Privatise the atmosphere

Climate Convention Oct 29 - Nov 9 in Marrakech, Morocco

By Gerbrand Oudenaarden, climate.indymedia.org

Marrakech, october 2, 2001 - On this UN convention, burocrats and politicians, heaviliy lobbied by the corporate powers, are about to privatise the atmosphere and start a global marketplace for speculation in carbon dioxide emission rights. A market as any other trade market: based on unequal and unfair principles, and with the usual suspects (northern countries, oil and car industries, banks and consultancy firms) preparing to create enormous financial revenues.

UN scientists of the IPCC agree that we need a 60-70% carbon dioxide emission reduction. International politics agreed in Kyoto to save 5,2%. With all kinds of mechanisms that have found their way into the agreements, the effective emission reduction will be near to zero.

And the climate will continue to change at increasing rates: global warming, desertification, rising sea levels and floodings, extreme weather events.

It's complicated matter, (they made it incomprehensible so the world wouldn't find out what is really happening) but it's fucking important.

Climate change is not something vague that may take place in the far future is far countries. It's here and now. Taxidrivers here in Marrakech complain about the drought and the temperature: It's over 30 degrees Centigrade and dry, while it is usually around 20 and raining in early November.

A local activist scene in Morocco is missing. Attac and some local NGO's try to organise some events, but they suffer from police repression and lack of experience and knowledge. The presence of international activists is nearly non-existing, only the major environmental NGO's have sent their lobbyists.

A small multilingual team from Engage! Tactical Media is in Marrakech to report about what's happening on the website climate.indymedia.org and to make a documentary film on carbon trading.

Please repost one or more of the articles on climate.indymedia.org, and translate them.

An international call for action is issued for November 6th by climate justice grassroots coalition Rising Tide and mediterranean environmental network MARE.

Cheers,
Gerbrand
in Marrakech with Bart, Lodewijk, Nanette and Albane

 
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