In response to the derailment of Climate Change talks in Copenhagen, Bolivia has called for a Peoples’ World Conference on Climate Change and Mother Earth’s Rights. In April, Quixote Center staff will attend the Conference in Cochabamba which will generate proposals for the next round of negotiations in Mexico. Visit our website for reports from the conference.
Bolivia
Invitation to the Peoples’ World Conference on Climate Change and Mother Earth’s Rights
by Evo Morales
Considering that climate change represents a real threat to the existence of humanity, of living beings and our Mother Earth as we know it today;
Noting the serious danger that exists to islands, coastal areas, glaciers in the Himalayas, the Andes and mountains of the world, the poles of the Earth, warm regions like Africa, water sources, populations affected by increasing natural disasters, plants and animals, and ecosystems in general;
Making clear that those most affected by climate change will be the poorest in the world who will see their homes and their sources of survival destroyed, and who will be forced to migrate and seek refuge;
Confirming that 75% of historical emissions of greenhouse gases originated in the countries of the global North that followed a path of irrational industrialization;
Noting that climate change is a product of the capitalist system;
Regretting the failure of the Copenhagen conference (COP15) caused by countries called "developed," which fail to recognize the climate debt they owe to developing countries, future generations, and Mother Earth;
Affirming that in order to ensure the full fulfillment of human rights in the 21st century, it is necessary to recognize and respect Mother Earth’s rights;
Reaffirming the need to fight for climate justice;
Recognizing the need to take urgent actions to avoid further damage to and suffering of humanity, Mother Earth, and to restore harmony with nature;
Confident that the peoples of the world, guided by the principles of solidarity, justice, and respect for life, will be able to save humanity and Mother Earth; and
Celebrating the International Day of Mother Earth;
The government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia calls on the peoples of the world, social movements, and Mother Earth’s defenders, and invites scientists, academics, lawyers, and governments that want to work with their citizens to the Peoples’ World Conference on Climate Change and Mother Earth’s Rights to be held April 20-22, 2010, in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
The Peoples’ World Conference on Climate Change and Mother Earth’s Rights has as objectives:
1) To analyze the structural and systemic causes that drive climate change and to propose radical measures to ensure the wellbeing of all humanity in harmony with nature.
2) To discuss and agree on the project of a universal declaration of Mother Earth rights.
3) To agree on proposals for new commitments to the Kyoto Protocol and projects for a COP decision under the United Nations Framework for Climate Change that will guide future actions in those countries that are committed to life during climate change negotiations and in all United Nations scenarios, with regard to:
- Climate Debt
- Climate Change Migrants-Refugees
- Emission Reductions
- Adaptation
- Technology Transfer
- Finance
- Forest and Climate Change
- Shared Vision
- Indigenous Peoples, and
- Others
4) To work on the organization of the Peoples’ World Referendum on Climate Change.
5) To analyze and develop an action plan to advance the establishment of a climate justice tribunal.
6) To define strategies for action and mobilization to defend life from climate change and to defend Mother Earth’s rights.
Evo Morales Ayma
President
Plurinational State of Bolivia