Citizens of the Moon?

Recent  high-profile statements from some political leaders including the Danish prime minister and US President have sought to downplay expectations from the crucial climate talks in Copenhagen in December.  They’re talking about settling for a “more realistic outcome”. But Christian Dominguez, one of Trócaire’s partners from Bolivia, offers a different interpretation of what it means to be realistic...

“ You and I are citizens of this world but it seems as if some politicians are citizens of the moon – because they are so out of touch” 

Christian is Natural Resources Secretary of the Bolivian Peasant Workers Union and is visiting Ireland on his way back from key meetings in Barcelona, where wealthier countries , including Ireland and the EU, again stalled progress towards a global deal on climate change.  (You can read more about those talks here). 

He was there as part of a Bolivian Social Movement Platform presenting the recommendations of a Climate Justice Tribunal held in Bolivia which highlighted both ‘ecological crimes’ and ‘environmental debtors’.   

As well as giving voice to the communities, particularly indigenous groups, being hit by the direct impacts of climate change such as storms and water shortages, the Tribunal also spoke about the “trees, insects and animals” who are silent but suffering.

Words are important, yet in the end it is only real, urgent and timely action which can protect us all from deepening climate change. As Christian tells me  “We can try to argue different positions on climate change but no-one can negotiate with the earth”.  Thats why now more then ever we need to increase the pressure on our political leaders and tell them that the citizens of this planet demand a real deal in Copenhagen this December.