|
Call for Action: Achieving Global Climate Justice in the 21st Century |
ECORES FORUM ISSUES CALL FOR ACTION |
|
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, Jun. 20 -/E-Wire/--
Baltimore, MD – Change is in the air: the message "stop global warming" is gaining ground. As the window for prevention of further human-induced extreme climate change narrows, the urgency of the planetary condition has struck home. This in spite of ongoing allegations of widespread suppression of government-funded climate research and industry-backed calls for studies decrying IPCC findings. Environmentally focused activists and academics around the world watch with bated breath for the sea change that many feel is now inevitable. Yet many, with good reason, remain dissatisfied with corresponding levels of activity. Top-level discussion and decision-making venues reflect what some have called an unwarranted air of optimism, focusing more on species adaptability and possible technological saves, rather than on preventing as much change as humanly possible. Reflecting deepening concerns about the web of words in which many initiatives have become entangled, EcoRes Forum, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to the free exchange of information and ideas concerning society and climate change, has today issued the statement "EcoRes Forum Call for Action: Achieving Global Climate Justice in the 21st Century." From around the globe, Forum members are reaching out, calling for leadership, action, and change across eight interrelated levels of influence, from local governments to mass media, from international bodies to religious, indigenous, and community groups, from grassroots initiatives to individual efforts.
|
Leveraging the synergies that arise in interdisciplinary cooperation, the Forum's voice calls from a wide variety of fields, as reflected in the call's opening statement: "We, an international group of academics and activists, scientists and social justice advocates, government and community leaders, professionals and concerned citizens, assembled on the EcoRes Forum virtual platform in April 2007 to discuss the ethical, political, and socio-cultural aspects of climate change and to forge a common vision and action plan. We hereby commit ourselves to the development and implementation of a climate justice agenda for the 21st century, and we call upon the world's citizens to join with us in this commitment."
|
Speaking on behalf of the Forum team, Mary Leyser notes, "The time for change is now. Individuals and groups around the world are stepping up, recognizing their responsibility – and their unique capabilities – in this situation. It's not just a responsibility: It is our privilege to take part in this historical moment, this 'Great Turning'. What we're seeing is encouraging: but more is needed. We must build on this momentum. As Gladwell pointed out, there are tipping points in any undertaking. Many fear that we are headed for a tipping point in the wrong direction. That's a valid point, but there is another possibility: Now is our chance to tip the scales the other way, to lead a directed surge in the right direction. The pendulum swing has begun: It's up to each of us – now – to provide the critical mass needed to make this a reality."
|
A full copy of the statement, "EcoRes Forum Call for Action: Achieving Global Climate Justice in the 21st Century" can be found on the EcoRes Forum website. (http://www.eco-res.org)
|
EcoRes Forum
|
The primary objective of the EcoRes Forum is to provide an easily accessible platform for moderated discussions between global stakeholders about the social aspects of climate change. Conducted online and by email exchange, the Forum's e-conference series encourages wide participation by circumventing the logistical hurdles of traditional conference formats.
|
Our mission In keeping with our foundational philosophy of ecocentric environmental ethics and commitment to the principles of social equity and environmental justice;
|
• by leveraging the potential of new media by providing an easily accessible global platform for discussion and access to subject experts;
|
• by involving global stakeholders in global issue discussions by circumventing the logistical and financial barriers of traditional dialogue interactions;
|
• by building ongoing connections and networks between these actors;
|
• by crossing borders, whether disciplinary, philosophical, or geopolitical; and • by maintaining a results-oriented focus;
|
the goals of the EcoRes Forum are:
|
• to level the field of discourse by moving it to a space whose boundaries are set only by our own creativity;
|
• to promote awareness, public dialogue and the free exchange and exploration of ideas, knowledge and issues related to climate change;
|
• to leave all participants with something of value, whether knowledge, best practices, or a new perspective, which can be put to use immediately to improve efforts in their individual fields; and
|
• by so doing, to contribute to taking the environmental movement to the next level and thereby, in some small way, to assist in preventing further extreme climate change.
|
========================================================
|
EcoRes Forum
|
Exploring the Ethical, Political, and Socio-Cultural Aspects of Climate Change
|
Upcoming E-Conference: "Climate Change and You: Putting a Face on Global Warming"
|
17-30 April 2009
|
Visit us at http://www.eco-res.org or on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ecoresforum
|
