August 29, 2002
I feel as though we have been living in the depths of a cloudy bureaucracy ever since my flight landed on the 23rd. The first United Nations event I have participated in, WSSD has shown only small sparkles of sustainable development. The disorganization illustrated in the uncertainties of NGO access was insulting; the narrow representation within the youth caucus is disheartening; and the ability of those with powerful political influence to talk for a quarter of an hour without answering one yes-or-no-question sets me beyond frustration. How did we get here? With amounts of money I cannot begin to comprehend backing selfish, globally degrading agendas that are hidden in a complex web of policy and subsidies, How will we ever achieve ecological stability?
As youth, we can take action at international conferences to pressure delegates, while also gaining knowledge to take home. We can embrace the tangible examples of activism and empowerment. Here are some of the small actions we have taken during our first week in Johannesburg.
The fun started Yesterday. We joined ASEED Japan in a morning demonstration outside the entrance to the main complex of Sandton with signs and singing. As the regulations against demonstrations within the Sandton have greatly limited our options, we have utilized the handy dandy t-shirt as our next tactic. We invoke attention, photographs, and dialogue with slogans such as "Corporate polluters are eating my brain!" and " The Toxic Texan" on a shirt with a picture of President Bush. We also advertise "clean energy now" along with "KYOTO" which five of us spelled out in the front row of an energy meeting with NGO's and members of the US delegation.
After countless meetings to organize statements from the youth caucus, our very own Kristen Casper represented the youth at the multi-stakeholder dialogue for energy. Her statements were the only ones that had the crowd in the plenary session hooping and clapping. She was brilliant and brought a sense of vitality to our delegation.
That vitality certainly influenced my involvement in the Greenpeace Action that took place this morning. Four of us from the youth delegation joined Greenpeace activists at the Dow Chemical Plant about twenty minutes outside of Johannesburg. This was my first action with Greenpeace, and it was the most well organized action of which I have ever been a part. As soon as we pulled up to the gates of the plant at ten this morning and began unfolding the banner, media came running towards us. As we blocked the gates, the idle trucks provided platforms for photographers, and Greenpeace reps discussed the matter calmly with security and reporters.
Directly after the action we were on our way to the press conference with our Congressional leaders. All of us said a bit at the press conference, but Nadia gave the outstanding speech. Kids Against Pollution (also from the US) surprised us all with a song, and left a few of us with water in our eyes.
Afterwards, we had yet more discussion with congressmen and a brainstorming session among ourselves. We will wake up tomorrow to attend the unveiling of a mural that incorporated some of 2 million petitions (all calling for clean renewable energy) into the artwork.
Creativity is in the air, and any you have to offer would be greatly appreciated. Also, let us know what you are curious about … there is so much to tell.
Peace.
~ tricia