastated by large-scale ADB projects. I was thankful for this opportunity, I had to keep reminding myself that despite the Bank’s improved language on clean energy – this campaign has a long way to go…This bank is losing its grip...the private sector has taken over the energy and infrastructure field and it has nowhere else to go but to find its niche elsewhere. Our pressure can push the Bank to pioneer initiatives for the future - Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. The ADB can and should make Clean Energy their business. If they get this right, they will show leadership, if not, they will slip into irrelevance and disappear and a golden opportunity to catalyse the energy revolution will disappear with them.
Up until now, we have always been told that money is the problem and this is why renewables are unable to compete. However, during the ADM meeting, Japan announced a US$100m clean energy facility, commitments to the Carbon fund reached US$80m and the clean energy financing partnership reached US$250m. The question is “If there had been no public pressure to re-channel these funds, where would’ve they gone otherwise?” This is the value of persistent global campaigning. It will be business as usual unless we agitate and mobilise, it will be coal and fossil fuels unless we increase the risks of investing in coal. Our campaign makes it difficult for coal proponents and banks to pursue coal - lets keep it this way.
This year is critical. All 3 IPCC reports are now out confirming the urgent need to address climate change. Now we head towards Bali in December for the next Kyoto Protocol meeting, a critical negotiating session for governments where big solutions are required to match the scale of the problem. The ADB could make a difference. We challenge the Bank to come up with actual good projects across the board that demonstrate its commitment to the many clean energy initiatives. We will continue to push, but not for further policy language, we want real action. We want wind farms, geothermal projects, Renewable Energy Bills, and RE based Development Plans by the Bank’s donor member countries. There’s still a long way to go but considering where we were on this campaign 2 years ago…not bad.
We thank you for the petitions and we thank our colleagues in Europe for exerting pressure on donor members. Let’s stay vigilant - one or two large-scale coal plants may still pop up in the ADB’s portfolio – we need to make sure the ADB doesn’t dip its hands into these projects.

Ringside at Kyoto!

2007-05-16T19:07:00.000+05:30

CHERRY BLOSSOMS
May 6th

We thought we lost them all in the taxi that brought us back to the conference hall from the kimono shop the previous night, but thanks to the very considerate taxi driver who drove all the way back, we didn't have to make them all over again...

At 9 o'clock the next morning Solargeneration distributed the cherry blossom bookmarks along with artificial cherry blossoms to the delegates as they arrived for the Opening Session for the Board of Governors. We stood at the doorway and stopped them as they hurried in and handed over our little symbols to remind them of their duty towards the welfare of the future generations. Most of the delegates accepted them and some even wanted to choose the ones they liked best. This activity went our way as well...

At 2 o'clock the same day Greenpeace had organised a 'Love T-shirt' activity for which some of the Solargeneration members took part as well... each T-shirt with a message to the ADB was worn by two members as they stood outside the hall where the governors from the ADB member countries were meeting.But this activity was cut short as some of the japanese delegates were annoyed. After this activity we weren't allowed even close to that hall and security was tightened as though we were terrorists of some sort!!! We even had our own personal security guards!! The same activity was carried out the previous day as well but as security wasn't so tight it went on pretty well...

As we were done early and it was the last day that all of us were going to be together, we treated ourselves at a beautiful Japanese restaurant. The food was really good though some of us had a tough time with the chopsticks...

may 7th
THE GRAND FINALE

After a lazy morning, the Solargeneration team made preparations for the next attack... this time as the world famous Japanese Sumo wrestlers... a few sessions of practice and we were good to go...

At the conference center, we handed out invitations to our 'Energy Sumo Wrestling Championships' to delegates from the countries that had the best statements with regard to the Solargeneration objectives. These were statements that were made at the first and second Business Sessions of the Governors the previous morning. Studying the statements the night before, our final judgemnet was easy because most of the countries had no regard for climate change at all. Their country's development was the only concern even if it comes at the cost of their environment and people.Tthe only few countries that put mitigation and adaptation to climate change and the need for change form dirty energy to clean and renewable energy as the most urgent of all requirements were the UK, Switzerland and Norway. And the worst country statement was from Japan who are seriously considering Nukes as the best way to combat climate change!!

We coulnd't invite the Japanese delegates for obvious reasons, though we wanted to present them with the award for the "Worst Country for Future Generations". We did invite the other award winners for the "Best Country for Future Generations". The Swiss delegates were the only ones who confirmed their presence since the other countries had prior commitments. The thrill and the excitement shown by the Swiss delegates took us by surprise. This is what one of the delegates had to say... "It is GREAT to see youth like you'll taking the initiative to make a difference without waiting for the Governments"

Once all set for the final Solargeneration activity of this AGM, the media was called and the Swiss delegates arrived as well. As our sumo wrestlers entered the scene there was a loud applause which aroused curiosity among people around the otherwise quiet conference center, getting more spectators than expected.

"THE GAME"
The wrestlers entered the ring and the match began with Mr.Coal, the reigning champion, winning the first round over the underdog, Mr.Renewables. But Mr.Renewables wouldn't give up so easily... he fought back with all his might... after a long and well fought battle, Mr.Renewables came out victorious!! But the championship wasn't his yet because he had another dangerous and powerful challenger, Mr.Nuclear. Though Mr.Nuclear put up a good fight Mr.Renewables was on a roll and wasn't prepared to give up his hard-won championship. Mr.renewables then awarded Switzerland with the award for the "Best Country for future generations".

The sumo wrestling championship was a great way of ending our campaign. We had good media coverage and the attention of a lot of people and most importantly we could complete our activity and make our messsage clear without having to end it midway. Though Solargeneration didn't make Governments take immediate action, we certainly did get them thinking.

Solar Generation Delhi

2007-05-16T15:21:00.000+05:30

Delhi group of Solar Generation is taking its shape and became active even outside campuses. Last Saturday we got our volunteers (from Jawaharlal Nehru University,Kamla Nehru College,Miranda House) who joined the energy campaign team on streets to interact with people to spread the message 'Ban the bulb' and get petition signed.All of them were for the first time on street but their performance were excellent despite the Delhi heat.we managed to get 1800 signature in a single day and interacted with many more. Many of the students went back to their native places in differt parts of India where they will spread the message of 'Ban the bulb' and some will come back with photo story on 'Energy uses in their area'.

Bangkok SolarGeneration Skillshare Diary: Raju Ranjan New Delhi

2007-05-16T15:13:00.000+05:30

27/04/2007
Loma Resort
Today early morning at 5.30 am my Aeroplain landed in Swarnbhumi airport (Bangkok). It is a very big and clean airport .when I was doing my immigration enquiry I meet my Bangalore friend Inchara who is also participating in Solar generation skill share programme . After completing our immigration inquiry we came out of airport.
There we saw two Thai guys in solar generation t-shirt aged “between” 20-23 were waiting for us. They were waiting for us since 4.30 am. There name is confusing to me but I can remember one name of AA. He can speak English, any way around 8.30 am we reached Loma resort, and were we have to stay from 27 to 29 of April.
All the participants already arrived here and they were taking breakfast.
I meet with my new roommate Jeffrey, he is from Philippines.
After getting fresh all of us assembled in conference hall at 9 am. I missed my breakfast, but I was not feeling like hungry. Here Agnes started the programme.
After a brief introduction we went for tour of a river which is polluting because of many factories on the bank of river.
We were in a beautiful boat, it was very fun on boat , we played lots of game one game which we like most was PIPO game, in this game u have to act as a peacock and dance like a peacock .
After coming back we had taken our lunch in a beautiful canteen, it was my first Thai food and unfortunately I one of my German friend Lisa have eaten very hot chilly dish, which makes us full of sweat.
Again we assembled in conference hall here I meet with one Indian Green peace activist in Thailand SHAI or Shailendra. I feel proud.
In Afternoon Agnes and Abi has given the presentation and informed about further activity in between this four more participants from Indonesia joined us.
At Evening around seven we taken our dinner it was delicious I ate many sea foods.
It was quite good day, I am very tired and feeling sleepy. See u tomorrow
28/04/07
Loma resort
Today I wake up at 6.30 am it was a beautiful morning,
Our workshop started at 9 am with warm-up game named PEEPOO.
Agnes and Abi started the session with the topic on campaign.
FA is helping every one in this session in their presentation. At 10.15 am Philippines delegate Karla given the presentation, there after Germany and France delegates Lisa and Aurelie have given their presentation, thereafter Indian delegates from Hyderabad and Bangalore described about their works in country, at last I presented a bamboo gift of god Ganesh to Agnes and given a beautiful Madhubani painting of SUN which is made by a small girl of BIHAR and few stickers to solar generation workshop.
Every body likes that painting.
We started our workshop programme with group discussion and play on speaking with university president. In this programme one of my Chinese friend became the university president and I as a solar generation member going to talk him. I am happy because I was able to convince him.
Today I had taken lunch with my Chinese, and Thai and Philippines friends. It was delicious food no spices but hot and nutritious.
Afternoon session some media person and BBC broadcasting members were in between us. They participated in workshop programme and given us some tips on interviews and camera facing.
After this boost-up workshop we had a brain storm session on COP /MOP. At night we started creative activities which are a preparation for up coming events.
I am in hot spot visit activity. We are making banners and posters for IPCC meeting. YaYa is guiding us.
Till 1 am and we are not able compete our work because of few colors missing,
We planed to complete it tomorrow.
It is already late and tomorrow we have to do lots of work so good night………….
29/04/07
Loma resort
At 9am we started our work. After a group discussion we had started brain storm for next meeting in Bali
Again we have divided in four groups in my group I am along with Jeffrey from Philippines, Indonesian friend Christy and a Thai friend.
We had planned very interesting events for Bali. We wanted to start Bali meeting with beach party which can attract more public and officials.
After lunch we completed our painting works. YAYA and Abi were busy with their camera to make this event memorable.
At 6.00pm we left Loma resort with beautiful memories for Bangkok city in a hotel called Suan dusit place.
Luckily Jeffrey is my roomy here, he is very happy because there are few English channels also in cable.
After arriving we discussed on our tomorrows IPCC activity. We were divided into two groups who are going to meet high officials in ministry.
Inchara is going ministry of energy and resources and I am going ministry of environment and resources.
Tomorrow we have to meet Dr. Rajendra Pachouri who is famous among us on the name of Mr. P who is the head of IPCC also.
So it is very important day for us. Tomorrow we have to wake up early in the morning so see u bye bye….
30/04/07
Suan dusit place
Today we wake up early at 6 am and gathered in meeting room. It is raining; we have decided to leave at 8.30 am for UN building where IPCC meeting is going to be held.
I along with three Thai and one Indonesian girl were distributing pen wind mill with a pleasing smile to high officials who were coming for IPCC meeting.
While my other friends were standing with solar van to meet Dr. Pachouri in formal way with messages to save climate.
It was very interesting for me to speak Swaddee kha which means good morning and talk with high officials directly on the topic of global warming and presenting a gift of pen wind mill to them in between media person who were busy in making news report with this activity.
We had given this gift pen wind mill which is a message to use renewable source of energy to security personals as well as media person also.
Most of them accepted our gift but few of them who were seems to very busy they went directly inside some of media person passed comment in Thai on them.
Then Dr. Rajendra pachouri came there, again I felt proud on being Indian. We gave a pen wind mill to him also.
After this event we went to parliament there we meet ministers of parliament.
It was a good meeting between us we raised our question among them?
At last he invited Thai students to participate in parliament discussion. He has taken their email ids.
After this meeting we had divided in two groups one group went to meet ministry of energy and resources and my group went to ministry of environment.
There minister of environment welcomed us with snacks and tea. Thai student actively raised many question to him on the issue of global warming in their language but it was useless for me because he was speaking in Thai language.
By the way I also given my message to him but I am not sure whether he understand it or not.
After this session we went to parliament canteen where we had taken our lunch. I enjoyed Thai food in canteen..
And then we returned back
Now it is 5 pm. I am along with my Thai friends going near by area to make mast….!!!

AT KYOTO!!

2007-05-06T22:23:00.000+05:30

May 4th

Day number 1 started off with a panel discussion between ADB and the Civil Society Cooperation on the requirements in the development of adb's energy strategy. The rest of the day was more interesting with us working on the cherry blossom bookmarks and planning out activities for the next day.And the day ended with the grand reception and cultural event organised by the Kyoto committee. I shall go into details of each event now.

PANEL DISCUSSION

The panelists at the discussion were:
Bruce Murray, Director General, Operations Evaluation Department,ADB
Carl Middleton,South East Asian Campaigner,International Rivers Network
Zhao ang, Greenpeace China
Mika Ohbayashi,Director,Institute for Sustainable Energy Policy
Ana Maria Nemenzo,Freedom from Debt Coalition
Woochong Um,Director,Energy,Transport and Water Division,ADB

The discussion was attended by representatives of several ngos and the media was present as well. Minutes of the discussion can be read at www.adb.org/annualmeeting/2007

'CLEAN COAL'... What??!! Yes, this was one of the strategies put forth and strongly considered. All except Zhao ang from greenpeace,China, seemed to be in complete agreement with this. Zhao ang said he wanted to make something clear and stated "coal is dirty energy and can never be even considered clean"

CHERRY BLOSSOM BOOKMARKS

The national flower of japan, the cherry blosssoms, bloom earlier each year due to the effect of global warming. We used these as a symbol to represent disturbed ecosystems all over the world.These were to be handed out to the Governors and other delegates as they arrive for the Opening Session for the Board of Directors, thereby giving us an opportunity to speak to them on taking action on climate change to safeguard our future and the generations to come.

RECEPTION AND CULTURAL EVENT

This was a dinner party organised by the host country. Solargeneration and Greenpeace decided to keep a low profile, joining the rest in the ELABORATE dinner. We did get to speak to a lot of the guests and they seemed very interested in what we had to say about our aims and our actions.

May 5th

SG KIMONO PARTY

I can confidently say "we all looked beautiful"... six solargeneration delegates strolled down the aisle in the Japanese traditional wear, the 'KIMONO', at the dinner reception organised by ADB President Kuroda.

Walking around elegantly in the Kimono, we did not fail to catch the attention of every single person at the reception.

As we shook hands with the president we made our message clear by opening out the fans we carried, which read 'adb quit coal' and 'clean energy now'. Though the president was annoyed,if i may say so,he was pretty much helpless.

Rest of the evening we walked around in 3's making our message clear. Camera flashes nearly blinded us with people wanting a picture with the multinational 'japanese' girls.

The guests and delegates, all equally impressed came up to us saying 'impressive work' and 'nice tactic'. Some even saying 'yes,so no more power plants'... but we all know how much they actually meant it...though we can always remain positive.

And the whole experience?? Way beyond words!!! To begin with, it was a 5 HOUR job to get dressed!! And another 5 hours in front of the cameras? Even more tedious.But the feeling of being dressed in Japan's most celebrated and prestigious traditional outfit and all the attention... no words can describe that...
We also had delegates from Turkey and Kazakistan and the presidents of some other banks appreciating our work saying "Atleast the youth are taking action and not waiting for their governments." The response on the whole was really good. Though our messge may not necessarily be put into action immediately, they were crystal clear and did leave a lasting impression

We were the Solargeneration 'MAIKO' girls with a very strong message... 'ADB QUIT COAL' and 'CLEAN ENERGY NOW'

Bearing Witness, Bangkok

2007-05-05T13:04:00.000+05:30

Don't drown our future:

On the first day of May, Greenpeace staff and volunteers and 36 members of SolarGeneration went to the coastal community at Khun Samutchine in Samut Prakan Province, Thailand to bear witness to the impacts of sea level rise, erosion and storm surges which threatens the fishing villages and mangrove ecosystem.
Bearing banners that say "Save the Climate" and "Don't Drown our Future" as well as individual messages on climate change and renewable energy, SolarGeneration members from 7 countries (China, France, Germany, India, Thailand, Philippines) also visited the Buddhist temple in the community that today is partly claimed by the sea. The team also had a chance to talk to Samorn Knegsamut (the village chief) and one of the Buddhist monks that is now protecting the temple.Along with our team were IPS, Reuters, EPA and Bankok Post. paper on our trip. We're all muddy and tired but the 1 hour treck to the area was worth it.

Solargeneration Kiosk, Bangkok

2007-05-05T13:00:00.000+05:30

Bangkok, THAILAND — “The message is clear: we must choose clean and safe energy solutions--anything else is a betrayal to the earth’s future generations.” Greenpeace and SolarGeneration youth issued this challenge to world governments today as they presented renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions at the opening of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group III meeting held today in Bangkok.
Solar Generation spoke out as they met wth IPCC Chair Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, a special guest at their SolarGeneration kiosk just outside the meeting venue at the UN Convention Center. Dr Pachauri addressed the students, representing youth from Thailand, India, Indonesia, Philippines, China, Germany, and France, and acknowledged the importance of youth involvement on climate change issues.“The only climate change solutions we want are those that will guarantee a safer and better future. Our governments should not consider proposals which will do more harm than good,” said Karla de Guia, a SolarGeneration member from the Philippines. “We believe that renewable energy is the only perfect solution.”The IPCC meets in Bangkok to discuss policy recommnedations to mitigate climate change. The report will be made public at the end of the meeting on Thursday. Various press agencies have reported that options expected to be presented in the meeting will range from energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy to dangerous and untested technologies such as nuclear and carbon capture and storage.

Skill Share, Bangkok

2007-04-30T22:01:00.000+05:30

30/04/07
I can talk about the things i learnt at the skillshare; I'm giving you'll the updates about the IPCC conference and the activities of tomorrow.
We are launching a renewable energy mobile unit, with a solar panel and wind turbine to demonstrate the use of renewable energy. We have named it the future carrier and inside the unit there will be a display of photographs about impacts, renewable energy etc.
Tomorrow morning before IPCC meet starts, Mr. R.K.Pachouri will be meeting the members of solar generation for fifteen minutes. The team leader for climate and energy campaign Shailendra and Tara, the energy campaigner from Thailand escort him from his office to the venue outside the UN conferance centre where our "future carrier stands with all the messages... There are three main messages we want to convey here.

- That climate change is a global issue and that the only solutions to it is renewable energy and energy efficiency
- We DO NOT want Nuclear power plants
- and its unsafe and stupid to talk about unproven technologies such as Carbon Capture and storage (CSS)as solutions.

So Mr. P as everyone calls him here willl meet seven representatives from the seven countries and each of us have 30 seconds to introduce ourselves and give our message. We have arranged the order in which the representatives speak in such a way so that one message leads to the other and it is like as if each of us are speaking about the same global issue but at the same time talking about it from our country's point of view... Thailand is the host so the rep recieves him and brings him to us, Philipines being a climate change hot spot talks of climate change and how its affecting them, India (I'm representing India) follows by telling him that we are a developing country and for "development" we need renewables and energy efficiency then china emphasises that they are a developing nation that has actually had large Scale renewable energy projects and how it has worked for them, then Indonesia pleads ( The fifteen year old doing it sounds really cute when she says "pleeeease") that they need development without Nuclear powerplant, (Since Indonesia has big plans for 'Nukes') folloew by a developed nation, france that him how wrong they have gone while turning to Nuclear power plants and finally Germany mentions that they are going in the wrong path of CSS and leads him to the giant thermometer...

Its a little hard to explian how that works but i'll try. Basically its this giant Thermometer with a high temperature and the mercury has on it all the causes of climate change like coal, oil etc and when Mr. P cuts a thread, The mercury drops bringing down and with it all the causes and behind it one can see a pictoric representation of a clean world with renewables etc which was hidden earlier....

then hopefully he will have a look at our 'future carrier" and give his comments before leaving. All this is covered well by press and hopefully it will send the message we want to

We have to remember that the report of the IPCC is not 'prescriptive', that is they do not take any decisions and is supposed to be unbiased (we all know how far that works), yet we also know that the things they say in that report is going to help some major decision makers take very important decisions... So its absolutely imperative that the solutions proposed are right and they don't resort to saying that Nuclear and css and other unproven and unsafe technologies are the answers to mitigate climate change...

It was shocking for us to see that todays Thai newspaper had avery big article on the first page titled "The message is clear, GO nuclear"!!! Thai Govt are actually seriously considering nuclear as the solution to climate change and they are doing so in a big way... We had to hence change the message of the 'future carrier' that was initially "here is our solution, where is yours?" since we couldn'tleave loose ends... Like Shai said it should have been "here is our solution, Fuck/up yours"... heheh... do edit this part...

We are also branching out in two groups and meeting the ministry of Environment and The Energy minister tomorrow.. The latter is the hifi graduate from london school of economics who doesn't like being told he is wrong and is also one of the main people pushing for the nuclear power plant. The Thai students will do most of the talking and you can only imagine how important this is...

Im almost out of time and we begin at six tom... I hope everything goes well tomorrow... It will! With the passion, energy and enthusiasm that people work with out here, it cant not go right...

Oh, thought i would also mention what i'll be mailing tom...
- The presentations of different countries and what we learnt from each other
- Importance of effective communication and bringing forth a message effectively
- Information on IPCC, ADB and Nuclear power plant (Deepa, the Information on ADB is the same as the one that was mailed to us)
- Lobbying
- Media
- The fun ways in which we learnt so much and also the materials we prepared for ADB and IPCC events
- Preparations for a Hot spot visit to a place where a community has moved out because of climate change and their feeble attemts to save their temple with crude bamboo walls...

SOLAR GENERATION INDIA: YEAR OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY

2007-03-19T17:52:00.000+05:30

The year 2007 has been chosen as year of energy efficiency by Solar Generation India. To fight against climate change we need to take immediate steps to stop it.One of the easiest steps is to implement 'Energy Efficiency' at Campus level as well as community level.Solar Generation believes that Youth has the potential to bring about changes in the society.Therefore,as a first step we will take up the issue of 'Energy efficient lighting' in our college campuses and build up a campaign to convince and support authorities to implement it.

Solargeneration strikes again at St. Joseph's....

2007-02-27T19:31:00.000+05:30

This time with a bigger bang. A 3 day event was organised from the 19th to the 21st of February as part of the Totem's tour. The Totem of Resistance which stands for untiting the youth in the fight against Climate Change, made a stop at St. Joseph's College before it continued its journey around the country and the rest of the world.A formal inauguration of the Totem marked the beginning of the 3 day event, with Maitree Dasgupta (Solargeneration Co-ordinator) and Mr. Ebeneezer Wilson (H.O.D., Department of Environmental Science) as the Chief Guests. Our members spoke to an audience of students and teachers about Solargen and its activities. An appeal was made to the students to join us in this movement. The inauguration concluded with a few words from Mr. Wilson.Games, organised to spread the message 'Climate Change is real. Its here and each one of us is involved', attracted both students and teachers. Speaking to each of them during the games helped us realise that their take on Climate Change was "just something happening to somebody else and someone will eventually take care of it", despite the fact that Climat Change is real and the effects have already begun to appear. Their interest in learning about Climate Change and what role they could play to stop it was a battle half won.The second and third days concluded with the screening of documentaries. On the second day, 'An Inconvenient Truth" by Al Gore was screened, while on the third day, 'Changes in Climate, Changes in Lives', a Greenpeace Brazil documentary was shown. These documentaries evoked the feeling of urgency to take action.
AND TAKE ACTION WE WILL!!!

TOTEM TOUR AT ST. JOSEPH COLLEGE BANGALORE

2007-02-22T10:52:00.000+05:30

Screening Ganges documentary at Mount Carmel College,Bangalore

2007-02-06T18:06:00.000+05:30

On Saturday February 3rd, Solar Generation members were at Mount Carmel College, Bangalore with our ‘Totem of resistance’. We screened our documentary ‘India’s melting glaciers’ on that day as well. ‘India’s melting glaciers’ documents the receding Himalayan glaciers and their impact on the lives of people and the economy of the country. Directed by Michael Nagasaka of Greenpeace International, the film is an insight in to the crucial issue of climate change and its alarming implications. Since Ganga is intrinsically linked to the Indian religious belief and daily life it becomes an appropriate example of how climate change can affect existence.

Some renowned glaciologists and other scientific data point out that the Gangotri glacier that feeds Ganga is melting at an alarming rate of 34 metres per year. When glaciers recede they immediately release more water. However later, due to a decrease in the total volume of glacial ice, the volume of water discharged decreases. This affects drinking water supply, irrigation and hydropower, directly or indirectly impacting the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. The Ganga which receives 70% of its summer water flow from the Himalayan glaciers sustains over 500 million people. The Stern report estimates that loss of water flow could lead to a drop in regional crop production by more than 20%, which in turn could lead to a loss in GDP as high as 9-13% by 2100.

However, climate change is primarily human induced. The key reason behind climate change is the growth of green house emissions. The Greenhouse gasses emitted by non-renewable sources like coal power plants that provide nearly 70% of India’s electricity are a major contributor to the crisis. Switching to renewable energy is a viable and far-reaching alternative to greenhouse emissions along with energy efficiency methods.

.

Our documentary received good response particularly from teachers of Mount Carmel College Environmental Science department. They want to screen this documentary in their classes to make the issue of climate change more live to the students.

There was also screening of another well-known documentary by Al Gore ‘The inconvenient truth’.

TOTEM OF RESISTANCE AT THE INBLOOM

2007-01-25T11:00:00.000+05:30

Solar Generation's totem of resistance started its long journey on the 18th of January at Christ college inter collegiate festival "INBLOOM". We were given a prime position during the fest. The totem lived in the campus for 2 days gathering a lot of attention, not only from the students but a lot of faculty as well.
Many students of different colleges were drawn towards the totem because of its impressive presence and using this opportunity we engaged them in conversations about climate change and youth resistance. It was a good platform to spread the message of Solar generation and get more people involved, in this process. Come of the faculty who visited the totem were professors from the departments of law, zoology, psychology, mass communication and sociology. They were extremely enthusiastic about spreading the message of solar generation on a larger platform in their classrooms. Thus, the journey of the totem has started in this positive manner. After this it will be going to the other colleges in Bangalore and then travel around the country.

Krittika Vishwanath M.A. Sociology,1st year Christ College

Good News?

2006-12-03T11:57:00.000+05:30

Well I'm in a very cynical mood today... but anyways some good news for all our friends and supporters; This very blog has been listed among the top ten blogs on climate change in this very vast but cramped web! This rating was provided by the website http://www.itsgettinghotinhere.com which is a site maintained by a coalition of groups from North America, chiefly US of A and Canada.

However in continuation of what I started with, I think maybe it's time to do something about my cynicism! Maybe flush it down the drain or something...
When I attended the Nairobi conference I had the fortune (or misfortune) of meeting some of the negotiators from India and USA, among others who I briefly chatted with. Most discussions revolved around each county's particular agenda for the Nairobi conference(in the short term) and the Kyoto process (for long term goals). Almost all delegates showed a strong lack of conviction, coupled with a strong desire to pass on the burden of resposibilities.For instance, the US said that if it committed to the present standard of committments the nation would be forced to undergo severe economic difficulties. India on the other hand said that it had little role to play in the conference as, "the protocol has not yet entered into effect. Let it run first, let us find out if it works" and "India is not required fulfill any targets (of reducing emissions)," forgetting very casually the fact that it took way more than four years of intense diplomatic efforts to convert the Rio summit dreams into something that was in the smallest possible manner, Real! The US and Australia contend that countries like India and China need to be asked to take on committments, because (and this is quite true) even if all the annexe 1 countries (those countries which are legally bound by the Kyoto protocal to reduce emissions aka Developed Nations) stopped emitting any Greenhouse gases there would still be such a substantial amount emissions that achieving the 2 degrees target would remain largely impossible. True, but there should be a fair interpretation of this crisis. It did not arise because China and India have been emitting colossal amounts of GHGs for the last century. It is because of the developed nations irresponsible attitude. However does that absolve developing nations from shouldering any responsibility? I don't think so. Countries like India and China have immense political influence in global matters and can use it to benefit all mankind. But wether they will or not is the key question.

A far more important question, however, is wether we will wake up to the responsibility that faces us as an informed youth. We have today, in front of us, one of the gratest challenges since the great ice age faced primitive mankind. All the issues we harp about as impediments to a committed fight against climate change, will not, at any point of time dissappear. Economies will not be bouyed up by global climate change. Political issues will not improve instead they will intesify. Social problems will become much larger than ever before. With reduced landmass, the ill-effects of over population will be magnified to several times that we see today. With increase in desertification, change in precipitation levels and increasing pressure on arable land food security will be non-existant for millions and millions of people.
If we don't act today, there may not be a tomorrow.

Although this might seem like a panic message, that is my least intention. A concentrated global movement, that manifests itself in the small things we do everyday, like using energy efficient bulbs, saving water, car pooling, walking short distances, producing less waste, recyling safely and smartly and taking care of a little tree that is struggling to live in some corner of our cities can reverse this. But we must start now and not wait for others... because our leaders can only do something when we impress upon them our desire for change.

peace,
Golam

Climate talks a tricky business- The Final Deal at Nairobi, and unearthing all the Jargon (From The BBC)

2006-11-20T10:20:00.000+05:30

"That's the question you're not allowed to ask," the delegate wryly ticked me off as we chatted in the Nairobi sunshine.
It was the question I had been asking all the way through the UN climate talks - what is any of this actually doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
You would think it would be the one question on everybody's lips at conferences designed to formulate the definitive international response to climate change.
The reality is that climate change has become an incredibly complex issue.
Clearly there is no appetite in any government for doing things the straightforward way - mandating clean energy, banning coal-fired electricity generation, clearing city centres of cars, forcing builders to adopt stringent energy efficiency standards.
All this, we are told, will "damage competitiveness".

Yvo de Boer, the new executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, summed it up thus: "From looking at climate change policies as a cost factor for development, countries are starting to see them as opportunities to enhance economic growth in a sustainable way.
"The further development of carbon markets can help mobilise the necessary financial resources needed for a global response to climate change, and give us a future agreement that is focused on incentives to act."
Read these words in a positive way, and you visualise a mobilisation of business might to cool the Earth while making a profit - but turn the thought around, and what you have is the acknowledgment that making money, not reducing emissions, is the priority for governments and their advisers.
You certainly have an explanation for why the majority of the debates and conclusions here avoid any mention of reducing emissions.
'Climate tourists'
All the jargon and complexities were too much for Sharon Looremetta, a Maasai woman who works for the charity Practical Action.

"The question is, whose problems are we addressing?" she asked rhetorically.
"Fine, we can have Western countries coming, but some came here with their own agenda, to protect themselves and their economies; others came here as climate tourists who wanted to see Africa, take snaps of the wildlife, the poor, dying African children and women."
Her speech brought a standing ovation from delegates.
It also brought a tart response from the leader of the European Union delegation, Finnish Environment Minister Jan-Erik Enestam, who declared: "We have proved we are not 'climate tourists', but are serious about taking action on climate change."
Busting the jargon
So let us look behind the jargon of COPs and COP/MOPs and SBSTAs and Ad-hoc Working Groups and Joint Implementation and Base Years - believe me, I could go on - and look at what the Nairobi talks actually agreed.
The headline outcomes include:
a less than firm commitment to begin negotiations on further Kyoto Protocol emissions cuts in 2008, and no target date for concluding them - despite an acknowledgement that emissions need to fall by about 50% in the near future
a decision that the protocol has been reviewed at this meeting, as its original wording demanded - many of us must have missed the review when we blinked
a commitment to have a full review in two years' time
an extension of work on technology transfer to the developing world, but only for a single year, which brought condemnation from the Chinese delegation
agreement that Belarus can enter the Kyoto Protocol's trading mechanisms in a way which could allow it to make money without reducing emissions; this decision will have to be ratified
a decision that carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects should not yet be eligible for money from the Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism
agreement that the Adaptation Fund, a pot of money to help developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change, should be primarily under the control of developing nations
Away from the main negotiations, a number of other initiatives were announced, the most striking being a UN fund to build capacity among African governments, enabling them better to bid for clean technology projects and protect against climate impacts.
Up the command chain

The weak commitments angered the cabal of environment and development agencies, who variously described the outcomes as "frighteningly timid", "lacking in leadership" and "a failure of political will".
Governments are generally represented at these gatherings by environment ministers - relatively small hitters on the political stage. Environmental groups have bemoaned this for a long time, and believe it could partially account for the low manifestations of political will.
But the Stern Review had clearly caught the attention of many delegations, and Hans Verolme, director of global climate change at the environmental group WWF, believes that might help to bring in some political big hitters.
"I think heads of government will get involved," he said.
"Chancellor Merkel has indicated she will take [climate change] forward in the G8, and I would expect heads of state to maybe come to the next [UN] climate summit in Bali and say. 'Let's get on with this, let's take some real action'."
Mid-term report
The biggest hitter of all is, of course, US President George W Bush.
His disdain for the Kyoto process is the single biggest obstacle to achieving a new round of global emissions targets.

After the Republican Party's mauling in the US mid-term elections, how might the treatment of climate change in Washington change? Enough to turn the vague schedule into a firm timetable?
Not according to Jonathan Pershing, director of the Climate, Energy and Pollution Programme at the World Resources Institute in Washington DC.
He sees no chance of a sudden conversion, but believes the Democrat majority in Congress will initiate moves to prepare for international re-engagement should the next president prove to be less iconoclastic on climate issues.
"We've changed all the [Congress] committees' heads, and they have significant influence in the policy debate," he said.
"The new head of the environment committee, Senator Boxer from California, says that we managed to change the shape of the defence policy with Mr Rumsfeld leaving, so perhaps we can have an equally large effect in the near term on climate policy."
So in two years, perhaps, negotiations on another round of emissions cuts beyond the existing Kyoto Protocol targets may begin.
Let us invent a hypothetical target which governments might adopt, of cutting emissions by, say, 5% from 2006 levels by some future date.
At current rates, emissions will have risen by nearly half that amount by the time they even start talking.
That is a measure of the disconnect, acknowledged by many, including Britain's environment secretary, between the scientific imperative and the political process. It is also the reason why the forbidden question needs to be asked again and again and again.

2006-11-17T17:22:00.000+05:30

breifs and guide to climate negotiations at Nairobi

2006-11-17T16:46:00.000+05:30

Follow the links:

http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/climate-change/our_work/negotiations/cop12-mop2-in-nairobi-kenya

http://www.greenpeace.org/international/press/reports/Guide-to-Nairobi

VIDEO

2006-11-17T11:53:00.000+05:30

To all,

Check our African Solargeneration video at:
VIDEO: http://www.archive.org/details/SolarGenVideo

Also, check:
VIDEO: http://www.videobomb.com/posts/show/6256

Thanks Eoin and Brian!

check the site out

2006-11-16T15:32:00.000+05:30

www.itsgettinghotinhere.org

updates

2006-11-16T15:10:00.000+05:30

Dear folks,

Political update:

(photograph right: Joining a Demo in Nairobi and meeting the president of the Conference, last Friday)
Well, things have ground down to an impasse. The Article 9 issue, on the review of the Kyoto Protocol, has now been kicked to the COP President, who is forming a ‘friends of the Chair’ group, and the issue will get sorted out at ministerial level, or not.
The day started off well, building on the momentum created last night with the adoption of the AWG text on future commitments for Annex I countries. The UK, Germany and others within Europe started floating a proposal which would get this process done by 2009, and which wasn’t half bad.
But soon, because of the informal nature of these talks, and with ministers just arriving, it broke down into a bit of chaos and loss of momentum…which is where we stand at present.
There are many who think there is still a deal to be had. The ‘problems’, on the extremes, are Canada and Japan one one side; and some combination of India, China, and of course the Saudis. There are indications that China and/or India may move in the end but that remains to be seen.
Today’s formal sessions were mostly consumed with speechifying, which if you’re interested, are no doubt reproduced in either webcast or print form or both on the UNFCCC web site.
Finally, attached please find a report from Red who took advantage of the lull in adaptation activites to dig into the status of the Special Climate Change Fund. His report is attached.
Hopefully something will happen tomorrow.
Cheers,
Steve

Media update from Mhairi

Raindrops keep falling on my head... no really enough already...especially as UN Guards won't allow you to "borrow" their umbrellas to traverse through the UN building and out into the torrent outside so one can stay dry heaven forbid.
Kofi appeared today and boy did we know it as barricade after barricade was erected around the compound and many more men in shades appeared, who talked to themselves alot. Even with that we were well attended at the CAN international press briefing and not a pair of shades in sight.
Steve was spectacular alongside IPCC head Pachuari, IEA Head Claude Mandile, UNEP head Achim Steiner and German Env. Minister Gabriel in the side event on the World Energy Outlook and not a nuke question in sight. Since Gabriel blasted the nuclear content of the WEO, Steve didn’t have much to add.
Media today:
Canada.am - CTV
CTV News
CBC News
Radio Canada
Reuters x 2
La Presse
Radio Canada RDI
Radio Canada "The Noon phone -in show"
Radio Canada Radio Toronto
CBC News World
Bless Rona Ambrose and her inability to see the world as it really is, and indeed bless Steven Guilbeault for helping the media understand how unable she is.
Also
BBC Radio 4
BBC World News Africa
So as they say here in Nairobi - la la salama twa nani kashu
Solar Generation Update from Agnes
Today was our now already 'traditional' Ministers event, where the SolarGeneration youth ask for a special commitment from all the Ministers. This year we asked the ministers to show their commitment to keep Global Warming below 2 degrees, by moving their flag from 5 degrees
on a thermometer to below the 2 degree line (it's a bit hard to imagine, but pictures will be available on ftp tomorrow!). Although we were only with a small SG and GP team and we had to buy all our props in the supermarket, the result looked quite impressive and we managed to get 24 ministers to participate and thereby showing their commitment!
Mhairi even noticed the UK delegate moving the UK flag to below the 2 degree line (when nobody was watching!), after we left it standing at the booth at 6 o'clock. There was a lot of media interest and a list with names of the participating ministers and heads of delegations as well as a media overview will be sent out tomorrow.
A list of countries that participated is below:
Slovakia
France
Dominican Republic
Uganda
Marshall Islands
Qatar
Namibia
Kenya
Tanzania
Guinee
Bangladesh
Kyrgyzstan
Iceland
Brazil
Slovenia
Tuvalu
Senegal
Luxembourg
The Netherlands
Togo
Burundi
Switzerland
Slovenia
UK

Steve Sawyer

new developments...

2006-11-15T10:16:00.000+05:30

Dear folks,

Check out the new developments from Nairobi, straight from the solargeneration desk:

(photo: albert/ solargens with lubay-lubay dancers)

Things have moved quickly here in the last few hours.

1. The Article 3.9 decision on future work on emissions reductions has been agreed by the AWG. The detailed decision is available on the UNFCCC website and we will be analysing it in detail in the coming days, but the first cut is that although it is not what we wanted, it can help us get to where we need to go.
2. The Article 9 decision on the review of the Kyoto Protocol is stuck...stuck because the EU can't get its act together to clearly state its intentions about the second commitment period...we worked hard on governments and ministers today, but the decision about this issue will be resolved by Ministers over the coming several days, if at all.
3. The Adaptation Fund decision was adopted as well. It's not completed, but several very substantial important steps have been taken towards creating a fair and effective decision on the disbursement of the money generated by the CDM for adaptation.
4. Most of the other decisions have been completed as well, with HCFC-22 in the CDM and CCS in the CDM having been punted in one way or another to future meetings.
We will be working hard on ministers over the next two days to get a good resolution on the Article 9 decision in such a way that it leads to a negotiating mandate at COP/MOP 3 next year. Time will tell.
In the meantime, updates from Mhairi and Su Hang from Solar Generation China below.

Cheers,
Steve

From Mhairi
So just as the sun comes out - it pours and I mean POURS with rain (please bear in mind I'm Scottish and it's the sun that amazes me, not the amount of water that falls from the sky!!) - the tent threatened many times to collapse under the weight of the rain and the wind really wrenched hard at the windows but we survived another day in Nairobi.
The people have really arrived in town, bringing with them the media attention - Rona Ambrose held a nervous press conference with Canadian media with Steven Guilbeault at the back quietly taking notes then doing interviews. The BBC have returned from taking their "background shots" and discovered that even in the good ol' United Nations the internet is not reliable and a simple phone call takes days of preparation and planning.
Natalia led the press briefing this morning - we've noticed that although the journos turn up for 9.30am, the questions are not forthcoming in plenary but when offered 1-2-1's afterwards, we're inundated. Great and definitely reflective in the media coverage.
Australia and Canada have given us bountiful gifts in their utterly outrageous comments and statements regarding the Convention and the Protocol - thanks for that although I reckon at the end of the day we'd rather they didn't! Catherine and Bill have done many an interview, some of which I sent round yesterday.
The two headliners we're working with are as follows:
1. This is the LAST COP we can NOT have a mandate
2. Look beyond the words of your position and consider their true meaningand the outcomes it would produce.
Update from Su Hang, Solar Generation China
1st Day in COP/MOP as SolarGen member!
It is my first time for attending the COP12 and COP/MOP2. Waked up about 5 o’clock in the morning and cannot fell asleep again, maybe I was too excited or maybe just not adapted to the time difference.
It is also my first time to be aboard. Everything is new and wonderful.
I felt a little lost when I was in the morning briefing, but soon I
learned how to do it as a volunteer in today’s photo activity. Golam,
Laura and me made a prop with Mission Possible: Save the Climate Theme.
We cut a hole on the paper, so the Delegates can put in their own head
behind the prop, instead the head of the man or the woman on the paper.
When this was done, we were looking for the delegates of Parties all
over the meeting place, invited them to take pictures and printed all
their pictures and stick them on the cardboard. Besides, Ann and me had
a short meeting with Wangari Maahai, the lady who won the Nobel Peace
Prize, we are waiting outside the her office, we were waiting and
waiting and waiting and finally we got a chance to meet her after a lots
of interviews of her. We gave our Solar Generation’s lanyard to her, and
explained our work and hope. She is kind to us and interested in our
work too.
I am really lucky to be here and I like what I am doing here. Although
we are doing small things, we are trying our best to change people’s
mind to promote renewable energy, for a better future of youth.

Straight From Nairobi!

2006-11-09T10:58:00.000+05:30

We are getting on our way....

Agnes writes:
Just a short update from a still very rainy Nairobi ...
Hopefully, next year's conference is in Bali!

The SolarGen students have set up their (already very popular!) exhibition stand that is well attended and gives them an excellent opportunity to have informal talks with all the delegates that come by. Of course the delegates are attracted by our lanyards, this year carrying our message: Mission Possible: Save the Climate. It is already becoming a collectors item.
Today the Solar Gen and the African youth had a chance to present their work at the climate change Kiosk, an initiative set up by the UNFCCC to get people engaged in the conference through the web. They gave a great presentation. The whole presentations is podcasted on their website so YOU can also look at it!
The web address is:
http://unfccc.int/meetings/cop_12/climate_talk_series/items/3803.php

More later!

Yes.... we do seem to be getting them together for a worthwhile change.....

From Mhairi:

The rain greeted us once again today, along with some great articles in the morning’s papers – large photos of the Kenyan Environment Minister and the head of the UN with a rather large write up of our press briefing the day before – although being referred to as “Mr Dunlop” in one was a tad worrying.
We had another great turnout at this morning’s briefing - local TV, NTV, KBC, Reuters, Point Carbon, AP, AFP, AFPTV, CNN, and another dozen or so.
Tomorrow's briefing should be interesting with the first returns from the U.S. elections and our comments coming in just before the U.S. delegation Are expected to give their press briefing.
Interviews were many (full list tomorrow but ranges from Colombian radio
to Swedish Broadcast Radio and Radio France International to Radio
Mediterranean International)…and AFP television.
Steady media interest in the Brazilian impacts report too.

For more direct coverage on this, please visit the following links as well...
Also, you can follow the stories of our students and comment on their stories at our weblog:

http://weblog.greenpeace.org/solargeneration/ (copy and paste this link)
www.solargeneration.org

(Photo:Walk Against Warming, Saturday 4 November, 2006, Sydney crowd scene. Huge crowds of around 50,000 voters joined the Walk Against Warming in Sydney and Melbourne, pressing the Howard government to take urgent action against climate change. © Greenpeace/Michael Amendolia)

2006-11-08T19:52:00.000+05:30

Well it’s been a long time and lots of stuff has been happening. Yesterday, on day two of the COP12 and COP/MOP2 I met the US delegation, which was without it’s ‘head’ and headed by the ‘alternate head’ Dr. Harlan L. Watson.
The meeting included the US youth groups like sustainUS and others. We tried to ask the delegates about the federal governments about their priorities for this COP, their views on deforestation, on technology transfer as mandated by the KYOTO protocol, on youth participation at the COP, on adaptation, as well as their ideas for post 2012 (which is when the first commitment period of the KYOTO protocol ends). And we got three answers:
1. The US will not ratify the KYOTO
2. The US is spending far more than any other government on environmental issues, so point 1.
3. The US started over 100 projects involving the private sector (corporate?) in different parts of the world, so point 1 (again!)
4. The US cannot allow technology transfer to developing nations or in Dr. Harlan’s words “ countries where there is no rule of law, where the government is incapable of protecting its citizens.”
And the most important thing is that the US cannot be asked to meet the kind of commitments in the KYOTO protocol as long as countries like India and China are not able to reduce their emissions. All said and done the logic of the Americans is irrefutable! Maybe we should all find a planet and get President Bush and his cronies to go live there… and that planet should be full of fossil fuels, ideal for fossils like these….

Check Out The Solargen In Nairobi!!

2006-11-08T18:23:00.000+05:30

check out:
http://weblog.greenpeace.org/solargeneration/

the answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind...

2006-11-07T12:39:00.000+05:30

The COP/MOP2 has begun!

Here's the Nairobi itenary at last...

Nov 3-5
COY: Conference of the Youth
(African Youth Summit on Climate Change)

In this Summit youth from Africa and beyond will come together to develop capacity on campaigning against climate change.
Youth participation in such key decision making processes is vital and in this regard we have organised this meeting just before the COP in order to build the youths capacity in the fields of environmental conservation matters in line with sustainable development. The conference will prepare the youth for the Cop, but will also be a platform to exchange experience on campaigning against Climate Change.

This meeting shall also see the launch of the African Youth Initiative against Climate Change.
More info:

SolarGen involvement: As SolarGen we will participate during the whole conference and we will give a presentation on the 5th about how SolarGen is campaigning locally, nationally and internationally for a clean energy future.

For more information on the African Youth Involvement see:
http://www.ayicc.org/

Nov 7th (Tuesday)

Climate Talk Series @ climate kiosk
The UNFCCC has been really excited about having some young voices at their climate talk series this year.

That is why the youth have been given 2 slots at the Climate Kiosk:
1. Africa Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC) Tuesday, 07 November at 16:00 h 2. Greenpeace and other Conference of Youth organisers showcasing
youth action both at local and global levels

Tuesday, 07 November at 16:30
Adience: Delegates, Media and the wider public (people can watch the videos on the UNFCCC website) Message: Youth is already working on the solutions, so should the delegates!

Nov 10th (Friday) 15:15-16:45: SustainUS side event: Description: Generation Kyoto: youth-led climate action from the local to the global
Youth will present their successes and ongoing efforts to mitigate climate change and to promote climate justice; they will showcase youth-led actions on campuses, in communities and at the legislative levels, and will discuss the future challenges and potentials of the Youth climate movement. SG has been asked to get engaged in this side event.

Nov 11th (Saturday)
We will prepare banners in Nairobi and take part in other activities with other groups!

Nov 12th (Sunday) Excursion:
Visit to National Park!!!!!!

Nov 13th and Nov 14th (Monday and Tuesday)
Mission Impossible Photo event - stick-your-head-through-thing Delegates saving the climate! Delegates can stick their head through a prop with the Mission Possible: Save the Climate Theme. So in stead of Tom, they can put in their own head.

Audience: Delegates and MediaMessage: Save the climate, it is still possible!

Nov 15th (Wednesday)

We have not yet come up with the exact idea, so we will invite the SG delegates to brainstorm on this at the conference!
Audience: Ministers and delegates

Nov 16th (Thursday)
We have managed to secure a side event for presenting the African Impacts video and the SG work! The African Impacts video is the follow up on the SolarGen Hotspot video we produced last year. The video covers climate impacts in Togo, Uganda and Kenya, as told by the local youth. 11:15-12:45: GPI side event 6 -Room Gigiri 2

Description: Climate change impacts in Africa - presented by the youth of Africa and beyond Throughout Africa young people documented the devastating impacts of climate change. United with youth from all over the world they present this excellent documentary and demand a clean energy future. Organised by Ecowatch, KCYP, Mt Kenya Youth Initiative, YVE, CSIR, Greenpeace, ACTS and others We are looking into the possibility of having a discussion panel with people from ‘the field’ supporting our video. Audience: Delegates and MediaMessage: Africa is already heavily impacted by Climate Change, the youth is calling for action!

Other
In addition to the planned events, SolarGen delegates will:

Spend time observing the plenary meetings
Network with other youth groups and organise improvised activities
Visit a university in Nairobi to present the SolarGen project and invite Kenyan students to our activities.

==================================================================

This year's theme of the climate talk series at the Climate Change Kiosk’s is “Time for Action” focusing on climate action for developing countries The talks will provide a forum for a global audience to listen to the voices coming out of the Nairobi UN climate change conference.

What is the climate talk series?
During the days listed below, two hour periods will be set aside at the secretariat’s Climate Change Kiosk for presentations under the broad theme Time for Action. examples of local, municipal and regional climate action in developing countries. The presentations, focusing on positive outcomes and forward movement demonstrating wins in the climate change process, will be based on the following daily topical issues :

• Adaptation
• Technology transfer
• CDM opportunities
• Climate change initiatives at local and regional level
• Education and outreach - with focus on Youth and climate change

The presentations are targeted at the wider climate change global audience, unable to attend COP12/COP/MOP2 in Kenya. Presenters who are effective public speakers will be asked to give a short talk of 15 minutes on work or projects that demonstrate positive climate action taken by a group of individuals, a business, a community, a city, etc.
The web cast of the talk will be posted on our web site under the link “At the Kiosk".

2006-11-04T18:41:00.000+05:30

Hey all!
Today we had a presentation at the 680 Hotel by Agnes de Rooij, our international coordinator! The youth at the conference were very impressed by the kind of work we’ve been doing (internationally!!) and also by my debrief on solargen India. Also presentations by Jake Torrie (SG Canada) and Laura Canoit (SG France) were well received.
Steve Sawyer, our international campaigner (if you don’t know who he is please check out the Rainbow Warrior Centenary Website at http://www.Greenpeace. Org ) presented on Preventing Dangerous Climate Change, and this is what he had to say: “ The contribution of Africa to global climate change is negligible however the impacts it is likely to suffer are colossal.” According to him for this COP/MOP these will be the most important issues:

Art 3.9 negotiations
Art 9 review – Annex B
Review of ‘developing’ nations for those countries in Annexe 2 which actually qualify to join Annexe 1– e.g. Singapore, South Korea, etc
(sorry about the techno-greek but tha’s how it is… I’ll probably post more English in a later post! Ha ha.)
On the issues that the US continually is bantering Steve says, “China has about four times the pop of the US but the US produces one and a half times the GHG’s that china does. How fair is that?” (* note I’m not actually reporting what was said but kind of modifying it on the fly for better representation. The ideas remain intact; the words do not!)
Dr. Nyamaso, ED, Kenya Initiative for Development, spoke on climate change and youth from an African perspective.

Velma Mwendwa, YEN- Kenya – ah well what do I say, this lady actually says that DDT is a solution to combating malaria… don’t know if I should laugh or cry! After all the work that has been done in the rest of the world we find educated people here unconsciously are doing propaganda work for corporate criminals! However the far more important thing she spoke about is the concept of DIY photovoltaics. It was an interesting idea and maybe we could come up with ideas to develop such a campaign in India (Akshay, Salil?). apart from obvious benefits these kits could provide employment!

Finally!

2006-11-04T18:25:00.000+05:30

Arrived at Nairobi today around 7:50 local time. After spending some time at the airport wandering about for sometime in major confusion, accompanied by severe head scratching I finally got into a cab and managed to check into the hotel. This town reminds me of all those American Teen Flicks… almost like some mad time travel thingy is running through my head what with Orhan Pamuk’s The Black Book as the only source of solace in a long and boring wait to get here, which however seems like it was worth it! Anyways back to the present scene… I am sitting after a ‘hard’ day of attending the Conference of Youth, accompanied by breaks every so often because my sleep robbed self lapses into the arms of that tempting mistress, trying to type out what will seem like a coherent report of what happened.

After taking a long shower I finally managed to leave for the conference venue, which is quite nearby, in another hotel called the 680 Hotel. And the first thing to greet me even before had completed registering myself for the event was the visage of this great bear like thing rushing towards me at break neck speed, shrieking my name with great affection, almost like some bollywood movie gone awry! Luckily just as I was planning to jump down into the lobby I managed to recognize our very own, Harshini. She is here as a youth delegate from the Sri Lanka.

Anyways I finally made it to the conference hall having been introduced to some other delegates and the like. Finally after one session, we went for lunch, which proved to be quite sumptuous, was accompanied by awesome dessert. Then we went in for the session on the African Resolution, followed by the formation of working groups for the AYICC. So there was lots of brainstorming and we managed to get a basic idea about the things we are planning to do for launching the AYICC. (Note to Solgen India – We should sit down and talk about this session sometime. Very, very important.) Soon after this we broke up and headed off for dinner, most of the people went off to some restaurant with the COY guys while we went back to the Country Lodge hotel.

Solar Generation takes off to Nairobi!

2006-11-02T14:05:00.000+05:30

Golam Shaifullah, an old timer with the campaign, is leaving off for Nairobi tonight as a part of the international Greenpeace youth team that will be voicing concerns over climate change to the world leaders as they meet again to discuss the Kyoto Protocol.

The event, known as the COP/MOP 2, will bring in eminent politicians,diplomats, experts,scientists to discuss the course of the Kyoto Treaty.
The Kyoto Treaty, the only existing legal framework aimed to address climate change, was ratified last year 2005. However, countries like the U.S have continued to shy awayfrom it despite public protests.

We will be regularly updating. Do come back! Help save the CLIMATE!

We are hoping that Golam will influence our indian delegates into strengthening the Treaty.
any one interested in a direct reportage from Nairobi is welcome.

You may reach Golam at golam.shaifullah@gmail.com

Totem of Resistance

2006-10-25T11:06:00.000+05:30

Bangalore, India — "Music is at the forefront of all revolutions. With the musicians now on our side, we have much to do..."
SolarGeneration had never really done anything 'big' in Bangalore. Of course, that all changed on the night of October 21st. Some serious planning, loads of coffee, really bad jokes (the occasional good ones, though!!) and several brilliant brainwaves were all thrown into the mix as SolarGeneration got Bangalore to wake up to the concept of Youth Resistance and Power, through a rock concert held at the Press Club.
Rewind. The day began with a press conference at the same venue. Despite most Press Houses being on holiday on account of Diwali, we did get considerable media coverage. The press conference was short and sweet, we gave the media the customary introduction to SolarGeneration, proceeded by our views, hopes and aspirations for SolarGeneration and its cause.
The concert itself was kicked off by our very own SolarGeneration band. No doubt, they did us very proud, and they certainly got the crowd in the mood for a great evening. The Schikados played next, followed by The Green Apple Affair. The concert was wrapped up by an electrifying performance by Synaps. Just so that the spirit of the concert was not lost, we screened short videos on environmental issues and resistance between the performances.
Now that the concert has been held, it heralds a new wave of activity from SolarGeneration. A brighter future is in our hands. "The youth are the adversary of the powerful.", went one of the messages that was scribbled on the signature banner. Rock on...

Report by Akshay Vishwanath, Solar Generation, St. Joseph's College

For the complete press release link:

http://www.greenpeace.org/india/press/releases/solar-generation-celebrates-th

Consolidating youth action

2006-07-28T12:39:00.000+05:30

The Solar Generation began its month long educational and recruitment tour on the 9th of July.
Contacting campuses, scheduling seminars, arranging team members......

It is always a new becoming to be before an audience with whom one has limited affinity except that of Hope- inadvertantly shifting corners in the room.
And that can change an individual. The initial chaos in the psyche of the class assumes a role and you fit in somehow, to be the herdsmen, unknowingly.

There's much to do and many places to go. However, our beginning clearly intimates us of the new revolution on it's way now stranded in the burrowings of our thought and youthful lethargy.

Please do visit the following links to know what individual campuses are doing:

www.stfrancisstudents.blogspot.com

www.rccollegeofcommerce.blogspot.com

2006-06-13T15:23:00.000+05:30

Join us!

Solar Generation International

For information, write to:
solargen.in@gmail.com

W.E.D. Solar Generation Hyderabad kickstarts... and reports

2006-06-08T11:54:00.001+05:30

Hello Salil and everyone,

Please find below a brief report of the SG Hyderabadactivity on World Environment Day. The pictures andscanned copy of the press release will be sent lateras i dont have them with me now. Regards,Vikram Aditya

Report of activities by Solar Generation Hyderabad. World Environment Day 2006.

The Solar Generation Hyderabad team planned andexecuted several awareness generation and petition signing events in a two day event commencing on the4th of June 2006 and culminating on the World Environment Day on the 5th of June. The theme of theWorld Environment Day this year was ‘Deserts andDesertification’. Solar Generation Hyderabad showcased apparent cause -effect relation between climate change and desertification. The events involved speaking to people about climatechange and its effects on drylands, distribution ofspecially prepared fact sheets and petition forms on climate change and desertification, wooden fans with messages on global warming, Solar Generation postcardsand accquiring signatures of interested people. These signatures included a self commitment of the signatories to participate in the global fight against climate change, to start or increase utilization of renewable energy, to generate awareness amongst others on climate change and to become a part of SolarGeneration Hyderabad. Along with this, three banner sprepared specifically for the occasion carrying messages on climate change and desertification were also displayed prominently at key locations around the city to attract attention and generate interest.

Day 1: 04th July 2006, Sunday. The event started at 5 pm at Eat Street, a popular fast food eatery located on the promenades along theNecklace Road. Prior permission had been sought fromthe Buddha Purnima Project Authority, the government authority administering the Hussain Sagar lake front areas, to carry out the event at this place which is thriving with customers on Sunday evening. The three banners- one on Solar Generation Hyderabad, one on climate change and its effects on drylands, water andrainfall and the last one asking thought provoking questions on the effects of climate change were placed along the main road. The event went off well and without hindrances. During the hour and half event,Solar Generation members spoke to several people on climate change, distributed fact sheets and petition forms and accquired signatures. The event was next conducted at NTR Gardens, a kilometer away from Eat Street along NTR Marg abutting the lake. The event was a major success here because of the heavy presence of visitors to the park and the large area near the entrance that had been given to SGby BPPA for carrying out the event. The banners were displayed prominently at the entrance arches to the park. The next location for the event was the IMAXmultiplex cinema next to NTR gardens. The banners were tied opposite to IMAX so that everyone entering and leaving the multiplex as well as those inside couldclearly see the messages.

Day 2: 05th June 2006, Monday. 'World Environment Day'. The events on the World Environment Day started at6:30 pm at KBR National Park, Jubilee Hills, anational park which is unfortunately being used bycity dwellers for early morning exercises. The bannerswere displayed on the front gates of the Park, asthere are just as many walkers using the second walking area outside the park as those walking inside.SG members spoke to people entering and leaving the park as well as those outside about the importance ofWED, climate change and desertitication and the initiatives being taken up by Solar Generation. Many people, including several noted city celebrities signed the petition form and interacted with SG members. Following this, the event was shifted to the Arts College, Osmania University where SG members held banners and spoke to several students and student groups. SG members also had interaction with press representatives.

The Indian Express newspaper covered the event with a large picture of SG members along with the banner on climate change in the City Express. Enroute to Osmania University, the SG team stopped at Khairatabad crossroads, one of the main intersections in the city and held the displayed the banners. There was a very good response to this unplanned and spontaneous activity as several passers by stopped and interacted with SG members. Overall, the two day campaign by Solar Generation Hyderabad was a resounding success as it helped ingenerating 264 signatures in favour of mitigating climate change and using positive energy and created awareness and interest amongst individuals about the threat of climate change.

Solar Generation Hyderabad team:

1. Praveen

2. Vikram Aditya

3. Suresh

4. Sharath

5. Raji Nair

6. Rehman

7. Vamsi

8. Manisha Bhanot

9. Babitha

10. Geo George Vadakkan

Special Mention

Volunteers

1. Dr. M. Prakasamma and staff of Academy for NursingStudies, Hyderabad

2. Mr. Chandra Mohan Reddy, Buddha Purnima ProjectAuthority

3. Ramgopalpet Police Station, Secunderabad

4. Krishna Murthy, DFO WLM, KBR National Park

For all the readers, the Hyderabad Solar Generation chapter has been recently launched. The core team comprises students and youth activists from various organizations aorund Hyderabad.

the end

2006-05-20T22:16:00.000+05:30

apologies for putting this up so late.
may 6th.
today was the concluding day for the ADB conference . the main events for the day were the seminar on energy related issues and also a confetrence on sustainaible energy.
the seminar is something that came up pretty recently, apparently greenpeace had a big role to play in getting them to open the platform where ADBs stupid destructive investments in the energy industry were to be considered.
sadly though ,none of us solar gen guys managed to attend the seminar due to a huge fiasco that happened at the gate( a very long boring and sweaty tale) and by the time we managed to sneak in, the seminar was over.
There were quite a few questions raised during the course of the seminar,some pertaining to the billion dollar "indictive" investment that the adb will have in the asia pacific region .
At our usual hang out on the first floor we heard a fair bit of discussion by red, athena,etc. and most of us lost a few brain cells keepinng up with them.
the next important event was the sustainaibility seminar headed by our very own Mr. Pachouri. the chairman of the IPCC and a man who has learnt the secret art of sneaking away very well. a bit of background search on him yields a few intersting facts, he graduated in diesel technology many years ago and in 2003 he was the spokesperson of the indian oil companies,which is quite an achivement .for someone who is supposed to be the worlds authority on climate change...
there were 4 other panelists who spoke quite a load of bullshit.
only one panelists out of the 4 actually talked about Renewable enery and that too in terms of statistical data. they talked at length about nuclear fusion, huge hydel projects and clean coal technoplogies. and these assholes(pardon my french ;-) actually had the nerves to call it a sustainability conference .What are they trying to sustain?
1) is it a complete continued disinterest in the futre of thousands of people?
2)is it the continued "sustainaible" increase in the profitt to be reaped by the western countries(and our dear friend japan) ?

i guess i would rather not know.
anyway we had a sort of payback time in the question and answer session in which we squeezed them through a few 'not so nice' questions. :-) but they deserves them.

thesre was a greenpeace press briefing at the end of the congerence in which srinivas ,laetitia and others gave some really cool quotes.

the day ended with the bank presidents speech. needless to say it was very boring,very bureaucratic and a quite a load of bullshit(please pardon my french,again ;-)

thus endeth our hyderabadi adventures with ADB. we will not forget em and they wont forget us either. This we can promise.

Ice Cream and the ADB

2006-05-04T20:39:00.000+05:30

The power of ice cream has never been denied, and today, its true power was revealed, rather like Superman ripping his shirt off to reveal a bright Red and Yellow logo, which said " The Asian Development Bank is contributing to the destruction of our environment by its continued funding of coal-powered energy projects," rather than just a simple 'S'.

I woke up around 5 in the morning because of great distress suffered by my lower limbs due to blood clot caused by the cramped position I was made to sleep in the entire night due to the antics of a certain woman named Shilpi who insisted on making her bus seat recline, insisting that she would not be able to sleep sitting up. And all this just to attend the 39th Annual Meeting of the Governors of the Asian Development Bank, which seems to be a measlier sibling of the World Bank, which like its senior, goes around loaning lots of poor governments money to hire foreign contractors who then proceed to build big smoke-belching power plants which contaminate the environment and make lots of poor people spend their lifetime savings on respiratory medicines from pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer.

Once in Hyderabad, went to the hotel, had a bath in boiling water, heated purely because the hotel's water tank seems to be on the roof, and in Hyderabad's 40 degree C, everything gets heated by solar power. Then left for the Hyderabad International Conference Centre, aptly acronymed into HICC (pronounced Hiss). The ADB Conference was being held there, and once we managed to successfully register ourselves as NGO delegates, as representatives from Greenpeace-affiliated Solar Generation, we entered the air-conditioned comfort of the hall, carrying our free laptop bags and 'Enjoy India' free gift, all sponsored by the funds generated by years of accumulated interest on the loans taken by governments to build their subsistence farmers coal-powered plants to generate electricity for their 2-cows-and-a-plough ploughed fields.

Then Greenpeace India sponsored a brazilian (new joke: please ask) ice creams, into which we stuck small flags with the Solar Generation logo on one side, with the other side saying ,” Don’t melt our future, stop coal now!" At first, the media people and the delegates seemed more interested in the ice cream than in our message, but when pressured into accepting a Greenpeace document on the shortfalls of the ADB along with vanilla, chocolate or butterscotch, they were more than happy to promise us a quick readthrough. We even managed to serve Mr. Ahluwalia and Mr. Chidambaram ice cream, and though Mr. Ahluwalia said that it would be impossible to totally quit coal, he did promise us that he 'would look into the matter,' a promise we hope to hold him to.

Mission successful, we ate all the remaining ice cream, and then left the venue, content in our new found repleteness. Ice cream truly can save the world.

The ADB Adventure

2006-05-04T01:33:00.000+05:30

Today, I had the full Hyderabad experience. Most of the day I spent alone, in an underground printing place where they've printed out gigantic A1-size posters that we'll paste to our bodies for tomorrow's action (hopefully at the candlelight vigil at the Gandhi statue, if Ananda can make sure we won't be 'inappropriate' for the occassion). The International Youth Renewable Energy Declaration (i.e. Y-RED, codenamed the 'Red Paper') is finally ready and blown up, ready to be unveiled grandly to the media. The discussions with SG-Int'l were full of exciting ideas and intelligent debate about phrasing. Then we ran it by the GP guys, who suggested we hone our 'messaging' (which is a word we're hearing often -- very MBA, they can be sometimes). Tomorrow, the guys from Bangalore arrive. We spend the morning doing the following:
1. Briefing SG-Bang on the events of the last dramatic three days and alloting (no time to negotiate in any civil way...) duties: media team, action team, inside-centre team.
2. Trying to get everyone accredited to enter the convention centre (?)
3. Making windmills, flags, etc. for the action inside the convention centre.
4. Making placards, graffiti for the NVDA at the candlelit vigil (?)
5. Making the invitation for the media for our 5th ceremony
6. Drafting the press release for Y-RED
7. Making a press kit (Nayana was there to give out sage advice on the most effective forms of media manipulation and other dire duties.)

Going by past experience, we will do a set of things mutually exclusive from the above. Good night!

The Asian Development Bank, AGM, Hyderabad 2006

2006-05-02T12:05:00.000+05:30

About The ADB:
The work of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is aimed at improving the welfare of the people in Asia and the Pacific, particularly the 1.9 billion who live on less than $2 a day.
Despite many success stories, Asia and the Pacific remains home to two thirds of the world's poor.
ADB is a multilateral development financial institution owned by 65 members, 47 from the region and 18 from other parts of the globe.
ADB's vision is a region free of poverty. Its mission is to help its developing member countries reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of their citizens.
ADB's main instruments for providing help to its developing member countries are:
policy dialogue
loans
technical assistance
grants
guarantees
equity investments.

ADB's annual lending volume is typically about $6 billion, with technical assistance usually totaling about $180 million a year.
The ADB headquarters is in Manila.

The Asian Development Bank and why we need to bother with it:
Between 1970 and 2003, 41 per cent (US$16.65 billion) of the Asian Development Bank’s co -financed projects were for the energy sector and, despite a new energy policy of actively promoting renewable energy resources; in 2003 only 1 of 8 energy projects was for some form of clean energy development.

ADB role in Coal:
The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported “coal will continue to play a key role in energy mix. In 2030, coal will meet 22% of global energy mix, essentially the same as today”. Furthermore, the IEA projects that the world’s coal demand will “increase at an average rate of 1.4% to 2030” without further action to tackle climate change.

This year, the ADB is conducting its Annual General Meeting in Hyderabad. A large contingent of NGOs is also present, voicing their resentment at the ADB's policies in the region.
Greenpeace is also making its presence felt at this event, and this has provided a chance for Solar Generation members from 5 countries to come together and interact with each other, as well as take part in activities that carry Greenpeace's message to the ADB. Joining the Solar Generation gathering were a couple of youth groups form Hyderabad.

Day 1:
The day began with an introductory session to the skill-share. Participants introduced themselves and a review of the objectives and agenda of the skill share was carried out.
Next, an update on the worldwide climate and energy scenario was presented to us. Following that was a discussion on the awareness amongst the general public regarding climate change. This discussion led to a practical session, in which the participants were divided into small groups, who then went out onto the streets, interviewing people on the issue. Back at the skill-share venue, the various views obtained were once again discussed. This particular activity proved to be a valuable eye-opener to the SG members, and the enthusiasm shown by the locals in response to our activity impressed the SG members from abroad.
The afternoon session comprised presentations by the each of the SG member countries present, on the work that they've been carrying out in their respective countries.

Day 2:
Day 2 began with presentations by the Hyderabad youth groups.
Following that, Red Constantino (From GP International) and Laetitia (GP France) gave us presentations on the basic objectives of any campaign, steps to run an effective campaign, and the functioning of International Financing Institutions (IFIs).
During part of the day, a section of the SG members interacted with a journalist from the Times Of India.
The afternoon session comprised a workshop on campaigning strategies. Members were divided into groups, which then brainstormed on campaign strategies for a period of 6 months to 1 year. Once that was done, the groups presented their proposals to the rest, and fielded questions on the same. No doubt, several interesting suggestions and ideas cropped up that may help us build our Green Campus campaign.

The steps in running an effective campaign are:
a) Research and power analysis; energy consumption, cost and sources
measures already taken and the results.
b)Set a goal; (SMART- Specific, Measurable, Achievable,Relevant, Time bound)
c)Project your goals to the administration. If 'YES'...your victory. If 'NO'...start planning your campaign.
d)Make campaign plan and timeline.; Resources, allies, opponents, targets, timeline.
Step-by-step plan.
e)Develop campaign materials; Material should have information about the issue, the campaign, and how people can get involved.
f)Gather support from other players and get visibility.
g)Create a buzz/hype; capture attention, use it as a media tool, gather contact list for further involvement/future members.
h)Negotiate with administration again.
i) Victory!!!!! ; Communicate the victory as much as possible, look at ways of following up on commitments.

Tips:
- Be creative and visible.
- Communicate and co-ordinate with other campuses.
- Develop positive relationships between the students, faculty and administration.
- Make your campus proud of your victory (your victory should be the campus' victory)

Day 3:
Somo (GP India) started the day with a small presentation on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
We then reviewed the previous day's workshop outcomes, with emphasis on sharing suggestions and clarifying unclear points. This took up the rest of the morning session. In the afternoon, we began our 2nd workshop of the day. 'Conducting Joint Activities and How to Build an International Network' saw several highly interesting ideas come up, especially regarding a new SG worldwide website and activities for the COP/MOP meeting in Nairobi, Kenya.

The entire skill share was definitely very interesting and loads of fun (especially the energizing games!!) Apart from the ideas and suggestions we were able to take away from the skill share, notable was the enthusiasm shown by the Hyderabad youth groups...and the possible creation of SG Hyderabad.

Stop the Clemenceau!

2006-02-01T22:20:00.000+05:30

The Clemenceau is a decommissioned asbestos-insulated French aircraft carrier. It is estimated to carry upwards of five hundred
tonnes of asbestos, as well as PCBs, TBTs, lead, heavy metals, etc... and it has begun its final voyage to a ship-breaking yard at
Alang in Gujarat.
Indian shipyard workers are not properly protected from the hazards of working with these toxic materials. Asbestos, for example,
causes canncer and fatal lung diseases.
The movement of the Clemenceau is a cynical violation of an international treaty on the movement of dangerous waste. Our country is
being exploited as a dustbin for First World Countries.
Even as you read this, the toxic carrier is headed to India. To stop it now, visit www.greenpeace.org/india/deathship
Actions are being planned over the next two weeks on thi s issue. For more information, please email akshayvishwanath@yahoo.com or shanky.srinivasan@gmail.com

dis-armed thakur from sippyland

2005-12-11T01:48:00.000+05:30

im writing this from the land where your pee freezes as u move and the tree is no longer a safe place for the dog to lift its leg against.
the markets are full of canned stuff being bought by conned people.
the buildigs are repeated again and again and the sky is a rare treat for your eyes .
the trees are naked with snow .

the people are warm and friendly,
the smiles are easy to come by
the undergrounds are warm on your feet
but u still cant see the sky....

Montreal ,Qubec - Canada
dec-2005

Can the Climate Change its spots?

2005-12-11T01:43:00.000+05:30

hello guys time for todays update.... very cool stuff ,today out of
nowhere arrived .... guess who ? our very own ex prez who was
involved a few years ago in making the white house red!yes it wa
indeed billy boy clinton who appeared out of nowhere today morning
in montreal. his arrival was announced this morning and he gave a
really cool speech ,which was applauded a number of times . it was
quite amazing to see him talk live ,hes a pretty cool speaker...
about his speech ... he was pretty clear about the status of america
today and even though he didnt mention the bush administration he
urged the people to take action at local and state level and hope
that the fedral govt. of america will catch up later (hopefully in
about 1137 days and counting..... thats the end of the bush
era!!).The place was packed with people .From my personal
perspective I think he was trying to apologise in some ways in
america's current position because apparently he was one of the
major guys involved in creating the UNFCC as well as the Kyoto and
today his own country is trying to cover up its own eyes and ears to
the roar of climate change.
He talked a lot about renewable energy ,that is wind ,solar
and geo thermal.and he condemned the further destruction of the
climate by burning fossil fuels.He was prety diplomatic about his
stuff and he even tried to get the saudis on board by saying that
they actually have the best natural resources as well as finances to
develop further.
He stressed the importance of economics and climate change
and how Renewable energy development will be mutually benificial for
everone by creating more jobs as well as decreasing the dangerous
effect of climate change .... he also talked quite a bit about
action at a personal and local level by increasing efficiency as
well as promoting efficient use of electricity.this i believe was
with special reference to his own country.

Well enough about bill clinton,ill add a bit about Steve
thats the GP spoksperson who also spoke at the planery ,his indirect
mention to US and australia earned him a standing ovation by the
audience.... thre was also the youth delegation consisting of 4
members who also spoke,needless to say they were supported by all
the youth which is present in significant numbers.
After the speeches we took down the stall and distributed
all the stuff between us and the recycle bin .strangely enough im
carrying a bottle of water from a german glacier... the lord works
in mysterious ways.
then we went to explore the city a bit and hung around for afew
hours .Montreal is a pretty interesting city even though its not
much to my liking.... its too bloody uniform and full of cement for
m e to respect this place .anyways we did have a lot of fun and
finally we ended up in the hostel.... thats all for now guys. sorry
for boring you again ,couldnt help it ;-) . adios....

Can the Climate Change its spots?

2005-12-09T12:48:00.000+05:30

aha ! lots of stuff happened today... lets get you guys filled in....first the boring political news, today the indian minister for environment and forestry Mr.Raja spoke in the UN council, im quite deeply disappointed by what bullshit he gave.let me give u a few quotes..."india has the largest no. of people below poverty line in the world" ,"India cant catch up with the developing world for at least a generation(whatever that means?) so there is no question of binding targets " , "India is working on more efficiency and clean fuel technology...blah blah" ,basically he 'forgot' to mention the word renewable energy in his entire speech and he refused to make any commitments(again!) so there isnt anything new on the cards.
thats the boring political news also the conference is being wrapped up ,the most important agenda on the table right now is about commitment periods-about when will we commit to talk about commiting periods post 2012 when the 1st kyoto agreement ends.(kindda complicated but its just a part of the red tape).
now about the more exciting news.we finally manage to hunt down the indian minister(of magic?.... sorry too much harry potter)after a long and boring wait for him in the aisle... and dragged him to our stand in the exhibition stand ,it went pretty well and i managed to give him the film cd as well.We managed to get some shots of him doing the flag thing and that ought to be useful ..... soon after this event we made our exit from the land of politicians and onto the streets of Montreal....
we(thats us and a few solar gen members) walked in the area for a bit ,till the harbour and then headed for an area called sherbrooke to have dinner at an indian restaurant called 'govinda jaya jaya' run by the hare krishna people.We found the place after a long walk and then went to eat.... the food was simple and delicious and we finished with halwa(wah wah!) .It was actually an interestin blend of mediterranean and indian cuisine but very nice.It was run by a greek guy who was from egypt(dont ask) ,i had a interesting conversation with him ,the place had been working for 7yrs and seemed to be doing pretty well considering its small stature,the walls were done up with replicas of paintings of krishna in his various 'leelas'. very good fun.oh and we also drank fresh mango juice(its something of a rarity in this packaged food country)
with lots of difficulty ,we managed to get up and leave and made our way to the skating place . It was not as difficult as i thought and i manage to get the hang of the skates pretty well ,even though i havent been on ice skates ever before.but i have done some skating in my youthful days(about 7 yrs ago) so it was quite surprising for me that i could still stand and not fall(at least not as much as i would have ;-) .so anyways we had a great time after that we went to a bar to have some hot chocolate(for me) and ..... i fell asleep there for some time. when i woke up everyone was pretty high and dancing ,perfect timing, i simply joined them and we jumped around for quite a while. Then we headed back to the auberge de jeunesse (our hostel).thats all guys ,really sorry if i have bored you guys to tears .... couldnt help but write(the internrt is working for free somehow!)well adios for now.

the end??

2005-12-09T00:45:00.000+05:30

our work here is almost over.
we met the indian minister today and clicked pictures with him. it was quite funny!!
we also showed our hotspot video tot eh public again. we gave a copy of the doc tot he minister as well.
tonite is aur last nit together as many ppl are leaving tm. we are goingt o go ice skating in the evening. am very excited abt tht as i dont no how to ice skate!!
we will mostly be free from tm so hoping to do sum sight seeing. lets c....

artic day

2005-12-07T04:36:00.000+05:30

well artic day is almost over
we had about 3 polar bears runnin around
1 inside the conference, 1 in the climatic village and 1 in between
ppl took pics of the polar bears with speech bubbles against global warming.
this u can c in my pic!
along with this we had the rolling sunlight again today and it was bloody cold in the mornin.
amrit attended a un youth meeting against the coal pact. he will be talking to the meia about it tomorrow.
also the secretary of the indian delegation has agreed to meet us tomorrow at the minister day function. so we will be giving him a copy of the doc as well as our present. i dont no abt the petitions as yet as mr. srinivas wants to c them first.
the minister may be coming tonite. we dont yet no!
we r going to have a party tonight at the wearhouse. the greenpeace campaigners will be coming for it.
thts it for today. more news tomorrow

Feliz Cumple

2005-12-06T22:36:00.000+05:30

Agnes has told me that she will give me a cd with all the t shirt designs from all over the world.... that out to be helpful in our quest to find cooler t-shirts. taking about serious stuff... there has been quite a bit of activity on the political as well as the solar gen front. We have been planning for the arctic day as well as for the minister daym, i believe that i have already given a brief idea about what will they contain.... We have been putting in a lot of hours in the warehouse doing a fair bit of sawing,painting etc.One of the campaigners working with us(Roetze Koen from switzerland) plays the guitar pretty well so we have some exciting guitar sessions betweeen work hours.I dont think ill describe the stuff we're doing cos itll be better to see it in pictures(we'll get em to u ...dont worry). On an even more serious note... the political stuff.There has been some developments regarding CDMs ...blah blah .from what ive heard India is in a ok position now,but nobody is really happy about it.us or them.the asia pacific pact(or coal pact as it has been dubbed )had a secret sort of meeting on sunday. Even though they are not callin it a "meeting".also an ex-greenpeace founder called patric moore has showed up here ,hes founded a group called greenspirit and is pro nuclear energy.He is generally being ignored by all.... Not much else to say.Times running out... I was polar bear for aa while today...bye

SolarGen

2005-12-06T19:14:00.000+05:30

SolarGeneration in Montreal. Our very own Amrit Bakshi! (extreme left front)

monday morning

2005-12-05T22:12:00.000+05:30

The major activities in SolarGeneration have been the Rolling Coffee bar, the hotspot video side event and the march
The activities for this week include the Arctic day and the Minister's day,
we may have another activity, time permitting!
The Arctic day is an event which shows the impact of global warming on the climate and the Minister's day is where we will try and get the ministers to raise their hand for Kyoto,
we have been doing a lot of preparations for this. We have been making a lot of banners. We have also made polar bears out of wood.
Yesterday we had a skill sharing program by Greenpeace USA.
They talked about non-violent direct actions and they gave us a lot of ideas on how to go about it. I will get back to that when I return.
We also had a skill sharing program among ourselves which is going to continue tonight. It was very interesting to listen to all the SolarGeneration activities going on around the world.
Well, other than that today we are going to prepare for the Arctic day which is tomorrow.

2005-12-05T22:10:00.000+05:30

hey everyone
our video was shown today in front of quite a few ppl
every1 loved it and were quite surprised that we had done it ourselves cause it looked very professional!!!!
i feel on top of the world cause of that
but really missed u guys cause i felt you all should have been there!!
It's our joint effort and I really wanted to share the wonderful experience with you all!!!
other than that,
we had the rolling sunlight coffee bar again today
we are planning our next week event tonight
will get back to you on that
will try maybe tom cause still feelin sleepy all the time
its weird!!
will also try to get you all some pics if not tonight tomorrow some time soon.

Montreal: Dec 3,12: 32

2005-12-05T21:54:00.000+05:30

Writing this while i am pretty tired so please excuse any mistakes on my part. Today was a pretty hectic day... I'll sum up all the major events. Solar gen had a meeting with Sven Teske about the plan for Arctic Day and Minister Day (both are theme days, planned by SolarGen with the mentioned themes in mind). We decided on what all will be done on these days. On Arctic Day we'll be doing stuff involving arctic ice melting, etc, around the exhibition area that we have> Also we'll be having polar bears walking around (maybe hounding a Bush figure!and getting into a fight with him). The Minister Day will involve the ministers who are arriving at the conference after Tuesday. It'll probably have the various ministers leaving their handprint on this huge globe that we are placing in the exhibition space. If it comes through , it'll have quite an impact and pretty good media coverage. These are just rough drafts of events slated for Tuesday and Wednesday. Also today there was a sort of demonstration + performance by all the youth groups in the conference which consisted of people wearing shorts and t-shirts walking towards the conference and singing climate change jingles. This sort of stuff may seem a bit funny here but it gets quite some media attention as well as the delegate's attention, so its a pretty cool means of pushing the message of renewables through. Also interesting in today's menu was the arrival of a group called C pact (or c fact)or something like that ...it consists of about 40 american students who are promoting nuclear energy. Thankfully they have been disowned by all other youth communities (which outnumber them 10 to 1. Also today I witnessed Sven take a nuclear energy promoter apart bit by bits. His arguments literally hit the guy's face....hard. Its very interesting to see people lobbying for nuclear energy when there is absolutely no future for it (simply because just like fossil fuels, nuclear fuel is running out as well). It was pretty interesting to see how the confrontation really works (even though I'll never be able to do it, I'm too diplomatic.... but I'm learning) Today we started working at the warehouse where all our banners, etc are being painted. Pretty nice place with all hardware tools , I got to work with the saw for a while when we were cutting plywood. And finally, yes, it snowed in Montreal, the temperature dropped to somewhere around -5 and I almost froze. There are worse weather predictions for tomorrow and tomorrow is also a march that we have planned along with a lot of other organisations aainst climate change. Thats all for now ...I think. I'll keep you posted.

Montreal: Day 2

2005-12-02T04:48:00.000+05:30

Well, am feeling really guilty about not blogging!!
well I tried last night but erased the whole thing by mistake so did not have the energy to do the whole thing again.
We showed our video today along with the GP international video
It was a roaring success and I really missed SolarGen India.
Not fair, we should have all been here for this!!!
From tonight we start new activities,
will keep you posted on that.
We have political briefings every evening by the GP people
so have to go for that in a while.
The atmosphere is really lively and the entertainment never stops!!
Am planning to go for a concert tonight,
will tell you how it was if I do go!!
Am getting to know lotsa people!
Have not yet met the Indian delegates,
will try to find them in a couple of days when I stop feeling so sleepy!!
All in all,
I'm learning every day here and I don't think I will ever stop!!

Montreal: Day 1.

2005-12-01T09:52:00.000+05:30

Hello guys, I'm writing from a really costly place, costs some 150 bucks an hour! So I think i'll make this a bit brief. Arrived yesterday in Montreal [had a] very nice flight , saw some really interesting looking places especially over the Middle East (a mountain range called the zhagrosa or something like that). Then caught a connecting flight from Heathrow , London. A really busy place, planes seem to hang around like stray cattle back home. The youth hostel is a pretty cool place though a bit of a culture shock . The conference is going pretty well today; everybody is pretty kicked about the passinng of some vote referred to as the amrikesh (it's actually a place where the UNFCC was held a few years ago and an agenda was decided, finally today it was adopted by everyone , that does not include US or australia). Everyone thought that Saudi Arabia would cause some trouble but they gave in pretty eas[il]y (due to pressure or some secret agenda? We still have 2 weeks to find out.) Also, the MOP1 began today, officially. Yesterday was COP 11.

Also Rolling Sunlight (that's a coffee bar powered by solar energy, made by Greenpeace USA) came here yesterday, very cool piece of technology and an even cooler symbol of what we are trying to show to the world . We worked on it for sometime, serving organic , fairtrade coffee along with views (ours and theirs) and snacks (not necessarrily in the same order). Food is very expensive around here, not to mention bloody delicious (but I'm glad that GP is footing the bill). Will send photos somehow. Oh, and everone has praised our work on the film (thought I'll pass on the compliment). Well that's all for now, guys. Au revoir.

Orissa

2005-11-22T20:04:00.000+05:30

The Solar Generation team in Orissa. Amrit (extreme left) and Krittika (fourth from left) will be lobbying for greater use of clean energy at the COP/MOP conference in Montreal this winter.

Six students - members of the Solar Generation, from Bangalore went to Orissa from the 15th of July to the 29th of July to understand and document the impacts of climate change on the environment and also on the lives of the people living in that region.

"Over these two weeks we mainly covered the coastal region of Orissa. Starting from Bhubaneshwar where we interviewed college professors after which we headed south to Chilika Lake. At Chilika we spoke to and interviewed many villagers who gave us their take on various issues like increase in temperature, sea level increase, erratic rainfall patterns. We also spoke to some NGOS in this area. The people of the villages surrounding the lake also spoke to us about various other issues concerning the lake like the opening of the new mouth and how it affected them. Chilika was a real treat to us personally too. The bright, red crabs, the Irrawady dolphins, the exotic colorful birds and the moonlight reflecting on a serene lake at night left me totally speechless!Next we went to Konark, where the Solar Generation obviously visited the dazzling Sun Temple! We got some lovely interviews there too before we headed to Astaranga where we saw Nuwagarh. We saw some very powerful images there- the paddy fields had been flooded by the river water and the people there spoke of regular floods and even health problems due to increase in heat.Soon we went to Talcher and the Rengali dam where we saw smoke stacks polluting the environment and loads of coal being carried in NTPC wagons. We saw dirty coal fields and nearly choked at the foul smell that settled all around us.

The fisherman told the team that the new mouth was widening and that strange marine creatures found way into the lake, sometimes even sharks. He'd been fishing for about 7 years. The fishermen faced great competition from the commercial trawlers. the trawlers not only threatened to destroy their livelihood but also destroyed the marine life.Overall we got very insightful information and wonderful images. Learning and seeing all this and more, first hand was an amazing experience! Orissa was the hottest place in India this summer with the temperature reaching 55 degree Celsius. We saw how the state was affected after the 1999 super-cyclone and how the continuous floods and droughts affected the people. But the unbreakable spirit of the people and how they always welcomed us so sweetly amazed us! Also most importantly we studied and understood the impacts of climate change first hand!"

The Beginning

2005-11-21T20:56:00.000+05:30

Watch this space for more on how to prevent human-induced climate change

Are COP/MOP's getting any better?
	Yes
	No
	Slightly
	They'll never change for the better
	Enough of it man!

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