25 Environment Ministers In Greenland Next Week For Climate Conference

[hatrack]

EDIT

The Danish government reacted to the report by inviting environmental ministers from some of the world's biggest powers countries gather in Greenland for a conference on climate changes. Minister for the Environment Connie Hedegaard said she hoped that the informal setting and the chance to see the effects of global warming firsthand would encourage ministers from the United States, India, Russia, and China to put aside their differences.

'International negotiations get stuck every time in fixed positions and a reluctance to move,' Hedegaard said. 'I have invited central colleagues from around the world to Greenland to create a foundation for a more informal and open dialogue, and to show them that global warming is already changing the sensitive Arctic nature.'

In contrast to typical UN conferences, where ministers are usually surrounded by hordes of specialists and officials, ministers will only be allowed to bring one aide. In addition, the conversations will be confidential, and media attention is to be kept at a bare minimum. The 25 ministers are to meet in Ilulissat next week. The meeting, however, will not be restricted to the negotiating table, as the officials will be taken out on walks and sailings to see the effects of climate change firsthand.

Hedegaard said she hoped that seeing the evidence with their own eyes would make the ministers face the realities of global warming. 'Climate change isn't just a theoretical threat,' she said. 'In the Arctic you can already see the consequences.'

EDIT

http://denmark.dk/portal/page?_pageid=374,848978&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

Of course, no mention on the EPA website about Johnson going himself - not that that's conclusive proof of BushCo indifference.

On edit: fixed headline

[maxsolomon]

1. too late

the US won't change until the planet's environment collapses. and then we'll blame everyone else.

[Boomer]

2. Talk, talk, talk

They can talk all they want, they can look earnest and sincere and concerned, they can discuss options and plans and agendas, but it's all too late.

The clock has run out. Whether or not we caused it, or simply revved up the natural course of events, now we need to deal with the consequences.

New agenda: talk about how to actually survive was is happening around us.

[Pooka Fey]

3. March of the Penguins

This is one of the most awe-inspiring and moving films I've ever seen. The Emperor penguins have developed to a profound level the qualities of fortitude, faithfulness, love, devotion to both family and community; while living in the most inhospitable climate on earth. I was so privileged to get a glimpse into the penguin culture and so grateful to the French filmmakers who realized this project.

At the same time, it was unbearable to contemplate how easily our human culture has sacrificed (rewritten from future tense into past tense - the deed has already been done) these magnificent creatures for a tankful of cheap gas. It's very hard to be alive now and aware of these things - global warming, climate change/shift, Peak Oil, mass species extinctions, ocean collapse...

It's worse when I try to tell my friends what's happening - and they get mad. Not mad that we have screwed the earth, mad at ME for bringing their mood down. "Why can't you be more FUN, Pooka Fey - like Cindy and Brittney and Jenna?????? THEY never talk about the world ending. You SUCK!!!

:-(

[hatrack]

4. Believe me, I know exactly how you feel

Occasionally, what I've been reading and posting and thinking about momentarily bursts through during social events or normal conversations - kind of like steam escaping a poorly-patched boiler. It's hard work :evilgrin: keeping the rage and bitterness out of my voice.

[funflower]

5. Watch out! You might turn into an eco-TERRA-RIST!

And we all know there's nothing worse than TERRA!

:sarcasm:

[hatrack]

6. Did I mention that it's also hard work hating freedom?

Hard work! It's hard! Really HARD!! :evilgrin:

[funflower]

7. Do you HATE R FREEDOMS?

Gee whiz. I knew I shouda suspected something.;)