The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was established in 1992 to ensure effective follow-up to the Earth Summit by reviewing progress in the implementation of Agenda 21, Rio, Johannesburg, etc. To meet this mandate, the CSD convenes on an annual basis in 2-year thematic cycles, the first year to gather data, case studies, and related info, and the second year to draft policy that will guide development solutions that address these thematic challenges. This year, May 4th-15th, was the 17th session of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD-17); a policy year addressing the themes of Agriculture, Rural Development, Desertification, Land Use, and Africa.

This was my fourth time participating in a CSD conference, and each time I notice this – it is extremely difficult to discuss sustainability, a concept defined most fundamentally by interrelationships, within a framework that compartmentalizes its issues into thematic clusters (ie. agriculture, rural development, . . . climate change, energy . . . water, human settlements, etc.). Certainly each of these themes warrants its own debates, research, and policy recommendations. It is also true that each CSD conference has an “interlinkages” working group with an objective to address the interrelationships between the themes being discussed. My point, however, is that there are interrelationships between themes of previous years, and years ahead even, that should not be left out of the conversations simply to conform to the organizational structure of the Commission. I bring this up not to complain, but to set the stage for the purpose of this blog – to highlight the important relationships between Agriculture and Climate Change that were overlooked at CSD-17.

First, I will give credit where credit is due. The final text culminating from two weeks of negotiations does not overlook climate change entirely. The text acknowledges, “Agriculture is also dependent on climate and sensitive to climate change. Sustainable agriculture practices, as well as sustainable forest management can contribute to meeting climate change concerns.” The text also calls on member states to “Support training and capacity building of rural communities to effectively implement adaptation programmes to climate change at the local level.” Beyond these references, however, there is little more mention in the 54pg document of what I would consider the elephant in the room. Below I summarize a few of the major connections between Agriculture and Climate Change that I have adapted from a publication by Third World Network titled “Enduring Farms: Climate Change, Smallhoders, and Traditional Farming Communities.”

First, it is important to understand the centrality of agriculture in sustainable development. Agriculture consumes nearly 40 percent of global land surface and consumes 70 percent of global water resources. At every point of production, agriculture is heavily influenced by ecosystems, biodiversity, climate, and the economy. Modern agriculture today is a fossil-fuel-energy-intensive industry that causes a positive feedback loop fueling further climate change, less productive agriculture, and consequently less food security. For example, “World agriculture and forestry practices (e.g. conversion of wetland to agriculture, deforestation, rice paddies, cattle feedlots, fertilizer use) today contribute about 25 percent to the emissions of greenhouse gases, while reducing carbon sinks and changing hydrological cycles, thus exacerbating climate change effects. In turn, the increasing frequency of storms, drought and flooding has implications on the viability of agro-ecosystems and food security.” It is important to note that the impacts of climate change on agriculture are already being felt by many communities, primarily in the Southern hemisphere.

Apart from the landless and urban poor, small farmers are among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in the developing world. Most climate change models show that these small farmers will bear a disproportionate brunt of climate change damages. Where subsistence agriculture is the norm, a mere 1-ton yield decrease (primarily maize, beans, potatoes, rice, etc.) could lead to major disruption of rural life. These risks are especially great in the drylands of Africa where yields from rain-fed agriculture could be reduced by 50 percent by 2020.

Another potentially significant impact of climate change on agriculture is the loss of soil organic matter due to soil warming. High temperatures are likely to speed the natural decomposition of organic matter and other soil processes that affect fertility. In drylands where desertification is a major problem, root growth and decomposition are suppressed, consequently diminishing soil cover and increasing soil erosion from intensified winds. In other areas, soil erosion will come from an expected increase in convective rainfall due to more atmospheric moisture and stronger gradients of temperature and pressure.

Climate change is also exacerbating agricultural challenges associated with pests and plant disease. Warmer climates enable some insect pest species to complete a greater number of reproductive cycles during the summer, winter, and fall. During the winter, warmer climates allow larvae to “winter-over”, causing greater infestation during the following crop season. There is limited literature that analyzes the impact of climate change on plant diseases and pathogens. What does exist indicates that the most likely impacts will be felt in three areas: losses from plant diseases, the efficacy of disease management strategies, and the geographical distribution of plant diseases. Although the ultimate impacts are still unclear, it is widely determined that increased temperatures and humidity will increase the severity of many pathogens. The challenge is to make sure that the agrochemical industry does not exploit increased pest and disease infestations as a profiteering opportunity disguised as altruism (as had been the case of GMOs and “golden rice“).

A discussion about the impacts of climate change on agriculture would not be complete without addressing biofuels. Biofuels was perhaps the most contentious topic at CSD-17. There is tremendous pressure, also cloaked in clean energy altruism, to ramp up the rate of biofuel production. Unless this agenda is carried out with utmost attention to equity and long-term environmental sustainability, it will likely be disastrous and perpetuate an already violent and inequitable ideology whereby the Western world assumes entitlement to global commons like water and other ecosystem services. Expected increase of biofuel monoculture production will lead to increased rates of biodiversity loss and genetic erosion. A possible compromise may lie in prioritizing third-generations biofuel crops over first and second generation. Finding a fair biofuel solution is a significant topic that cannot be adequately addressed here. The main point is that arable land must be used to strengthen food security in the Global South as opposed to fueling (pardon the pun) excessive consumption behaviors in the western world.

As you can see there are inextricable connections between climate change and agriculture that need to be addressed specifically. We cannot “wait until Copenhagen” to tackle climate change as was suggested by one delegate at CSD-17. The related trends and challenges above should have been brought to the table during CSD-16, the data gathering year of this thematic cycle. This would have positioned CSD-17 to more effectively develop specific policy recommendations that allow agriculture to not only adapt to climate change, but mitigate. Agriculture and forestry can be part of the solution through carbon conservation, sequestration, and substitution, and establishing ecologically designed agricultural systems that can provide a buffer against extreme weather. Other solutions include permaculture practices, water harvesting, infiltration pits, drought-tolerant crops, multiple cropping and polyculture systems, wild plant harvesting, agroforestry and mulching, use of local genetic diversity, and soil organic matter enhancement. As the TWN document concludes, “The diversity of these systems, and the creativity and knowledge of family farmers and indigenous communities are assets of great value for solving the daunting problems affecting agriculture in the 21st century.”

Raise a Rope for Climate Hope: a youth-driven, community-service, climate-action project

The Wolfeboro, New Hampshire based nonprofit, Global Awareness Local Action (G.A.L.A.) is gearing up to join thousands of other youth from around the world on Global Youth Service Day to help tackle their generation’s most pressing environmental issue – climate change. Their strategies are local in practice and global in scope. Collectively these actions will make a difference.

In collaboration with local youth groups including Kingswood & Kids, Kingswood Youth Center, and the Brewster Environmental Club, G.A.L.A. is proud to share one plan of action – Raise a Rope for Climate Hope. This climate action project will connect advocacy and service. First, Alex Lee, Founding Director of Project Laundry List will give a presentation to raise awareness about the “Right to Dry” bill (S.41). At the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to register for a free clothesline of their choice to be installed by youth teams later in May. Continue reading to learn more about this exciting Earth Week and Global Youth Service opportunity.

On, April 25th Alex Lee, Founding Director of Project Laundry List will give a presentation titled “Laundry: An Inconvenient Chore?” from 6-7:30 at the Brewster Pickney Boathouse in Wolfeboro, NH. Lee’s presentation will explain the latest standing on the “Right to Dry” bill (S.41), a bill introduced by former Vermont State Senator, Dick McCormack, in response to restrictive community covenants, landlord prohibitions, and zoning laws. Lee will also share how his organization combines words, images, and advocacy to raise awareness about how simple lifestyle modifications, including air-drying one’s clothes, reduce our dependence on environmentally and culturally costly energy sources. Attendees will have a chance at the end of the presentation to register for a free clothesline installation of their choice – umbrella, pulley, or standard.

Funding for this national youth-driven initiative is provided by Youth Service America’s Red, White, & Green grant and Disney Minnie Grant. Join in the action, join in the fun, join in the Great Turning.

Note: If anyone suggested that a campaign with the words “carbon” and “consumer” would somehow benefit the climate, I would have told them maybe when pigs fly. But low and behold! New American Dream has put together yet another fabulous campaign to help people reduce their carbon-footprint. But today is the last day to make the “Junk your Junk Mail” pledge!

The Carbon Conscious Consumer, coined “C3”, is a national campaign/contest that focuses on one easy, habit-forming step people can take each month to reduce their carbon consumption. The steps are:

Step 1 – July: EAT Locally
Step 2 – August: DOWNSHIFT Your Driving
Step 3 – September: JUNK Your Junk Mail
Step 4 – October: BREAK the Bottled Water Habit
Step 5 – November: CLEAN Green
Step 6 – December: BRING Your Own Bag

20,000 Americans pledged to eat locally and downshift their driving during July and August. New American Dream expects even more will pledge to Junk their junk mail this month. When asked what junk mail as to do with climate change New American Dream’s Executive Director Lisa Wise responded, “Junk mail in the United States is not only an overwhelming inconvenience to individuals, but it’s also an incredibly carbon intensive business model that harms our environment everyday. Opting out of junk mail is an easy action with real benefits. The amount of energy required to deliver the millions of pieces of junk mail all across the country is horrendous and eliminating junk mail would have a substantial, positive impact on our planet. It would be the carbon equivalent of removing nearly 3 million cars from the roads. That makes a difference in the fight against climate change.”

So, what are you waiting for? Opt out now! Who knew that junking your junk mail could be so easy. I’ll admit that it also felt quite satisfactory – like you are sticking it to the man!

Stay sustainablisitc IGHIH crew!

It was Friday evening, and as I walked up 1st Ave alongside the United Nations in NYC, the final hours of a two-year negotiation process were coming to a close. I could have gone inside and witnessed the final statements, or go across the street to my friend’s apartment and take off my shoes. I chose the latter. Not because I have a lack of appreciation for the hard work that goes into drafting the statements, or because I don’t believe in the statements, but rather because the “grand scheme of things” was singing so loud in my head that I knew I’d be unable to really listen to the mono-diplo-talk that often occurs inside the UN walls. After three years of participating in the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), here are a few thoughts according to me . . .

If we keep refining our strategies we can win; but we still win their game. Or as some say, we can win the battle, but not the fight. When the parameters of our discourse are defined for us, our true potential is stifled. Furthermore, have we defined yet what it means to “win” or “succeed” within the frameworks of CSD? Does success come when the text outlines time-bound GHG reduction targets commensurate to the reduction goals identified by the scientific community? Does success mean we make all countries admit that fossil fuels, in any form, are unsustainable? Does success mean we mobilize 10,000 people to swarm 1st-2nd Avenue to demand that any “sustainable” development plan includes human rights? The quick turnover within the youth caucus makes it difficult to come to these conclusions, but without them, we must ask ourselves how meaningful is our participation?

I’m becoming worn thin with this tug between urgency and pragmatism. The bees are dying on one hand, and there are plans to colonize Mars on the other. Without question, the stakes are high. We are in the midst of unprecedented challenge and opportunity. Although millions remain sedated on news-tainment-nonsense, still millions sacrifice, everyday, to resist a system that renders their life disposable. Never before have we been called to achieve such solidarity to overcome a global challenge, and not until today have we had the tools to achieve that solidarity. Let coexistence be our goal. Let ecology be our guide.

I’m worried some important words are being left out of our dialog. Words and phrases like “empire”, “colonization”, “love”, “full-cycle accounting”, “neoliberalism”, and “compassion”. Many people make the valid argument that there is a time and a place for such radical jibber jabber. I understand the importance of considering one’s audience and framing the issues accordingly. I also understand, however, that stretching someone’s imagination is a matter of creativity, not predictability. It is time we incite fundamental questioning. It is time we raise the issues that are all too often considered frivolous. Because if we don’t, who will?

“We seek a renewed stirring of life for the earth
We plead that what we are capable of doing is
not always what we ought to do.
We urge that all people now determine
that a wide untrammeled freedom shall remain
to testify that this generation has love for the next
If we want to succeed in that, we might show, meanwhile,
a little more love for this one, and for each other.”

- Nancy Newhall -

Yes, ‘what we are capable of doing, is not always what we ought to do’. Just because we can create a nuclear plant or capture carbon, doesn’t mean we ought to. Our wisdom has not yet caught up with our technological advancements, and consequently, people have suffered. Our solutions now must be human-based, culturally-appropriate, decentralized, and always with the seventh generation in mind. Is this even possible in what John Perkins and David Korten are calling a “corportocracy” where corporations usurp the rights of people and access to the Commons? We must learn to put more trust in people’s hands than the imaginary market. Sure, both can be corrupt, but only one can we look in the eye and hold accountable.

The United Nations is an amazing place, but let’s not become disillusioned by its influence. Unquestionably, it is magical to see representatives from all across the world in the same room having a dialog about sustainable development. It is important that we continue to participate in such meetings and refine our strategies to become more and more effective as a Youth Caucus and as Youth Delegates. But I urge us all to place equal emphasis, if not more, on building a critical mass beyond the UN and its narrow definition of sustainable development. We must reclaim what it means to be sustainable so that it can truly encompass nonviolence, human rights, gender equality, tolerance, reconciliation, and economic, environmental, and social justice. People make sacrifices for what is meaningful to them, and sustainability offers an opportunity to be meaningful across the board. The dialog happening inside the UN, however, does not always come across as meaningful to people at the margins, and more important, does not usually include the wisdom from people at the margins. The greatest creativity is often found in the margins, and it is crucial we hold hands with our human family, and envision a sustainable world together.

I’m aware these seem like lofty ideas, but these are the ideas we must BELIEVE in. We must believe that another world is possible. We must empower and trust one another to envision and manifest that world together. I extend my greatest thanks to everyone I met and those I was able to reconnect with over this past week at CSD. When I find myself running on empty back here at home, I remember your faces and am renewed. Thank you for that gift. Until next time . . . .

Old Man on the Mountain would be proud (R.I.P. Old Man). New Hampshire is maintaining its climate action momentum. Nearly twenty NH towns hosted “Step It Up” events last weekend and even more Earth Day events are scheduled for next. Did I mention we are modifying our motto from “Live Free or Die” to “Live Free From Global Warming or Die”?

We were posed with a touch question last Saturday morning – “Which ‘Step It Up’ event should we attend?” There was no easy answer. All across the state communities were coming together asking Congress to “Step It Up” by committing to use the latest scientific consensus to guide all climate related policy – 80% carbon emission reductions by 2050. There were potlucks, marches, music, bike rides, hikes, and more. In the end, we decided to take our waste-vegetable-oil (WVO) powered car to the event at UNH. Wow! What a day.

Unfortunately, we missed the bike ride and surprise appearance by presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich. Despite our late appearance, we found an extra special parking/display spot for the grease car and began to browse the wide range of information tables. Tabling organizations included the UNH College Democrats, Peace & Justice League, Organic Gardening Club, Outing Club, Students for Obama, UNH Office of Sustainability, Students for NHPIRG, NH Carbon Challenge, Oyster River Carbon Challenge, Infinity MPG, Climate Summer (SSC), and Shaklee. There was also a spread of delicious donated food and a silent auction with opportunities to win items from local artists and other local eco-service providers. I put in a bid for some red wiggler earthworms but came out short. Oh well, I suppose they found a good home anyway.

Did I mention next weekend looks even better?!?! Same place, same time. Sunday April 22nd, on Earth Day 2007, UNH will host its annual SolarFest! This is an all day event, FREE and open to the public. Sunweaver Solar Company will be powering stages for musical performances by Hot Buttered Rum, RAQ, The Wood Brothers, Apollo Sunshine, and Lespecial. Once again, UNH will celebrate a renewable energy future with good music, good food, and good company. Hoping to see you there.

This proverb from the Hopi Elders, “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for . . .” has stuck with me ever since I came across it in Yes! Magazine a few years back. As I follow the dialog from IGHIH, I feel blessed to be part of such a wise and compassionate movement. Stay true, stay strong, ask questions, demand answers, be creative, and curious . . . love.   The Hopi Elders say . . . . .

We have been telling the people that this is the
Eleventh Hour
Now we must go back and tell the people this is the
Hour

And there are things to be considered:

Where are you living?
What are you doing?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?
Know your garden.

It is time to speak your truth.

Create your community.
Be good to each other.

And do not look outside yourself for the leader.
This could be a good time!

There is a river flowing now very fast
It is so great and swift that there are those who will
be afraid.
They will try to hold on to the shore.
They will feel they are being torn apart and they
will suffer greatly.

Know the river has its destination.

The Elders say we must let go of the shore, and
push off and into the river, keep our eyes open, and
our head above the water.

See who is in there with you and Celebrate.

At this time in history, we are to take nothing
personally.
Least of all ourselves.

For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth
and journey comes to a halt.

The time of the lone wolf is over.

Gather yourselves!

Banish the word “struggle” from your attitude and
your vocabulary.

All that you do now must be done in a sacred
manner
And in celebration.
We are the ones we’ve been waiting for . . .

-The Elders, Hopi Nation, Oraibi, Arizona -

The last time I was in Chicago I had just finished a sixty-hour train ride from San Francisco, only to find out I missed my connecting train to Boston and so would be forced to stay in Chicago for the day. As I walked down the sidewalk to find a burrito, I noticed herds of people walking towards a thumping noise. Before I could blink and say, “wind power,” I found myself in the middle of mosh-pit at Lollapalloza ’06.

What does this have to do with climate change? Nothing. What is the only better way to experience Chicago besides Lollapalloza? Green Festival 2007! Who can win two free tickets, carbon-offset airfare, hotel stay, and backstage passes by completing a simple survey about what climate change issues you’d like to learn more about? You!

To see if the town will go on record in support of effective actions by the President and the Congress to address the issue of climate change which is increasingly harmful to the environment and economy of New Hampshire and to the future well being of the people of ______________.

These actions include:

1) Establishment of a national program requiring reductions of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions while protecting the U.S. economy.

2) Creation of a major national research initiative to foster rapid development of sustainable energy technologies thereby stimulating new jobs and investment.

In addition, the town of ____________ encourages New Hampshire citizens to work for emission reductions within their communities, and we ask our Selectmen to consider the appointment of a voluntary energy committee to recommend local steps to save energy and reduce emissions.

Many NH towns have already started reducing their emissions and have not only contributed to curbing warming, but have also saved money!

Somersworth installed energy-saving lighting and other energy improvements in 169 housing authority units, resulting in $45,000 of savings per year.

The Richmond Middle School in Hanover uses a heating system that burns wood chips from local lumberyards. This system is expected to save the community $60,000/year on energy bills, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 1,000 tons/year.

The Lempster Wind Project is a planned 24 MW wind power project near the town. The project consists of twelve turbines that will have the capacity to provide the annual electricity needs of approximately 10,000 New Hampshire homes.

Claremont converted 1,016 streetlights to energy efficient models, currently saving $27,000/year – and saving $118,000/year once improvement loan is repaid.

Residents of Keene saw no reason to wait for a Climate Resolution, and have already declared to reduce their carbon emissions by 10% below 1995 levels by 2015. Actions include the upgrade to energy-efficient traffic lights, use of bio-diesel for municipal, and the installation of a geothermal heat-pump system in a municipal building. Keene has also enacted an “anti-idling” campaign for city workers, which has already cut fuel use by 6%.

These are just a few examples of how much NH residents have saved by taking climate action. But what might NH residents lose by not taking action? Winter recreation is a critical economic driver for NH. During December-March almost 40% of NH’s total visitor spending goes to the North Country. Almost 80% of that is spent on snow and cold dependent outdoor recreation like skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. During warm, slushier Winters, however, total ski ticket, fishing license and snowmobile registration fees decline by 14%, a loss of over $13 million. In addition (or subtraction!), 33% fewer skiers visit NH in low versus high snow years and consequently Alpine ski ticket sales drop by almost 30% ($650,000). Warm, slushy winters mean 6,000 fewer jobs, a loss of 4% of North Country Winter employment.

New Hampshire economic losses that result from warm winters is obviously a very acute ramification to the current climate crisis. The Carbon CO2alition realizes this but also understands that these figures speak to many NH natives. There are also daunting predictions of what warming trends will do, and has indeed already done, to NH’s Maple Syrup industry. Exposing these facts will help build support for the Climate Change Resolution that will be voted on next month.

The Carbon CO2alition is often asked, “How much can one town realistically effect global warming anyway?” And the answer is that realistically, one town probably won’t have much of an influence on overall warming trends– but over 150 might! People who pose this question are asked to remember the grassroots effort in 1983 that resulted in 197 NH towns passing a resolution calling for national action on acid rain. Many people said solving acid rain could not be done—that the science was still uncertain, the problem too complex for ordinary citizens to understand, or too remote, or not of local concern. Others complained that the costs of compliance were too high. Nevertheless, that grassroots campaign produced results and now 20 years later sulfur emissions are down by one-third from what they were in the1980s.

So once again NH will lead the way in implementing local solutions to a global problem. If you are from New Hampshire, please check the Carbon CO2alition website to see if your town will be voting on the Resolution in March. If so, consider writing a letter to the editor in your local newspaper or attending the upcoming Town Deliberative Sessions to support the Climate Change Resolution.

Given the mounting scientific evidence concerning climate change, maybe it’s time we modified our state motto from “Live Free or Die,” to “Live Free (from Global Warming) or Die.”