It’s Getting Hot In Here

  The past 6 months has been filled with conference calls planning out our policy points, communication strategies and fundraising efforts.  For many of us we have only heard a voice and a name until a couple days ago when we finally landed in Bali.  Since our arrival, despite some jet lag, there has just been lots of energy amongst this talented group of individuals as we get ready for our first day at the conference.  You can read the biographies of each delegate here. 

This past Saturday, Dec 1^st, we met with international youth who will be attending the COP 13.  The energy of bringing together some 80 youth who intensely care about their future and mitigating climate change is insanely powerful.  We spent the day sharing our knowledge about climate change and the workings of a COP meeting.  We also worked together to determine what our priorities during the next couple of weeks would be.  It is clear to youth that it is time for a Bali breakthrough, a dramatic change for post 2012 once Kyoto expires.  Many of us are tired of the stalling process from our governments and are keen to see some action.  We are here to help push that along, and to be a strong voice for future generations.

The collaborative and open process that took place at the meeting was truly amazing.  The ability for youth from all over to share, listen, and be respectful is an incredible example for the international process.  Even though we only spent one day together working on our plans, we were able to be incredible efficient with our time and yet we still were able to engage and include everyone in the room.  I am sure that it is our passion for change that enables such an incredible working environment.  It is my hope that our passion can be at least a ripple in the UN process to help enable countries to work with such intentionality and efficiency.  I look forward to seeing the process unfold as we work tirelessly for a road map from Bali for post 2012.     

               For now that is all from Bali.  There will be many more posts to come as we head off tomorrow for our first day at the COP.