The countdown to Copenhagen

Silently, while the media force us to focus on mankind’s worst qualities – greed, selfishness and blind ambition – in the background time ticks unrepentant.

As we observe the very fabric of our political heritage unravel, we are stunned by the exposed inner workings of a system where ‘being more equal than others’ is hard coded into the rules and time dissolves while we debate and consider the validity of ‘honesty’ and vocational honour.

Yet time overshadows everything and will not be stopped; a date with destiny awaits us all.

The hour is upon those we trust to take action on climate change – in December this year the world will meet in Copenhagen.  It will represent a defining moment when the entire world has the opportunity to act together to limit global warming and its effect on humanity. This is a big responsibility and it demands the best qualities in humankind.

So what should we hope for? Well underlying all agreements, we hope that the bigger picture is taken into account; the bigger picture that is the future for our children.  This may seem obvious but the obvious can be tossed aside in the pursuit of personal gain if the opportunity presents its self – like false expenses claims that seem within the rules at the time of submission – only with our environment there is no room for ‘honest mistakes’. The science is conclusive and the challenge is not going away.

This is why we have to make our children visible at Copenhagen. We need to remind the negotiators that the decisions they make will impact others long after they have left this earth.  We need to rattle convention and demand that hearts are open to the right solutions regardless of personal gain in the face of the biggest crisis we have ever had to face.

The million feet to Copenhagen is a way to represent young people at the UNFCCC process and we make a very simple request for as many painted feet as possible to be photographed and sent to us for inclusion in our gallery. In addition we are seeking youngsters to wield their mighty pens and write poetry for their dreams for the future.  The product of the painted feet and the poetry will be a book of dreams that we will take to Copenhagen. The title of the book – ‘Book of Dreams’ will carry a sub title – ‘Tread softly for you tread on my dreams’ and we wish to generate a movement for children in the process.

If you would like to discuss this with me please send me an email or reply to this blog.