Be sure to visit the COP15 Videos and Links page for more information, as not all articles will be posted on the main page.

We seem to have some sort of idea in our minds that when it comes to the environment, destroying it and fighting for it is only a cause for rich people.

Rich countries like Canada, the USA, Australia, UK etc are always shown to be responsible for the exploitation of the planet. In addition to that, the green movement is often championed by members of those rich countries. It’s as if a regard for our natural resources is a luxury type of feeling of which only those who have money can afford to support.

I’d like to draw attention to how this is incorrect. Actually here in Copenhagen, some of the most vocal opponents of climate change are those from smaller developing nations. WHY? It is a result of the fact that their nations and livelihoods and ways of life are more in danger than ours in Canada. People from the Maldives are typically avid advocates on halting climate change because if climate change continues, they would be of the first to be directly affected.

Overall, I think it is worth mentioning that standing up for the planet is not an act limited to those with money, it’s open to everyone, especially those who gain their living from natural resources in areas such as agriculture, and those who will be most immediately affected by climate change.

Posted by Keith Hebert

Considering the plugouttunein.com tagline, I was humoured to say the least when reading a canada.com article online tonight.

COPENHAGEN — Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Copenhagen on Saturday to demand a strong global-climate pact, even as world leaders reiterated that the coming week’s talks will not lead to a binding legal agreement.

Among the balloons and climate-themed sails waved during the massive demonstration flew the flags of left-of-centre European political parties, as well as signs reading “there is no planet B“.

What do you think the answer is to climate change?

The thing about COP 15 is that there are so many differing perspectives on how to solve the issue.

Some people think it is all about green technology improvements, market mechanisms, or that everything will simply sort itself out without our interference whatsoever.

Others also look at climate change as one of those types of issues that is solely to do with rich versus poor nations getting less/more simply because of their wealth. Someone mentioned to me the other day that climate change is solely related to poorer countries having to deal with the issue while richer ones like Canada and the US can disregard it more.

I’m not sure exactly how I feel about that, however, I know that the solution will again take a multifaceted approach. We’ll need a mix of political willpower, community encouragement, financial aid to help the sustainable development of developing countries, incentives to encourage innovations in green technology, and a large mindset change across the world.

What do you think is the best approach to climate change?

Plug Out Tune In attends the Young and Future Generations Day Intergenerational Dialogue on Climate Change with Yves De Boer.

Unfortunately I’ve fallen victim to a case of a lost voice. I was quite disappointed by the fact that when I woke up Friday morning I could barely speak at all! Then shortly thereafter in the afternoon, I had to phone back to BC on CBC’s Early Edition for a morning radio interview. Hopefully you’ve all had the chance to check it out (it’s posted below). I think it wasn’t bad for someone who could barely talk- I’d been saving my voice all day and now I officially can’t talk whatsoever!

While I could be sad that I don’t have the ability to talk right now (It’s really a terrible time to have this difficulty) it has also given me a bit of perspective.

The point of being able to speak is to get your message out and be heard by others. I think of people across the world, and although they can be ‘heard’ literally, they in some sense also have no voice. With the issue of climate change people across the world are yelling and screaming to be heard and it still happens that they are not heard.

Perhaps this lack of physical voice is an opportunity for a different way of being listened to. I as well as thousands of other individuals can’t speak and really don’t have a voice right now. SO—— Let’s take a method of less talk and more action. Let’s instead of trying to use words to explain our wants/needs, use our own actions as a model of what we expect from others. Lets participate peacefully in visual actions that explain ourselves.

In fact, some of the largest changes have been made using the power of silence, intention, and action.

Today there is a huge walk going all through Copenhagen expected to hold at least 50,000 people. This is action- and you don’t need words for this obvious cry for help.

Wow we just won the award for FOSSIL OF THE DAY. Not only did we win 1st prize we also got 2nd place. How is that possible? It is possible because of our country’s abyssmal efforts to combat climate change. Mayor David Miller accepted the award for Canada.

So here it is folks: This is the EROSION OF THE CANADIAN LEGACY. Canada has been viewed for years as a nation of leaders. Our historical track record in regards to peacekeeping, foreign policy, and human rights has made us recognized as a positive middle power.

Lately our power in the international community has grown, and along with it our political representatives have dragged Canada’s good name through the dirt. I am embarassed to constantly hear my country looked down upon as the barrier to change and progressive policy.

Enough is enough. Let’s stop the erosion of our nation’s name and reinstall the rightful feeling of pride for our country.

A Meeting on Energy from a feasibilty and business perspective. The way in which to develop sustainably was discussed- a fantastic event, here are some of the highlights.

Plug Out Tune In – CBC Radio Early Edition Dec11 Vancouver BC
with a clip from Dr. David Suzuki

Attending the energy tour of the W2E plant here in Copenhagen was very interesting, however, it left me unsure of the merits of incineration. We received a very broad and brief synopsis of how W2E works as well as a short tour of the facility.
Although I’m certainly not the scientist, I know that the incineration process produces dioxins and dioxins are a very dangerous type of POP. They are cancer causing and can create neurological problems, however, this incineration facility explained that their emissions of these dioxins were below the acceptable level set by the Danish Government.
Actually, when I asked about those dioxins, I was told that it would be fine as long as I didn’t stand over the actual incinerator and inhale.

Well, I am also worried about the bottom ash and fly ask. In fact with every 5 tonnes of waste that are incinerated, 1 tonne of ash is produced. That is a lot of excess ash to deal with.

I feel that incineration doesn’t support effective waste management with regards to recycling, composting, and waste reduction efforts. If we do our environmental do diligence by composting, recycling, and reducing waste, then there won’t be enough waste to feed the incinerators. It’s obvious that the W2E facilities will only demand increased waste to continue their energy production. In addition, the waste is not sorted by the facility and therefore many recyclable materials are incinerated into toxic products.

Unfortunately the question period did not last long and few real answers were received. I have now developed a major uncertainty on W2E. Especially with Metro Vancouver’s plans to implement incineration it is important that British Columbians look at the information being presented. We have one of the most sensitive airsheds in all of the Fraser Valley of which the emissions of dioxins would have negative effects on the population.

I met some people for Zero Waste International at the event.

Hey BC!

Today I went on one of the COP 15 energy tours departing from the Bella Center. It was about a different approach to energy generation and waste management: Incineration, or Waste to Energy.

Here in the Fraser Valley, W2E is a huge issue at play between the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver. Metro Van has gone so far as to send members of itself to Sweden to study incineration. I wasn’t sure entirely where I stood on the subject before attending the tour, although I definitely had some doubts, however, after the tour I was left with many questions on the legitimacy and safety of W2E.

Okay- here is shoutout to the CANADIAN Media!
Where are you? I’ve been watching BBC all week and COP 15 is constantly being covered on the news media!

Canadians deserve to know what is happening here at COP and how Canada’s inaction on climate change is trashing our reputation on the international stage. I really mean TRASHING!

You have a responsibility to report this. For years Canada has been viewed as a leader: peacekeeping, trade, and humanitarian rights. This climate change issues has changed all of that- this is a country that I am proud to be from but embarrassed to represent on the climate change stage.

Sooooo…. Canadian media….. REPORT! Share the reality of what is on the ground in Copenhagen- even come and talk to me. It’s time we get the discussion going back home, because its happening virtually everywhere else. Most especially, Canadian youth are here as concerned individuals working to become climate leaders- don’t silence them through your inaction as well.

This certainly seems like a large statement to make. This feeling of urgency is a definite constant here at COP 15. Right now I am at the Intergenerational Inquiry on Climate Solutions with Yves de Boer.

Mr. de Boer talked of how there shouldn’t be such a degree of trust from the youth at the table. He talked of how trust should be earned and how at this point, he is unsure of how much trust he has in the people at the negotiations. The thing I am struggling with is trying to get a feel for what is feasible. Yesterday there was a protest by the Canadian Youth Delegation on shutting down the Canadian Tar Sands. From an environmental perspective I happen to strongly agree, however, we can’t simply look at causes from a solely environmental perspective.

We need feasible solutions and changes in the financial sectors. We can affect climate change through industry and enterprise. If we only look at things from an environmental perspective, we will hurt our economies and societies in such a way that won’t allow us to expand sustainability. It’s about growing so that we can improve our quality of life, quality of economies, and social situations- We CAN do both!
It’s not about solely saving trees or solely exploiting the Earth- it’s about preserving our natural resources based on its management and proper treatment during development.

What do you think about market mechanisms with regards to climate change? Leave a comment!

Today is YOUTH AND FUTURE GENERATIONS DAY at COP 15. So here it is- Canada: celebrate youth and future generations day my raising your voice a LOT! FOr my fellow young people- this is all yours, this if our future and our fight. I’ve been embarrassed on many occasions here at COP because of the actions of my country or should I say inaction on the issue that virtually the rest of the world is attempting to be progressive towards.

Take it into your hands- it is your fight and our responsibility to hold the government accountable – speak up and celebrate youth and future generations today!