a thank you, reflections, and what's next

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Ethan Buckner

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Jan 19, 2010, 2:22:26 PM1/19/10
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To all of my friends, family, and amazing supporters,

I would first like to extend my most grateful appreciation to all who enabled me to participate in the UN Climate Negotiations in Copenhagen this past December. With your help, I was able to raise enough funds to cover my logistical costs for the entire conference! This display of support, generosity, and compassion will enable me to continue doing what I love in working towards a more just and sustainable future for all generations.

It has been incredibly difficult for me to process and reflect upon my experiences this past December at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen, Denmark. On December 4th, I arrived in Copenhagen not knowing what to expect: about my role, the role of youth in the negotiations, and of course-about the nature and ultimate outcome of the negotiations. My natural optimism and drive to impact the outcome of the negotiations gave me high hopes- despite a general atmosphere of low expectations- at the beginning of the conference. I spent two sleepless weeks (I honestly napped for only 2-3 hours a night for the entirety of the conference) working with youth from all over the US and the world lobbying the US State Department and Obama’s Cabinet, engaging the media through interviews, blogging, and creative actions, engaging with the hundreds of thousands of youth activists back in the US, and doing everything in my power to let the presence of youth be felt by our leaders. Although the ultimate result of the negotiations were a failure (The developed-country dominated 'Copenhagen Accord' set the world on course for extraordinarily dangerous increases in CO2 over the next century), I was incredibly inspired by what we were able to accomplish as youth. The personal highlights listed below provides some insight into youth progress in Copenhagen:

  •            I received an invitation to participate in a bilateral with 10 US Youth and the top two US Negotiators, Todd Stern and Johnathan Pershing. The meeting lasted over an hour, and we engaged in deep, powerful, and productive dialogue about the youth stake in the negotiations. Other US youth also met with the head of the EPA and the Secretaries of Agriculture, Energy, and the Interior. This will hopefully begin extended collaboration with the top members of the US State Department

  •           I had the unique opportunity to meet and work with President Mohammad Nasheed of the Republic of Maldives in organizing a creative action during the second week of the negotiations

  •           I attended a 4-hour meeting and visioning session with US and Chinese youth. This inspiring event illustrated how two extraordinarily different peoples and cultures with differing agendas and seemingly harsh relations can unite under a common direction.

  •        Sitting in on the large plenary sessions, attending meetings and briefings, and conversing with party delegates taught me the inner workings of the UN and the UNFCCC negotiating process that I hope to bring back to both my campus and my community back home

 So, what comes next?

The failure of the negotiations, although difficult to process, will only create more drive for myself and my peers to work harder than ever. In 2010, We are already in the process of strategic planning for a push to pass a comprehensive climate bill through congress. In the 2010 elections, we will stand behind candidates who prioritize climate and energy issues. Over the summer, we will work with communities all over the US to implement real, effective clean energy solutions. Next December, we will stand up in Cancun for the 16th Conference of the Parties of the UN Climate Negotiations and demand the change in process and outcome we need in order to reach a fair, ambitious, and binding climate deal in 2010. And we will tell our story to the US and the world; a story of an empowered generation working for social and environmental justice. And I plan to be there every step of the way.

Thank you all again for your invaluable support. I encourage you all to join me in what I hope will be a inspirational and productive new year. Please feel free to contact me with comments, questions, etc.

With love,

Ethan Buckner



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Ethan Buckner
Youth Organizer
Sierra Student Coalition -- www.ssc.org
Vassar College Class of 2013
612-718-3847
ethanb...@gmail.com
etbu...@vassar.edu
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