Climate Justice Fast

Bringing Moral Force to COP15

Submitted by Anna Keenan on Wed, 16/12/2009
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Bring Moral Force to COP15 in a Vigil for Survival

THURSDAY DEC 17 - Copenhagen

All events are at the ØKSNEHALLEN, Halmtorvet 11, 1700 København V
(Next to Central Station and Klimaforum)

1000 people will join fasters who have reached the 42nd day of a hunger strike for climate justice, in a Candlelight Vigil for Survival.

WHEN: 17:00 (sharp)
RSVP: http://www.avaaz.org/en/real_deal_rsvp/?id=149592

We will gather in the Øksnehallen space for a solemn and powerful event recognising the urgency and gravity of the moment--and urging leaders to rise to the world's call to action.

We will hear from speakers from vulnerable communities, multiple faiths, and from two inspiring young women who have fasted for 42 days – eating no food and drinking water only – as part of the Climate Justice Fast. Then, after a minute of silence, we will move one by one to bring forward candles, flowers, or notes with our wishes for a just future.

The images and personal moments from this event will be a powerful moral call to our leaders and will be a time for refreshment and reinvigoration of our own passion and energy.

MORE EVENTS FOR THE DAY DESCRIBED BELOW.

Note: On Thursday, thousands of people in Copenhagen and around the world are fasting in solidarity with those who have and could lose their lives to preventable and involuntary hunger, disease and conflict resulting from climate change. Join at www.avaaz.org/fast and spread the word on facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=227106867068

We will fast together for 24 hours, voluntarily going without food and drinking only water. If you will join the fast, you may choose to have your last meal at any time on the 17^th – although we ask that you do not bring food into the ØKSNEHALLEN. You should also read these basic guidelines on 24-hour fasts.

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OTHER EVENTS as part of the DAY OF FASTING:

WHAT: Reflection and writing session

WHEN: 10:00-12:00

We will provide writing and blogging materials, or you can bring your own.

Why are you fasting? What is your vision for the sustainable future that we are working to create? Write it down! Record it! Write blogs. Create video-blogs. Read sustainable literature. Share stories with each other, transmit your messages back home to your friends, family, and political representatives. Write letters to your Head of State, or to the leader of another nation – in the afternoon, we will deliver your messages directly to the negotiations.

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WHAT: Open Space

WHEN: 12:00-17:00

The ØKSNEHALLEN space will be freely available with peaceful music, time for open discussions, planning together for 2010, reflections, guided meditations, meeting other activists and caring for each other. (Some volunteers to help set up the candlelight vigil would be appreciated!)

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WHAT: OVERNIGHT STAY in ØKSNEHALLEN!

Participants in the fast are also welcome to bring (warm!) sleeping bags and to stay overnight together on Thursday night in the ØKSNEHALLEN as part of the fasting and vigil, and to prepare together for the final day of the COP15 on Friday. Participants  are responsible for their own warmth and comfort, and are requested not to bring luggage.

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WHAT: Day of Fasting Press Conference (Bella Centre)

WHEN: 14:00-14:30

WHERE: Asger Jorn Room, COP15, Bella Centre, København

The press conference will describe the global day of fasting – including the thousands of citizens who are fasting for 24 hours around the world – as well as providing an opportunity to hear from a young woman who has reached the 42^nd day of the Climate Justice Fast. We will present statements from solidarity fasters who are leaders in the global climate movement, including Maldives President Mohammed Nasheed, Vandana Shiva, Bill McKibben, Naomi Klein, Kumi Naidoo, Mary Robinson, the Head of the UN World Food Programme, and a number of delegates from AOSIS and African nations.