-For the first time in 20 years, the Norwegian government opens a new frontline in the Arctic.
-Incineration of oil causes climate change, which is the cause of extreme weather conditions, and that people’s homes, health and families are at risk.
Millions of people already stand against oil drilling in the Arctic. Join or read more that savethearctic.org :)
Ps I do not hate Norway, (I love skam) but the polar bears die ffs. And btw sorry if this is badly written, english is NOT my first language. Ps again I don't own this campaign or have anything to do with it other than I support it:)
Prevent climate change :)
Debe sentirse un alivio impresionante estar fuera de esa cárcel en la cual estuvieron 2 meses detenidos, espero ahora esten con su familia y amigos, felices.
Firmé muchas de las peticiones para liberarlos, y al fin dieron resultados, no se puede encarcelar a personas pacíficas que luchan por una causa tan importante como salvar a el ártico y al medio ambiente.
Tal vez mi mensaje es bastante tardío pero espero que llegue a sus manos, muchos saludos y cariños a todos.
After the Earth Summit the UN Commission for Sustainable Development was established to promote the process of sustainability and to address the issues and actions identified in Agenda 21. It includes social, economic, conservation and resource management dimensions. Agenda 21 calls for radical changes in the way many live their lives in order to address global issues, ranging from protecting atmospheric, oceanic and freshwater resources to conserving biodiversity, transfer of environmentally sound technology, managing forests, wastes and biotechnology to combating poverty and protecting human health. Stakeholders in Agenda 21 processes, which take place at a range of different levels – from global to local, include nine overlapping ‘major groups’ who identified themselves or were identified by others. These major groups included women, children and youth, indigenous people, NGOs, local authorities, workers and trade unions, business and industry, scientific and technological community and farmers.
[Extract sourced from 'Sustainability: The Business Perspective' by Simon Wright, courtesy of FutureLearn.]
And I just love, love, love TEDtalks! What a remarkable talk from Johan Rockstrom on how we need to change our mindsets in order to achieve a more prosperous future: http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/johan_rockstrom_let_the_environment_guide_our_development.html
As Johan states, it will be an incredibly exciting journey to get us back on track but the biggest challenge we face is getting everyone to work together. Even if we look at the isolated case of the Greenpeace action to save the Arctic from greedy oil companies... Yes, there was a big push to "Free the Arctic 30" but that didn't stop the plans to start mining in the Arctic.
Whilst there are those who operate purely out of greed, there will always be threats to our system and our world. They care little for the future of this world, only for their personal gain today. How, as a world, do we challenge that mindset? How do we become this prosperous world when these vampires feed off the land we need to sustain us in our futures, as well as others and other ecosystems? What changes can we make to begin to see this shift in the right direction, within our lifetimes?
The #Arctic30 protect a threatened region, and activism is threatened in the process
The fight against climate change took a dramatic turn this year, as (30) Greenpeace activists were arrested and detained on charges of piracy and hooliganism by Russian Security agents in October of 2013. Russian security agents illegally boarded the Arctic Sunrise in international waters, seizing the ship and detaining all those on board at gunpoint. The Arctic 30 were arrested for peacefully taking action against destructive Arctic oil drilling and the onslaught of climate change, protesting at state-owned Gazprom's Arctic drill platform in the Barents Sea.
However, there’s light at the end of this tunnel, the activists are now being granted exit visas and will be able to return home in the coming days. The Hamburg Tribunal, whose rules are binding to any party of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, ruled in favor of releasing the Greenpeace ship and the Arctic 30. Russia’s compliance is interpreted by many as a means of cleaning their international image in light of the rapid approach of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Nelson Mandela Passes Away, but his legacy lives on
The passing of Nelson Mandela on December 5, 2013 (age 95) serves as a moment of both sadness and loss as the world loses a true visionary. His passing also invites remembrance and celebration of a leader whose efforts significantly impacted race relations in South Africa and the world. An anti-apartheid revolutionary, Nelson Mandela was the President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. Prior to his historical Presidency - as the first black chief executive in South Africa - he led a life dedicated to anti-colonial politics, particularly marked by non-violent tactics which then led into militant attempts to end apartheid in the South African government. He then served a 27 year prison sentence, being released in 1990 after an international campaign lobbied for his release. He received hundreds of honors throughout his life, trumped by his Nobel Peace Prize of 1993.
In the Rivonia Trial Speech of 1964, Mandela famously stated:
"I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die. "
Success for Gay Marriage
With the legalization of gay marriage in over 16 states and civil unions for same-sex couples in 4 states, the gay rights movement is seen by many as the fastest growing civil rights movement in U.S. history. One of the most significant victories of this year is the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to get rid of a statute within DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) that denied federal benefits to gay couples married under state law. The fight will continue into 2014, as 29 states still deem gay marriage illegal.
Malala Yousafzai brings women and children’s educational issues to the fore
This 16 year old Pakistani education, children and women’s rights activist was awarded the Sakharov prize for freedom of thought by the European Parliament this year and Pakistan’s National Youth Peace Prize, as well as receiving a nomination for the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize. The Taliban attempted to assassinate her on October of 2012, shooting her in the head which left her in critical condition and unconscious. This assassination attempt led to an international and national movement to support Malala’s efforts and to bring education to all children in the world. She now lives and attends school in England. We’ll definitely be seeing more outstanding work from this power-house 8th grader in the future.
Here's to more action and a more just world in 2014!
On Wednesday, December 18th, "The Russian parliament...formally adopted an amnesty that will end legal proceedings against the Arctic 30" (Greenpeace USA). After wrongfully being held in the first place, the Arctic 30 and Pussy Riot are ready to leave the Russian jail. However, what exactly are the terms of amnesty? Will the protestors be home for the holidays? And, how are the different parties involved reflecting on this experience and registering it as they move forward?
Arctic Sunrise Captain Speaks
Peter Wilcox, Arctic Sunrise ship Captain, delivered a statement that addresses the injustice for both the activists and the Arctic region that's traceable with the situation that's unfolded over the last 2 months, even as he expresses gratitude for being granted amnesty.
“I might soon be going home to my family, but I should never have been charged and jailed in the first place. We sailed north to bear witness to a profound environmental threat but our ship was stormed by masked men wielding knives and guns. Now it’s nearly over and we may soon be truly free, but there’s no amnesty for the Arctic. We may soon be home, but the Arctic remains a fragile global treasure under assault by oil companies and the rising temperatures they’re driving. We went there to protest against this madness. We were never the criminals here.”
Russian President Speaks
Russian President Vladimir Putin stands by his belief that Greenpeace's Arctic 30 were acting on behalf of a foreign rival in terms of interfering with Russia's 'offshore development.' He names no specific nation, though, in expressing this theory. (New York Times).
Putin asserts his stand as such:
"Why was this (protest) carried out? Either it was to put pressure on a company or on someone's orders interfere with Russia's offshore development," Putin said, suggesting foreign rivals could have been behind it but naming no nation.
"This is a serious thing for us. And we do not plan to soften (our stance), we will only be toughening it."
Putin also addresses Russia's decision to adopt amnesty, and Greenpeace's role in this decision.
"As for the fact that they can now get amnesty ... we are not doing this for them," Putin said. "What happened must be a lesson and should, I hope, dispose us, with Greenpeace, to working positively together."
Amnesty and Moving Forward
According to the AP, "The amnesty will go into effect as soon as the bill is published in the government newspaper, which is expected to happen on Thursday. But it allows authorities a six-month period to carry it out, meaning some of the prisoners could in theory wait weeks or months before getting released. Prisoners would apply to prison administration for amnesty, and officials would decide whether they were eligible. Those of them who committed disciplinary offenses behind bars could be denied amnesty."
The World Speaks Up for the Arctic 30
"The campaign to free the Arctic 30 has seen 860 protests in 46 countries and in more than 150 cities worldwide, while more than 2.6 million people wrote to Russian embassies. Supporters included Sir Paul McCartney, Madonna, Jude Law, Oscar-winning actress Marion Cotillard, Ewan McGregor, Juliette Lewis, Ricky Martin, Edward Norton, Gael García Bernal, Ricardo Darín, Alejandro Sanz, Pedro Almodóvar and scores more famous names" (Greenpeace USA).
"Political support was offered by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, Angela Merkel, David Cameron, François Hollande, Ban Ki-moon and Hillary Clinton. Twelve Nobel Peace Prize winners called for their release, including Desmond Tutu, Aung San Suu Kyi and Lech Walesa" (Greenpeace USA).
Stay tuned for more news on Greenpeace's Arctic 30.
Words by Jessica Lipman of The Urgency Network, Greenpeace USA, and The AP
I wish you all the best. You are defenders of the arctic and very brave. Please try to develop love and compassion with all sentient beings. Take care and be aware that you will be free soon.
