Fast for Courage in Copenhagen

Sunday, Dec. 20 — Dear Bill,

The Very Reverend Bill Phipps — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:07:54 +0000

So the conference is now finished, in the most anti-climatic way possible. I think it was difficult to live up to the high expectations that were placed on COP15, but the outcome leaves much to be desired. With countries only ‘taking note’ of the agreement, very few have signed on so far, and there is nothing legally binding yet. While 2 degrees of warming has been agreed upon, it sounds like the numbers add up to at least 3 degrees. All in all, a fair, ambitious, and binding target was not reached.

I do, however, feel that some positive outcomes emerged. I am happy that some money is starting to be committed to adaptation assistance. The less developed countries will be hit hardest by global warming, and it is important for the wealthier nations to assist in their efforts to cope with and limit the impacts of sea level rise, desertification, and the like.

As well, an important partnership between the US, China, India, Brazil and South Africa has been reached. For many years I have felt strongly that a meaningful agreement on climate change would have to foster a bilateral agreement between the US and China, as they account for such a high percentage of the emissions today. Adding in India, Brazil and South Africa only strengthens this agreement by opening up to some other large, industrializing emitters.

Finally, I think that there has been much momentum created internationally around this issue. I am excited to see civil society continue to engage in this issue in the coming months until we reach a legally binding agreement that will ensure strong targets from countries across the world.

While I was hoping (and maybe a little too optimistic) that a full agreement would be reached at COP15, I do think that this meeting was an important step forward to recognize and acknowledge the issue of climate change and its impacts. With 115 leaders attending the conference, and thousands of participants from civil society, global warming is definitely on the radar now. And, as I have said earlier, I think taking a few more months to reach an ambitious and meaningful target would be better than having a weak but binding agreement now. I hope we are still able to make progress over the next year.

My experience in Copenhagen was very interesting and unique. I gained a wide understanding of international politics and appreciation for alternative methods to behavioral changes. It was a very neat experience to pay close attention to the faith aspect of the conference, and to be in touch with you over the past two weeks. I hope that partnerships such as these can continue to develop and flourish, as people find meaning in protecting the planet, their home.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn from you and exchange ideas around the social, political, scientific and moral question of our time. I appreciate the insight and knowledge you have shared. I look forward to being in touch.

Sincerely,

Lindsay

Saturday, Dec. 19 — Dear Lindsay,

The Very Reverend Bill Phipps — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:47:08 +0000

Well, it is all over AND it is just beginning. How were the last few days for you? The final outcome is very disappointing, and probably exactly what Harper wanted. I still believe that there some momentum was continued, however slight.

We must all keep up the pressure, to ensure that no one is left off the hook. I wonder if Canada can recover our reputation sufficiently to get back in the game? It is a big question all citizens need to ask.

I assume you are home now, tired and perhaps bewildered. It was non stop input for you. Now is the time for assimilation and reflection.
I enjoyed reading your letters. They were full of intelligence, passion, and insight. As I said earlier, I look forward to meeting you.

Peace,
Bill

www.billphipps.ca
http://fastforcourage.wordpress.com/

Wednesday, Dec. 16 — Dear Lindsay,

The Very Reverend Bill Phipps — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:38:58 +0000

What an experience you are having. It is just as well not to be arrested, but I am glad that you are part of the action. It must be difficult to know where to go.

The messages in the media here are very mixed. It is clear that Canada is an obvious target (partly deserved, partly not ) of people’s anger at our lack of vision and clear, meaningful commitment. The Herald and the Globe and Mail are critical of Mayor Miller and the premiers of Ontario and Quebec for hammering the Feds at an international conference. Of course if the Feds had taken climate change seriously and sought to develop a sound national policy with proper consultation, they wouldn’t be in this awful mess now.

I believe there is a lot of posturing on all sides. No wonder your generation is fed up.

I am glad you met our Moderator Mardi. She is just the leader we need right now. You can see her blog at:
www.united-church.ca/communications/moderators-desk

Have you met Alanna Mitchell, who is there with Mardi? She wrote the fabulous book “Sea Sick”. She has won awards for her environmental reporting, is a very engaging person, and someone you would like. If you don’t meet her at COP 15, keep an eye out for her in Toronto.

The next few days will prove to be quite exciting, so take full advantage of all opportunities. I believe, and hope, that enough momentum has been created that “the train can’t stop now”. We might not achieve everything hoped for, but some clear commitments will be made to keep the process going until a real deal can be made within the year. It will be up to all of us to keep the pressure on.

I look forward to your letters, and to meeting you sometime, either in Calgary or Toronto.

Peace,
Bill

www.billphipps.ca
http://fastforcourage.wordpress.com/

Tuesday, Dec. 15 — Dear Bill,

The Very Reverend Bill Phipps — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:49:25 +0000

I am glad to hear you are in good health and that the fast was a great success. I am inspired by the actions you have taken on, and I do truly believe that individuals came make a tremendous impact.

The past few days have been quite confusing. I am no longer able to access the main conference centre as the UNFCCC accredited far too many people. As of Friday, it sounds like only 90 people from civil society will be allowed in the building. I am happy I was able to experience the discussions last week, and engage with fellow Canadians through the conference space, but it is really unfortunate for people who just arrived and can no longer gain access. There still seems to be much happening in the city, however.

On Saturday I attended the march for the Global Day of Action. They announced that police estimated there were 100,000 people in the main square. It was an amazing feeling to be there, surrounded by babies and children with their parents, all in support of strong action towards a sustainable future. I have many pictures from the event and will load them on my Flickr account as soon as I can (www.flickr.com/photos/uoftcop15/). The candlelight vigil you attended sounded equally inspiring, especially in that cold weather! I am happy to know there is so much support across Canada in these negotiations.

A document was just released which signaled that the Canadian emissions targets may actually be lower than we knew, giving breaks to certain sectors like oil and gas and manufacturing. It is hard to hear this in a time when the youth here are all calling for stronger commitments. Even compared to the US we seem to be falling behind.

I am getting excited, though, for the next few days. So many heads of states will be arriving shortly, and an agreement will likely get pushed through for their arrival. I am interested to see the outcome, and still hopeful that it will be strong and ambitious, though that may be too optimistic.

As for my actions outside the conference, I am hoping to steer clear of the police. 1000 people were arrested on Saturday, only three of whom were charged. This was so surprising to me as well because it seemed like such a positive and peaceful march. Actions continued on Sunday with another 200 arrests, and more today at the alternative climate conference called Klimaforum. It upsets me that these numbers are so high, but I also think it demonstrates the level of interest there is out there. Day after day the streets are filled with people who want to see leadership from their government. And now since we are not allowed in the building, we must maintain a presence outside. Another large march is planned for tomorrow, and I hope it can be as positive as the one on Saturday.

As well, I met the current Moderator of the United Church of Canada, Mardi Tindal, yesterday at a reception. She was so lovely and mentioned that you two are close. I am very excited she has been able to come to Copenhagen and it sounds like she has been busy participating in many events. As well, she is planning on taking trains in Canada as opposed to flying which I believe shows her dedication to the cause as she must spend much time travelling every year. I look forward to being in touch with her over the next week.

It is getting quite late but I wanted to touch base. I hope you will be able to keep me up to date on stories and developments back home, and I will also be in touch over the next few (and very exciting) days.

Sincerely,

Lindsay

PS Can you tell me about the “Great Turning”? I am unfamiliar with this concept, and am quite intrigued to know more!

Monday, Dec. 14 — Dear Lindsay,

The Very Reverend Bill Phipps — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:19:17 +0000

As my fast winds up, the movement at COP 15 intensifies. I wonder how and where you are in the myriad of meetings, actions, demos, and other activities.

Right to the end, the media was interested in the fast. Sunday morning national CBC TV did an interview from the Calgary studios. Then Global TV came to Hillhurst United Church for an interview, including part of the worship service. Then they went to the Unitarian Church for their bell ringing (350 times), followed by interviewing Jewish and Muslim leaders (all of whom are friends). They ended the piece with a shot of a beautiful little baby at Hillhurst.It was excellent.

It is difficult to see how the leaders at COP 15 can totally ignore the global groundswell of millions of people for care and love of the Earth, and our collective responsibility for embarking on the “Great Turning” (Macy, Korten, Berry).

I hope you are feeling the worldwide support, prayers, actions. I am impressed by, not only the actions, but by the thoughtful and creative ways in which people are making their voices heard.

Did you see or hear Desmond Tutu, or Archbishop Rowan Williams? Their reported comments are inspiring.

Peace,
Bill

www.billphipps.ca
http://fastforcourage.wordpress.com/

Saturday, Dec. 12 — Dear Lindsay,

The Very Reverend Bill Phipps — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 01:43:07 +0000

I just returned from the candle light vigil in Kensington, joining 3,000 other such events around the world. Wow, it was cold – something like minus 30 without the wind chill factor. AND there were 65 people there including young children. We all stood in a circle with candles, various of us spoke. There was also poetry, and other readings. It was quite moving, especially thinking of the irony of standing in such bitter cold doing our little part to reduce global warming. There was definitely a feeling of being part of a worldwide movement.

This afternoon, I was in front of Jim Prentice’s office again, this time for only 2 1/2 hours as it was closed, VERY COLD, and few people on the street. I was joined by 7 other people.

I feel pretty good, having had no food since last Sunday. But I am tired from the cold. Tomorrow afternoon I will taste food again.

I know that things will heat up (again no pun intended) at COP 15 in the coming days. I just hope the leaders are getting the global message that people want bold action. People sense that this is the moment of truth for humankind.

This is the moment for imagination.
This is the moment for taking risks.
This is the moment for political leaders to realize that people are ready to sacrifice an unsustainable lifestyle for one in harmony with the Earth.
This is the moment for our leaders to open their minds, hearts, and basic humanity.
This is the moment of the Great Turning (to quote Joanna Macy, David Korten, and Thomas Berry).
This is the moment when we begin to build a sustainable legacy for future generations.
This the moment of action.

I look forward to continuing our correspondence. Be well, and embrace your colleagues with my solidarity.

Peace,
Bill

www.billphipps.ca
http://fastforcourage.wordpress.com/

CBC News: Minister fasts at politicians offices over climate change

The Very Reverend Bill Phipps — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:54:13 +0000

Posted on CBCNews online, Dec. 11, 2009

A cold snap in Calgary hasn’t kept a former United Church of Canada moderator concerned about climate change from fasting outside several politicians’ offices.

Bundled up in warm clothes, Rev. Bill Phipps, 67, took his message to City Hall on Friday, where he handed out pamphlets in the snow.

Read the full story at: http://bit.ly/5gNIGC

Friday, Dec. 11 — Dear Lindsay,

The Very Reverend Bill Phipps — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 02:41:59 +0000

Another day, more cold, but the movement spreads, and more people from all over Canada are sending you and all the folks at COP 15 all the good vibes and encouragement they can. There are many “brick walls”. Some of the people I talk with on Calgary’s streets say there is nothing that we can do to stop global warming, as they have NO faith in our governments who have their heads buried in the tar sands. Others say it has already gone too far. Still others deny there is an issue at all. Some say COP 15 is a conspiracy to impose global govt. I try to listen patiently in minus 20 degrees.

BUT there are more who are grateful for the public attention that the fast is drawing, who are grateful for your generation who care deeply and are leading the way, who are doing their own political action to try to move our leaders out of their ideological boxes, who are determined that the so-called leaders catch up with the people.

It is clear that people crave leadership of vision, hope, substance, practical, sustainable solutions.

With you, I believe people of all parties, nationalities, ideologies, religions, etc. need to come out from behind their defensive postures and find common ground, rooted in our common humanity, in order to work for the common good.

I hope you will be inspired by the mayors’ event, and that you will continue to pressure Mr. Martin and whomever you can in the Canadian delegation. I hope you get to meet Calgary Mayor Bronconnier. If you do, say HI to him from me. He knows about the fast.

I was happy to hear about the religion and science initiative. You are getting around to as much as you are able.

I really enjoy reading your letters. I am impressed with how you express your concerns, and with the insights you offer.

Tomorrow, I go back to Jim Prentice’s office, even though it is closed, for a couple of hours.
Then tomorrow at 5pm I will be part of the global vigil at the Plaza Theatre in Kensington.

The fast will end Sunday afternoon, after church. The fast may end, but our correspondence will not. Neither will the movement of LOVE FOR OUR EARTHLY HOME.

Therefore, Lindsay my friend, COURAGE IN COPENHAGEN

Peace,
Bill

www.billphipps.ca
http://fastforcourage.wordpress.com/

Friday, Dec. 11 — Dear Bill,

The Very Reverend Bill Phipps — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:21:14 +0000

Thank you for keeping me up to date with all the exciting developments in Calgary. I am delighted to see all the good press you are getting, and hope it continues over the next few days. Do you have anything planned for the Global Day of Action tomorrow? Is a candlelight vigil being held in Calgary?

I feel as though I am hitting a bit of a brick wall here. It is difficult to confront such a complex and highly debated issues such as climate change day in and day out. Are you finding the same? Yesterday morning a young 18-year old woman from the Canadian Youth Delegation (CYD) spoke to our head negotiator, Michael Martin, in the daily question and answer period. She was very emotional about the actions taken by the Canadian government, and the response from Martin was minimal. If you are interested in hearing her speech, please see: http://www.uoftcop15.ca/wordpress/?p=555 . It really upsets and concerns me to see the feelings of nearly 300 Canadian youth who are attending this conference. There is no faith in the Canadian government, and they do not feel like their voices are being heard. But, on the other side, I feel as though many of the youth are very idealistic, and do not understand the circumstances that the negotiators and leaders are in. While many of us are here are calling for stronger action by the Canadian government, I am sure there are a number of Canadians at home who want to continue to enjoy the amazing life and privileges we have been giving, instead of having to make some sacrifices. I am therefore happy to hear that you are spending so much time having personal conversations with Canadians in order to help the understand the importance of this issue and the progressive steps we can all be taking towards a sustainable future.

I am very interested to hear about the variety of conversations you have been having. Here the conversations are much different. There are hundreds of groups who have come to put forth their cause: gender issues, poverty issues, equality issues, human rights issues. While I believe these do in fact strongly tie to climate change and must be considered in the negotiations (and are a large part of why I am personally interested in the issue), the agreement that will be made here will not solve these issues. So many demonstrations seem to distract from the main purpose of creating a legally binding document to reduce carbon emissions. As upset as I am about potentially not being able to attend the conference next week because of the number of people who will be here, it may in fact be more helpful to the negotiations, as they will be able to focus more on the job at hand.

I hope that last point doesn’t seem too pessimistic. On a more positive note, I have been thinking about an interesting concept over the past little bit. At the multi-faith event I attended a few days ago, and which I discussed in my last letter, a previous event between religious leaders and scientists was discussed. At this meeting, instead of debating the issues that often cause disagreement between the two groups, they started at a point where they could find consensus. Both scientists and religious leaders believe in the importance of protecting our planet, respecting life, and ensuring survival. This concept got me thinking. Climate change is such a controversial issue, but it does not have to be. Instead of debating the science, there are points of similarity that we can all agree on. While skeptics may call into question whether carbon is the cause of climate change, most people agree that we are seeing massive changes on the planet, and that this is dangerous for not only other species, but also future generations of humans. I believe the debate needs to switch and become much more positive and constructive, fostering understanding and cooperation instead of division. I am inspired by your actions as I believe they achieve this, and I hope the leaders and participants at COP15 can adopt this in their thinking as well.

I am off to see the Fossil of the Day award, where Canada likely to receive their 5th award in five days. Next week I also plan on attending some of the activities around the conference for mayors you were discussing. I think it is very cool that Dave Bronconnier is coming, and I look forward to following the debate there.

I hope you are in good health and drinking lots of liquids (especially warm ones!). I will be in touch over the weekend to hear further developments from back home.

Take care,

Lindsay

Thursday, Dec. 10 — Dear Lindsay,

The Very Reverend Bill Phipps — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:48:15 +0000

Today I was in front of Stephen Harper’s constituency office. It was much warmer today (minus 10 degrees), so it was more comfortable talking with people. There is always a mixture of : what is Copenhagen?, we can’t do anything, it is all a hoax, it is a plot to impose world Govt., good for you, I wish our leaders would lead, more Albertans than not want strong action and not to wait for the USA, I am joining you in fasting, and so forth. The Herald had a good story plus picture today, and I will be on CBC TV Sunday morning.

I believe that all the actions by millions around he world AND all the folks, including your group, will have an impact. We cannot be ignored. We represent people from all political ideologies, nationalities, religions, regions, demographics, etc. I believe that Climate Change crosses all boundaries, and that the people of the world demand that political leaders need to reach beyond the narrow confines of their parties/ideologies/assumptions and everything else to embrace their common humanity and address Climate Change on behalf of ALL life, not just their perceived special interests.

Therefore what each and all of us are doing is of utmost importance. Hand in. There is much more to come.

Peace,
Bill