theory and practice…
theory and practice...
Since first hearing about CJF I have wanted to make some level of fasting commitment in support of this courageous action.
From the outset I realised that existing commitments to my family and other environmental projects would place certain limits upon my level of participation, so I decided to fast for the duration of the COP15 rather than considering a longer spell.
In the meantime I joined the UK rolling fast, immersed myself in two sustainable community projects, attended and gave workshops, took part in a couple of demo's and continued to enjoy my family's high-energy, low-carbon existence.
But all the time I've been watching Paul, Anna, Michael, Sara, Diane and Chuck, awestruck.
I had always considered that I was doing just about everything I could do with regard to sustainability (vegan, no car etc.) but these guys were showing an altogether different level of commitment.
I've been working ridiculously hard to ensure that I would have space to join the fast and have been very excited as this has approached...
...so, here we are; COP15, I'm fasting and it's not all that exciting after all. I'm feeling weird and light-headed and can't seem to concentrate on the conference.
I'm a fairly determined chap and I'm sure I'll put in a good effort but it really makes you appreciate the levels of commitment, respect, love and energy that those six have cultivated.
Massive respect to the CJF Six!
Here's what I've been thinking about today:
What can the COP15 achieve?
We demand a miracle, but on the one hand much of the scientific commentary suggests what's on the table is still far below what is desperately needed, while on the other hand delegates talk of using this conference merely as an opportunity to develop frameworks and timetables for action... it's pretty scary stuff, I mean when are we actually going to finally get round to taking some real action on this?
It's not like we haven't been warned.
... and that's just the mitigation.
There are also the considerable sums required to protect the world's most vulnerable and future generations. How far will the conference really go to address injustice and repay the climate debt?
Amidst all these mind bending thoughts the belief behind the fast makes more and more sense.
It's going to take more than a miracle to tackle the climate crisis; it's going to take unprecedented levels of commitment, respect, love and energy.
So while I deeply and humbly hope that the COP15 finds a way to initiate the redistribution of global resources in an equitable, sustainable manner, I also urge everyone on earth to make their individual commitments and take their own actions in this climate revolution and to do so swiftly.
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See http://www.climatejusticefast.com/index.php/pages/support-us for more information.
