Break Out #2: More Than Just Words
1. If you had two minutes to address the world leaders at the closing speech of Copenhagen tomorrow, what three things would you tell them they need to do to reduce the human Ecological Footprint? (Make them practical!)
2. What measures have you personally taken to reduce your Ecological Footprint?
58 Replies
the three thing i will say are:
what are you doing to stop climate change?
how can technology play a role against climate change?
how do we reduce other peopels ecological footprint
Political officials need to take action in stoping climate change. A couple of things that can be done is enforcing idling laws for countires that have an abundance of motor vehicles and recycling more within cities.
Basicly, we suffer from global warming and try to prevent it because "we made it wrong". So the only thing that should change, is ourselves, the humans. Our old ways got us into trouble, so even if we fix it, we need to change so that the fixture is permanent.
Personally, i would start by planting a seed of "tendancy towards effeciency and sustainable development" in teens, then it grows bigger when they grow up and hopefully this wont happen again.
Obviously everyone is having a hard time answering these questions, sometimes we need to supply the answers. So what do you think we as students/citizens cand do in our own communties to combat global warming?
Three things I would say are:
What are you doing to help reduce your emissions and ecological footprints?
Do you actually do what you said to do?
And Why spend a lot of money on this conference when you could have put it into doing something?
I have replaced ALL the bulbs in my house with energy efficient ones, watered my grass for an hour a week, taking showers with less hot water and faster showers (but I still get as clean as long ones).
The students can do a lot obviously, as I think. Because they are the part of citizens who can think about this matter impartially. First start with understanding what's really going on and then.....action!!
HEY, Got your attention. Anyways I have a question that has always been on my mind. Why do all these people spend all this money to rent centers and this stuff to tell people what is happening when the majority of us we already know. So why spend all this money when you could have spent it on actually doing the stuff you tell us to do?
if i was given two minutes to address the world leaders i would tell them about the things that i think would help improve the environment. These suggestions would include reducing carbon emissions by producing eco friendly cars that require less fuels. Also i think we should take advantage of solar enegy and produce more items that can use solar instead of electricty. Or at least have the option to use it. We should be provided with more public transportation like public buses and trains. This way people can have an opportunity to reduce the useage of their cars, thus reducing the amount of pollution produced.As for me i have been trying to reduce my ecological footptrint by recycling as much as possible. i have also started carpooling and taking the bus more often. I have also done small things like turning off the lights when not needed on and turning of my computer when it is not in use.
All these talks are exactly that TALKS! we all know about global warming we need action now to stop it. Political figures need to start signing agrrements to save the planet. I'm not saying blindly agree with something or follow another countires lead but take action and seriously consider doing something that will benefit the world.
This post was edited on: 2009-12-16 at 11:52 AM by: cma5
3 questions I will ask if I got the chance to address
1st.what would u do if the developed countries in the shoes of the developing nations?
2nd. what would us do if we are living in 50 yrs later, will u think people today don't take their responsibilities of control the GHG emissions make us in a bad living conditions?
3.Do u think it makes sense when we continue to discuss who should be responsible for the global warming when only small islands left in the world?
First of all I would ask them what their plans are to fix the issue at hand. From there I would throw in a couple ideas of my own, most of which aren't that complex; As they are probably aware the point of no return is approaching and we need to stabilize, or stop increasing our emissions. In order to do that, obviously, we need to simply STOP. Moreover, once we are able to do that we can move on to actually reducing our emissions. This has to be priority number 1, putting all technological advances into the climate crisis. Hybrid cars for one, that technology should be instilled to ALL cars currently being driven, money should not be a big factor when the fate of the world depends on this. Everything else needs to be put on hold in order to effectively conquer this frightening issue.
Personally I have greatly reduced my water and power use, reducing shower time, also I am turning down the heat and wearing layers to keep warm rather than wasting power. My mom now walks to work and my father and I carpool to school/work. We recycle our bottles, paper, glass, etc, I turn off the lights and now use computers and etc less than before. I have enlightened my friends on the issue and many times tried to scare them into it. All of the little things we can do, we're doing it.
If we could all get one person to become "greener"; can you imagine how much of a difference that alone would make.
1. I would tell them to
a) cut down on burning fossil fuels
b) make it so everyone has to carpool
c) recycle more things
2. I will start to reduce, reuse, and recycle more. I will carpool more. I will wear sweaters and blankets and Snuggies more often instead of turning up the heat.
Toasty, this is a good question and I think it captures the frustration with international meetings such as that in Copenhagen.
I will (frustratingly) answer your question with more questions:
1) Do you think that individual countries have the ability to tackle the climate issue on their own? If so, how would they do that?
2) What is it about international agreements that make them more powerful? What needs to be incorporated in an international agreement to make it effective? Does is need to be legally binding? Can it be voluntary?
I'm very interested to hear what anyone has to say about this.
I really appreciate the responses from you guys. I have a question regrading to the current topic? How will your life style change when you are trying to reduce your ecological footprint?
Many individfuals feel helpless in the face of climate change. We wait for technological solutions, and for someone else to tell us what to do. But each individual CAN make a difference, and you can do it without becoming an environmental scientist, or the leader of your country. The one most important thing you can do is simply think before you consume. We have become creatures of habit, especially in wealthy nations like Canada, and shop, eat, and throw awy stuff without even thinking about it. And we are suffering from OVERCONSUMPTION as a result.
Think first: do I realize need this?? Can I satisfy my wants in non-material ways?
@ David Roberts,
I do not think that a country alone was the ability to change what's occuring here. This is a global issue and requires a global effort, with some countries obviously contributing more, The US, Canada, Australia, etc.
As far as int. agreements go, I feel that it does need to be legally binding. Otherwise, who ever has signed it has nothing to ensure that they will follow what they have signed on for.
What do you think?
David, your fist question reminds me of globalization. We need to be connected (globally) but be interdependent as a country. Countries need to work to stop pollution in their homeland and then bring those ideas to discussions like Cop15. So countries do have the power to stop pollution in their own countries but they can't do it alone on a global level.
This post was edited on: 2009-12-16 at 12:18 PM by: cma5
1.)My requests to the international leaders would be for one, they need to realize the seriousness of this situation of climate change going on RIGHT NOW. and they need to make CHANGE RIGHT NOW. they can enforce laws, or even change standards for automobiles or any production to make it more energy efficient.If we wont listen to each other, why not listen to world leaders? who else is more influential than the leader of a country? Two, I believe world leaders should hold more meetings like Copenhagen. Of course, not that frequently because they dont have much times for that. but at least on a basis of 4 or 5 years. maybe every 10 years to discuss improvements made since the last meeting and what how they can further improve. they may not like it but then again kids don't like vegetable but they're good for them. just like change is good for us.
2.)personally, i have taken many steps to reduce my ecological footprint. for example, i have energy efficient light bulbs in my whole home. i also try to turn of lights or running-water when its not necessary. i take the bus instead of getting a ride, i recycle, save my bottles, pick up litter. i do a lot actually and i wish the rest of the world would too!
This post was edited on: 2009-12-16 at 12:36 PM by: redapple22
If I had 2 minutes to tell the world leaders three things to reduce ecological footprint, one of them would be to encourage people to buy products that are friendly to the environment.Another 2 things would be to increase the gas efficient requirement for transportation vehicles and put recycle bins out there in the public if there isn't any.
I have replaced all the light bulbs in my house with those curly efficient ones and got some more just in case any of them will ever burn out. I also showering to the point of fogging up the mirror.
ARGH XD MORE QUESTIONS
1) Do you think that individual countries have the ability to tackle the climate issue on their own? If so, how would they do that?
The Global North countries have the capital to do so but the Global South may not. So the Global North might as well stop wasting as much money but not all of it on broadcasting all this information and things to do and use this money to actually DO SOMETHING XD.
2) What is it about international agreements that make them more powerful? What needs to be incorporated in an international agreement to make it effective? Does is need to be legally binding? Can it be voluntary?
The agreements are not what make themselves powerful, it is the disagreements to come to the agreements. WELL, in the international agreement... They could have like penalties for falling short of what they had agreed on like monetary penalties. Well it should be legally binded because some countries (I think Canada as well) are falling short on the quote they had agreed on. To be voluntary though, no. The reason for this is because if something is voluntary they will do it for a while but then when they struggle on trying to keep the agreement, they drop it because they know their just doing it voluntarily.
I think that governments from developed countries (such as in Canada) should better regulate how private “foreign” countries operate in tar sands.
Governments should try running the economy in an eco-friendly way.
Developed nations’ governments should be the forefront; they should lead developing countries responsibly. I give props to President Obama for refusing to receive Canada’s oil because it was dirty. He will only proceed in using Canada’s oil if it was produced in an eco-friendly way. Other governments should follow his example of showing great leadership and influence (unlike Norway’s Statoil).
I would ask the world leaders what steps are they willing to take to stop climate change.
What you leaders decide on doing will not only affect the world, but will also affect you and your loved ones. Also if you Leaders were to cooperate and successfully solve this global issue, it'll not only benefit the world of today, but also the world of tomorrow.
Thank you for listening and sorry for taking up your time.
(thats what i would say)
This post was edited on: 2009-12-16 at 12:30 PM by: Youn15
This post was edited on: 2009-12-16 at 12:31 PM by: Youn15
I would address the Canadian government to enfore stricter laws on the tarsands in Alberta. American companies that have control over these tarsands have threatened the canadian governemnt to leave the tarsands if they increased the royalty rates or stricter environmental laws. Thing is, canadian government actually believed there bluff, and we have been faced with a bad reputation for being hyprocritical at the Copenhagen meeting.
i would also ask the leaders of the developed world leaders what their priotities are. The economy, the current epidemic, the war in Afghanistan, or global warming.
Thirdly, in regards to Canadian oil sands, I'd like to know if they are aware that a huge amount of people here are employed because of these oil sands. If we were to stop taking the oil from them, thousands of people will be put out of a job. The economy can not take that hit, so unless alternative energy sources can employ our workers as much as the oil sands, how can you expect us to shut it down?
This post was edited on: 2009-12-16 at 12:30 PM by: LynnNguyen
The question that i would ask would be......
" What standards would you use to seperate the developing countries emitions, compared to the already developed countries, such as, Canada, Europe, and the US?"
We have time and we need to use that time. I would ask them to not worry about global warming just yet but worry about working on diplomacy. If we do that and solve it within 20 some years then we will have plenty of time to address climate change as one people instead of as 200 some countries.
The steps that i have taken to reduce my Ecological Footprint, would be that i walk more often (when it's not freezing outside), switch the lights that aren't being used off,and recycling all my used water bottles.
In reality, I believe that no one person can change the government's mind, but as a federal community we can acomplish much in a short period of time.
Responding to the question as it is theoretical, I would address to global leaders that laws made to force people into becoming ecologically friendly, is the only way they will change. Cars that are out dated banned for more efficient and sustainable use of vehicles .
Two Minutes is far to short of a time to completely explain the point of view for yourself and many others of the general public.
I have began my steps into having a smaller footprint. I have reduced water usage for the entire household (dishes, showers, etc), as well as recycling, and reducing the materials we waste. I believe that I am beginning to do my part well.
What do you think the world leaders would respond? Agree? Disagree? Continue to stride for economic prosperity over the planet?
This post was edited on: 2009-12-16 at 12:56 PM by: DJFerguson
Canadian-eh wrote:
We have time and we need to use that time. I would ask them to not worry about global warming just yet but worry about working on diplomacy. If we do that and solve it within 20 some years then we will have plenty of time to address climate change as one people instead of as 200 some countries.
Uhm.. no? This is without a doubt the uttermost important issue there will ever be. We need to do the opposite of what you've just suggested. We need to focus completely on climate change and less on everything else. What does it matter how much money you made in 2010 if the world will just be destroyed decades later? Everything we do know is completely irrelvent looking at the bigger picture.
Canadian-eh wrote:
We have time and we need to use that time. I would ask them to not worry about global warming just yet but worry about working on diplomacy. If we do that and solve it within 20 some years then we will have plenty of time to address climate change as one people instead of as 200 some countries.
Right now we are at the tipping point of global warming, as in there is no going back after passing that point. So in 20 years it will be to late. If we can overcome this global issue than all these countries combated something big together which makes them more connected, diplomacy. We solve two issues at once.
The steps i have taken is really nothing, mainly because i take the bus, use my tap water, and walk more often. It inst much but if everyone started doing small changes then we could all slowly decrease the effects of global warming.
dmarchand wrote:
Canadian-eh wrote:
We have time and we need to use that time. I would ask them to not worry about global warming just yet but worry about working on diplomacy. If we do that and solve it within 20 some years then we will have plenty of time to address climate change as one people instead of as 200 some countries.
Uhm.. no? This is without a doubt the uttermost important issue there will ever be. We need to do the opposite of what you've just suggested. We need to focus completely on climate change and less on everything else. What does it matter how much money you made in 2010 if the world will just be destroyed decades later? Everything we do know is completely irrelvent looking at the bigger picture.
I completely agree with you
Question 1
*All countries without execeptions have to change to a sustainable matrix;
*Emissions reducing in a maximum without focusing economical situation;
*Developed countries help to other with clean technologics.
Question 2
*Recycling programs;
*Ecological education since early ages; *Shower time reducing.
"Uhm.. no? This is without a doubt the uttermost important issue there will ever be. We need to do the opposite of what you've just suggested. We need to focus completely on climate change and less on everything else. What does it matter how much money you made in 2010 if the world will just be destroyed decades later? Everything we do know is completely irrelvent looking at the bigger picture."
You misunderstood my opinion. I personally find that we should try to cut down on a personal level but!!!!!! we should focus on diplomacy as of our utmost attention!
Thanks guys for your thoughts on my questions. In our breakout session with the Nicaraguan school, we touched on the idea of bottom-up (grassroots and community based) action versus top-down (government legislation, etc.). It sounds like most of you are suggesting that top-down action is key in the developed north. This is very interesting.
Globalization is a powerful movement and has been a productive development for the global economy. So, one more question:
How do you think the ideas of globalization can be applied to action on climate change? Are there ways for bottom-up movements (that start at the local and community level) to harness the power of the globalization movement?
Thanks guys for your comments. It's very encouraging to see engaged youth around the globe!
LOL I'm not actually engaged. I just like posting XD
XD: engagement takes many forms. 
OMG YOUR RIGHT 
ENGAGEMENT FTW XD
cma5 wrote:
Political officials need to take action in stoping climate change. A couple of things that can be done is enforcing idling laws for countires that have an abundance of motor vehicles and recycling more within cities.
Through looking within every post, i've found gaps in the plans in lots of what i posted, of what everyone posted.
That gap is that most of what we are talking about is proportional to something else.
if we can trace that to the root then we can find a solution.
Political officials do need to take action, yes, but we need to push them to in some way.
Recently, some scientists have pointed out the urgency of taking actions to address climate change. That is to say, if we wait another 5 years, we will have to pay much more money to capture the CO2 which we have added to the atmosphere during the 5 years.
ToastyXD wrote:
LOL I'm not actually engaged. I just like posting XD
Thats a shame, you have alot of good points and could really make a difference if you wanted to. We need more people with your ideas and passion but people whom are actually willing to do something about it.
fordring wrote:
Recently, some scientists have pointed out the urgency of taking actions to address climate change. That is to say, if we wait another 5 years, we will have to pay much more money to capture the CO2 which we have added to the atmosphere during the 5 years.
BUT the problem is HOW do we capture it?
dmarchand wrote:
ToastyXD wrote:
LOL I'm not actually engaged. I just like posting XD
Thats a shame, you have alot of good points and could really make a difference if you wanted to. We need more people with your ideas and passion but people whom are actually willing to do something about it.
LOL I do my part to help the environment but really I'm nervous to actually go out and help XD My ideas and passion are actually very mixed up I don't even know what I'm saying XD
well, i know that its only that i have to practice alot.
Of course it's scary but you need to use that as fuel for your fire to actually get out there and do something! Otherwise this is just a waste of everyones time getting together and talking about things if were not going to act on it.
but surely there must be a start point.
maybe if you are threatened or pushed by teachers. then it should come naturally.
BTW I only said "should" XD
dmarchand wrote:
Of course it's scary but you need to use that as fuel for your fire to actually get out there and do something! Otherwise this is just a waste of everyones time getting together and talking about things if were not going to act on it.
In the end it all comes down to taking our own action and making a difference locally, then nationally and then globally!
lol why are you using my XD face now XD
Exactly. We may not be able to change the national or global situation. I do believe that we can start change our life style, reduce our footprint and influnce people around us. That's one of the reason why we are having this group.
thats why you have to be passionate about what you do. And since you are, you stated the starting point.
FOCUS
What are you doing to stop global warming.and if you are do you you believe if it is enough
But be careful when playing with fire, because you might get burnt in the end.
Im gona be gone in a bit 
so i'd just like to thank everyone!
oh and just for toasty-XD. XD
I think most of us are aware of our resource-rich and materialistic way of living. There is a great degree of inertia, or degree of "being stuck" because we feel like we need political action on emissions reductions and other policies to go forward.
However, there is a need for us to make individual commitments. In our recent history we have seen changing attitudes on smoking, drinking and driving, drinking during pregancy...! There was much contention and debate on scientific reports on the health impacts of smoking in its early day... but by the '90s we saw smoke-free rooms in airports and restaurants.
This may seem like an airy-fairy example but as humans we can change. We can change our ways and simultaneously put pressure on our governments.
It's been great talking/arguing with everyone. Let's hope we can make a difference.
as Always
Muahahahahahaha
EDWIN XD meany lol
Kirun
Dec 16, 2009 at 11:05 AM