Going semi-naked in freezing cold to press for a good climate deal
Semi-naked protesters braved freezing cold to call for radical action in climate negotiations
By Henry Lutaaya in Copenhagen
Chanting “We are in the Cold to stop the Heat,” about a dozen protesters put up a show of bravely this morning by removing nearly all their clothes in zero degree temperatures in an effort to press for radical cuts in greenhouse gas emissions during ongoing negotiations for climate change in Copenhagen.
While everyone else wrapped themselves in thick coats, the semi-nude protesters jumped and chanted outside the Bella Centre, Copenhagen, for radical decisions to be taken by negotiators to reverse the rate of global warming.
Emissions of greenhouse gasses, blamed for many of the world’s ills such as droughts and floods, are one of the issues of intense debate by delegates to the 15th Conference of Parties taking place in the Danish capital.
The campaigners are part of the 350 group – which is calling for radical cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. 350 refers to ‘Parts Per million’ or the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere beyond which, scientists say, reversing the consequences of climate change will be nearly impossible.
350 is used interchangeably with 1.5 degrees of warming compared to pre-industrial levels. Currently, the world’s temperature is estimated to be about 0.7 degrees warmer or 387 PPM, compared to pre-industrial levels, but it is warming up faster than before because of increasing amounts of carbon that is pumped into the atmosphere.
Developed countries are only aiming to achieve the target of limiting emissions to 450 PPM or 2 degrees by 2020, which makes the 350 demand really radical. Developing countries like Uganda and Small Island nations that are highly vulnerable, are pressing for the 350 PPM target.
On Wednesday December 9, the 350 campaign group staged another radical move by bringing together scientists and religious leaders from about 9 faiths including a Muslim Imam, a catholic sister, Buddhist monks, Rabbis and many others.
Please stay tuned to this site for more coverage of Copenhagen news and updates.
More reports can be seen on www.sunrise.ug
