Europe!

Well, the ride to COP has been pretty intense – but now, around twelve hours out, I figure it’s time to update.

Since the Bag Auction, I’ve had exams (which now seem far in the past), and have taken my first trip to Europe!

Louis, Manda and I at Auckland International Airport, just before heading through the departure gates.

The first real stop for Louis, Manda and I was Germany, and we stayed with friends of my family in Nürnberg. Alex was a fantastic tourguide, and he and his family made us very welcome in the old city. Highlights included visiting the Christkindlesmarkt – a traditional Christmas market held from late November through December!

Me, Alex and Manda at the Christkindlesmarkt!

We also visited Germany’s national museum, situated in a former monastery.

Myself, Manda, an old fountain bloke and Louis at the national museum.

Alex and I in the old city, in the midst of the markets.

Due to complications with my train tickets, I came up to Copenhagen a day later than the rest of the crew, meeting with them on the 4th of December. The overnight trip was pretty awesome, and the morning part of the journey gave me a great chance to see some of the Danish countryside. Lots of green, green grass, and the odd wind turbine! And very flat.

Arriving here, I’ve found our apartment to be nice and cosy, with just over half the delegation – Mahara, Kirk, Chelsea, Brittany, Louis, Manda, Jenny and myself – all together. The internet connection isn’t the best, but with our late arrivals home it’s not too much of a problem. Denmark, however, is very pricey, perhaps more than we anticipated; eating is a luxury!

Last night we met with Geoff Key from Greenpeace – he gave us the lowdown on what to expect for the next couple of weeks at COP. It was brilliant: we met by the Town Hall and decided to migrate to a cafe (all twelve of us plus him) because it was cold, and spent almost an hour there without buying anything or being kicked out! We then got together with Rick and Abby from the UNICEF Children’s Delegation to the Children’s Climate Conference for dinner. Their conference had just finished, and they had a fantastic closing ceremony at the Copenhagen Town Hall at the end of the week. We ate at a local pizza place near the main train station, and the food – though expensive – was pretty good.

Yesterday and today we attended COY – the Conference Of the Youth; organised by a team of young people from around the world, including our Jenny. It was a fantastic opportunity to get to know some of the other delegates, and I met people from places as diverse as Egypt, Nepal, Vanuatu, Finland, the Solomons, Canada, Lebanon and Columbia. A huge number have hailed from North America, and Australia has a sizeable delegation too. COY was held between the local YMCA and Copenhagen University, amazing venues with an awful lot of history. The workshops were excellent – I attended ones on the UNFCCC, policy overviews and LULUCF (Google may prove useful at this point!) – all very informative and a great chance to get to know climate policy details better. The food, too, was good – apparently there is such a thing as a free lunch after all, and considering the exchange rate we were very fortunate to have it!

COY attendees posing for a group photo outside the plenary hall this afternoon.

This afternoon after COY, half the delegation went to register at the Bella Center (yes, I know, American spelling…) and Jasmine and I explored a bit of Copenhagen, the destination being the Little Mermaid statue on the waterfront. It got dark very quickly (around 4.30pm), and it wasn’t at all warm (I’d hazard a guess at anywhere between 0-2 ̊ c), but we had an awesome time. Alongside that statue was another, portraying the way the developing world has been subject to the greed of the developed world – called ‘Survival of the Fattest’. If you want to take a better look at that project (there are more installations in other locations in the city), take a look here.

Me with the Little Mermaid - at around four in the afternoon.

Currently sitting in the apartment, and Kirk’s cooked up what smells like a brilliant curry. Looking forward to eating, even if the meat for it cost around NZ$40!

I’m excited for tomorrow – the start, I’m sure, of something amazing.

Over and out,

Dobric.

“We must build a movement to engage people across borders.”
Mathias, Friends of the Earth Denmark - taken from my notes from our Open Space talks yesterday

Bag Auction

If you weren’t there, you should have been.

Last night’s Bag Auction was a heck of a lot of fun. Not only did we enjoy the opportunity to kick up our heels (or, in my case, ecoSNEAKS), but it was amazing to see the support we’d been given by local businesses, willing to help out for a good cause. Companies that featured – just off the top of my head – included: Ecostore, EnviroSax, Lothlorien, Barker’s, Good Magazine, Nature Baby, Miller’s coffee, LOVEnotes, Yealands, and Phoenix – and we also had signed shirts from Neil Finn, a signed poster from Dick Frizzell, and of course our lovely calico bags; decorated by fantastic NZ personalities. It was brilliant to see Robyn Malcolm (who stuffed her bag with Devonport Chocolates) and Susi Newborn (who threw in a photo of the Rainbow Warrior) come along as well – with many people pleasantly surprised to find them mixing and mingling. Special thanks to everyone involved, and our fantastic musicians as well! Sara and Manz did a stellar job in pulling the event together.

 

Today the Manukau Courier published an article they interviewed me for a few weeks ago. Not badly written! I’ve included it here, with their photo of me – taken outside school:

Photo: Jason Oxenham/Auckland Suburbans.

For teenager Rachel Dobric fighting climate change and discussing policies with world leaders will soon be all in a day’s work.

The 17-year-old from Otahuhu is the youngest member of the New Zealand Youth Delegation going to the United Nations conference on climate change in December.

The delegates aim to “take the voice of New Zealand youth” to the conference in Copenhagen and their ultimate goal is to try to influence policy on environmental issues.

But before the conference starts, delegates will meet with other environmentally aware youngsters from all over the world to discuss what stance to take on issues and what to lobby the world leaders for.

They aim to get all New Zealand youth involved in the campaign through blogs, YouTube and school visits, Rachel says.

A Team New Zealand spinnaker donated to the delegates is now travelling the country so young people can write their names and their opinions on it.

The delegates will be reading all of the messages and taking them to Copenhagen.

As well as being involved with the delegation, Rachel helped start the Auckland Youth-Directed Environmental Organisation.

She found out about the New Zealand Youth Delegation when she was invited to an Enviroschools event, ReGeneration, where she was recognised as a youth leader in sustainability.

“I’ve always been environmentally conscious,” she says.

She believes young people should be part of the decision-making process on climate change.

“We feel that with climate change it’s today’s youth who will bear the consequences of the life we’re currently living.

“It’s not the policymakers who have to live to see the consequences of the decisions made.”

As for the future, Rachel already has her sights set on a career as a diplomat.

She finishes Auckland Girls’ Grammar School this year.

Rachel plans to study for a conjoint law and arts degree with a double major in history and politics at Auckland University next year.

 

I’m getting extremely excited (in what time I have to think between exams) about COP – though as I say, there really isn’t time to think at all! I fly out next Sunday, the day after Scholarship History, ready to take on international climate policy… But for now I’m sitting in my lounge, editing Raven and Kirk’s policy doc and listening to Bob Dylan, drinking leftover Lothlorian juice for last night.

Life’s not too bad – let’s just hope we can say the same after the conference.

Over and out,

Dobric.

Another little gem from Mr Wilde – it’s somewhat relevant to our perspectives on curbing the impacts of climate change:
“Man can believe the impossible, but can never believe the improbable.”
Oscar Wilde

It’s about action, not just talk.

Wow. Where to start?

Today was, as many of you will already know, the International Day of Climate Action – New Zealand, impressively, had the largest number of events per capita of ANY nation in the world. After all, we’re passionate.

To explain 350 and the Day of Climate Action, I’ve taken it straight from the horse’s mouth, at 350.org:

“350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide – measured in “Parts Per Million” in our atmosphere. 350 PPM – it’s the number humanity needs to get back to as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change.” Currently, we’re at 387.
“We need an international agreement to reduce carbon emissions fast, and 2009 might be our best shot.
“We can hold our decision-makers accountable to producing a treaty that is strong, equitable, and grounded in the latest science. On 24 October, we’re holding a Global Day of Climate Action to do just this.
If this global movement succeeds, we can get the world on track to get back to 350 and back to climate safety. It won’t be easy, that’s why we need all the help we can get.”

I must admit I almost didn’t go to any of the 350 events today – what with school exams (I know a LOT of you will empathise here) and organising our fundraiser, it seemed impractical – but by some fluke I convinced myself it was a good idea.

I headed up to Mangawhau (Mt Eden) at around 4pm, just after the Maunga Action event had kicked off there. For those of you unaware, the idea of this was to “climb to the tops of the mountains with drums, bagpipes, pot-lids, grab what you can, and get so loud the other mountains can hear us!” – starting at 3:50, and going until 4:50 – ‘because at 450 it’s too late’. The Hare Krishna group was exceptionally awesome – they didn’t stop the WHOLE time, and even integrated the 350 message into their chants! Amazing stuff. We were able to see the signs and people at Te Tatua o Riukiuta (Three Kings) from where we were standing.

Kirk and I (green shirt, blue and white dress) at Maunga Action, Mt Eden. Metiria Turei is in the green shirt on Kirk's right.

We took some photos (unfortunately my camera failed miserably in producing decent pictures), and Kirk and I headed down to the bottom of the hill, where the 350 festival was taking place at Tahaki Reserve. I persuaded Kirk to buy me an organic choc strawberry, and we sat down to chat with Jacinda Ardern – the Youth Spokesperson for Labour, and Metiria Turei – the Co-Head of the Greens. We later heard from these two, and from Barry Coates – Oxfam NZ’s Executive Director, Manukau’s mayor Len Brown (who is keen to meet with us before COP, yay!), and a number of others as they addressed the crowd from the stage. Len acquired a fan – someone’s toddler took to paying him earnest attention and clapping with each thing he said. Brilliant stuff. Start young, I say!!

Len Brown talking to the crowd - he sang, later.

Jacinda Ardern having a natter - and wearing a fantastic 350 Oxfam t-shirt.

Manda turned up, and the three of us had the chance to have our own bit of a word on stage to promote NZYD and our fundraiser event coming up soon – a social night and auction at Auckland Uni in mid-November. Keep checking back to our site for details! We also handed out some flyers.

Other highlights included meeting awesome people, forming the big ’350′ (photos of that still to come), and participating in a drumming workshop using 350 drums. Wicked stuff! Also met a huge number of awesome people.

Around the world, of course, there are others who have really latched on to 350. Actions have taken place in Ethiopia, Guinea, Seychelles, Spain, the US, India, China, Afghanistan… just to name a few. Here’re a couple of highlights so far (the day’s not over yet!), but if you want the full picture, check out 350′s website.

Students from a college in Mexico City, Mexico.

Residents with water jars in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Whangawai, New Zealand, nesting site of the last 45 Fairy Terns in the country.

Soldiers' 350, in Korengal Valley, Kunar Province, Afghanistan.

350 outside Sydney Opera House, Australia.

Banner at Charminar, Hyderabad, India.

So – that’s me for today. I was going to give you a policy update, but to be frank, I think this is enough for now.

If this is what the world is doing for Climate Action Day, I’m excited to know what will happen during COP. One can only hope that our governments will listen to what we, the people, truly want for this world.

Over and out yet again,

Dobric.

“I cannot foresee exactly how resistance to injustice must proceed – but it must. Today is only one step in a long journey.”
Dr. James Hansen, NASA – from his 350 speech to Amsterdam

Sofa Cushions, Cats and Policy Wonk.

I’m not a violent person, but I almost became one ten minutes ago.

Trying to understand the intricate and meticulous working nature of wordpress was a trifle challenging, and a number of colourful scenarios entered the realm of possibility my brain likes to draw from – many of which involving my laptop and an array of blunt instruments. Fortunately for you (the general public, if I’m lucky?), none were within effortless reach, and upon discovering that neither sofa cushions nor cats demonstrate any significant levels of skill when it comes to causing damage to a Sony Vaio, I was forced to resort to perseverance.

I’m Rachel (yes, I’m sure you may have gathered that, considering that it is rather boldly declared above), and you can expect large words of this blog. I was consoled by Raven today; she insisted that it was a positive thing, as each time the delegation meets I somehow manage to widen the extent of its collective vocabulary. Personally, I’d like to hope it may come in handy for more than just recreation – as I embark on a journey from here to Denmark, one policy concept at a time.

Being elected (rather informally, I must say) to the NZYD Policy Team is an exciting prospect! Not only does it allow me legitimate reasons to become more of a Policy Wonk (a new term discovered today), but the potential number of new words I’ll be able to learn is almost frightening! Perhaps a goal of ours could be, should situations in Copenhagen turn dire, to engage our newfound vocabilaric talents in beating the delegates (not our own, of course!) to submission. Submission with their own medicine. Submission with the cunning use of… Words.
(That was actually meant to be amusing… Only because it alluded to something on YouTube which I’m almost certain you won’t have seen… Check it out here for a laugh.)

Though, on a more serious, and less tangental note, I’d like to reconsider that clip. Really, it is true that the West has forced its way of life upon other nations. And yes, with the cunning (and rather twee, really) use of Flags. Lately (or should we say since the Industrial Revolution), that culture we’ve been forced to imbibe has evolved to incorporate consumerism – and, seemingly inevitably, such consumption has demanded the exploitation of our natural resources, emitting insane quantities of carbon in the process. The result? Climate change.
If it’s such a problem, fixing it should be simple, right?

Wrong.
Despite the formation of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988, and the signing by 153 nations of the Convention on Climate Change in Rio, in 1992, we’re still in a space where climate change is a huge problem. In fact, the severity of the issue is constantly increasing – and yet we still haven’t taken any serious action.

Today’s advent marks Day 49 before the New Zealand Youth Delegation attends what could be the most important conference in world history. Our role, as a delegation, is to take YOUR voice, the voice of New Zealand youth, and have it heard in Denmark. My role, as an individual, is to keep you informed with what’s happening around the world – in terms of activism, in terms of politics, in terms of policy wonk…
…in terms of change.

Here’s to begin: President Mohammed Nasheed’s hosting of the Maldives’ Cabinet, underwater, to raise awareness about climate change.

Over and out,

Dobric.

PS

I’ve thought I’ll leave you a little quote, when I can spare the time… Today’s is from an arrogant man; though one who was rather eloquent with words (and said some fabulous things). I find it particularly poignant to contemplate when I have to think about politics, policy… and blogging to all of you. There’s simply so much to take into consideration. :/

“It is a very sad thing that nowadays there is so little useless information.”
Oscar Wilde