The SustainUS Agents of Change program is now accepting applications for its delegation to the UN Climate Negotiations, COP14, happening in Poznan, Poland this December. We will be extending the application deadline to July 12, 2008 at 5pmEST. COP14 will determine the future of international policy on climate change, and youth must make their voices heard.

The SustainUS delegation, comprised of key leaders in the youth climate movement from various organizations and backgrounds, will have the unique opportunity to represent American youth at the COP. Delegates will work with each other and with international youth in advance of the conference to educate themselves, develop policy priorities, acquire skills in effective lobbying, and engage the broader youth population in a conversation about international climate policy.

Apply to be an Agent of Change today!

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.