Questions for the Climate Justice Forum on UserVoice

We need to lobby Brazil's government NOT to change the law

2011-05-31T05:11:12-07:00

tiggsy suggested:
Brazil implemented some laws to protect trees a few years back, and these have been fairly effective. However, the government is proposing to rescind these laws, under pressure from local business. We need to lobby them not to do this, but to strengthen the laws so as to keep as much of the forest intact as possible.

What's being done about shale gas?

2011-05-31T05:07:37-07:00

tiggsy suggested:
Shale gas is the extraction of gasoline/oil from shale - also called fracking. There's a song "What the frack is going on?" that can help to bring this to the world's attention, but we need more. Shale gas produces double the emissions of normal oil extraction, and we should really be phasing oil out anyway. On the other hand, it apparently causes half the emissions of coal, and places like China are using more and more of this. So it's difficult. Can Avaaz research this and tell us more facts, so we can decide whether or not to lobby for shale gas extraction to cease? (not that anyone can do anything about China, unfortunately, but other parts of the world including USA are going ahead with this)

should the poorest countries should have to cut carbon? [is now none]

2010-04-02T19:28:59-07:00

The richest countries contributed the most to climate change. Even though poorer countries are emitting carbon now, they didn't cause the problem. It seems unfair for them to have to cut carbon while they're poor--but if they don't, we won't solve the problem. What do you think?

you to accept my offer as an investigator of traficers in sex trade. Please contact me.

2010-03-29T14:26:01-07:00

an anonymous user suggested:
I'm an older gentelman of strong moral charactor and haven't that many years left in my life to do something outstanding for humanity.

A STAR, IN A UNIVERSE, NIBIRU? 718 days left, watyagonado? [updated]

2009-03-11T16:14:15-07:00

barryclarke said:

I know , either you don't care or there is nuttin you can do...
Stand up!!! !we ain't gettin low no more Boss!

A STAR, IN A UNIVERSE, NIBIRU? 718 days left, watyagonado?

2009-03-11T15:07:23-07:00

How to find international climate change solidarity?

2009-03-01T10:02:43-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
How can we use climate change as motivation to bring together people from warring areas and enable populations to witness the common humanity in this global crisis?

Which country is the biggest problem these days?

2009-02-27T12:21:50-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
Which country is most standing in the way of a strong global treaty? What should that country do... and what can the rest of us do to affect it?

Each politician should name 2 friends badly affected by CC.

2009-02-26T23:06:37-08:00

How can we elevate the urgency of climate action ?

2009-02-26T22:27:30-08:00

Ilka W suggested:
For all the hype and popularity of green issues and scientific consensus at our disposal relating the impending effects of delayed action on climate issues – climate change still seem to be relegated to the ‘not that urgent’ pile in the day-to-day decision making process. We have been warned repeatedly by scientists and climate researchers that the window is small and closing – are we going to wait until our only option is to adapt to irreversible change? We desperately need forward thinking and urgent action on climate change, lest we leave the next generation with the consequences of our inaction. In Native American culture, decision-makers would consider the effects of their decisions on seven future generations – have we really considered the effects on the next generation, our own children, by our continued failure to act with urgency? Ilka W – South Africa

Have you all watched http://www.storyofstuff.com/?

2009-02-26T06:44:36-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
This independent short is a must see for all world leaders and kindergarteners alike. It should be a manditory part of the school cirriculum. Yet it is causing a great amount of resistance from government and big bussiness. Please watch "The Story of Stuff"!!! Good luck with implimenting change- I am doing my part...

How can we accelerate the global move to renewable energy

2009-02-26T06:13:38-08:00

Ilka W suggested:
- and incentivise oil and coal mining companies to be a part of the solution? Its clear that the era of oil and coal based energy is nearing its end, with mining companies now facing ever stronger opposition to their ventures in ecologically sensitive areas. The amount of green house gases generated by dirty power is immense - isn’t it time energy companies begin thinking ahead to a future without oil and start investing n the development of clean, renewable energy? Here in SA we are still investing billions in the development of new coal fired power stations – this makes no environmental or economic sense whatsoever. Ilka W - South Africa

Isn't the economic crisis an opportunity? [updated]

2009-02-26T05:40:57-08:00

With bold and committed leadership, isn't the current global crisis an opportunity to adopt a more sustainable, resource-based economic model?

annette.cairns said:

This is obviously an opportunity ! Saving energy must be a priority, if we have any sense left at all. The trouble is, not many people want to be conscious of this.

How the world really works?

2009-02-26T05:10:12-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
Before we can think and propose what needs to be done, we need to know how the world really works. How much power do politicians have, who decides and how it is decided? Do those who make decisions listen to the ordinary people or somebody else? Are those who make decisions at present addicts or ideologists of some kind? What is the point in speaking ideas if one has no power to make change? We already have many talk shows and forums with "solutions", but if the governments always do their usual macho things, then there is not much use in talking. If, on the other hand, the real nature of the governmental miss-management is exposed, so that everybody can realise what shame it is, then change is easier to accomplish. The role of media is also important to examine. If the shadowy side of how the world is run is brought into the light, so that all can see its insanity clearly, perhaps that can galvanise a response and make vast masses of people demand a transformation of the present structures.

How are emissions from aviation and shipping to be included

2009-02-26T04:36:27-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
We hope to agree on cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, but emissions from aviation and shipping often escape notice. How are they to be included in global climate treaties, and how will we curb the fastest growing source of carbon?

only sharing and justice can lead to well being for all

2009-02-26T04:05:13-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
the present system of competition, corruption and unfair trade leads to poverty in a world of plenty. Poverty is implicated as a cause and breeding ground for violence and terrorism,including violence against the environment . where is the leadership that can lead us through a phase of transition to a saner and fairer world based on true sharing and justice of the boutiful resources of this world ?

How can we limit population - cause of climate change?

2009-02-26T03:42:49-08:00

How can the UN best achieve a purposeful treaty? M Harper UK

2009-02-26T03:24:36-08:00

Meat production effects climate worse than car.

2009-02-26T02:47:58-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
Intensive and factory farming form a serious threat for our climate. One third of the worldwide cereal production and 90% of soy production is meant to feed animals. In 2007 the CIWF (Compassion in World Farming) concluded that the production of meat, milk and eggs is responsible for 18% of worldwide emission of greenhouse gases. That is 4% more than the transport sector. At this moment 60 billion animals a year are used for the production of food. Expectations are that in 2050 this amount will be doubled. L. Sarink - Netherlands

Is 'grandchild murder' the defining morality of our age?

2009-02-26T02:38:26-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
The denial of climate change and its effects is part of the narrowing of ideas of community necessary for the extreme forms of unprincipled capitalism that have engulfed the world in the last thirty years. Such ideas have promoted a degree of sefl-interest which barely extends to the immediate family let alone wider family and future generations who could be sacrificed in the service of immediate financial gain. Thus Thatcherism, Reaganism could be described as 'grandchild murder'. This has been as virulent in its effects as , and equivalent morally, to the creation of inter-ethnic violence, for example in Rwanda, which set family members assigned to different ethnic categories against each other. Sometimes this resulted in grandparents directly killing their own grandchildren. Tony Booth, Canterbury.

What efforts are being made to develop hydricity

2009-02-26T01:40:00-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
All minds seem to be addressing amelioration by cutting CO2 emissions or sequestrating CO2 and substitutuing renewables for carbon based fuels. More important for the long term is to change the process. I believe David Sandborn Scott provides the answer in his epic book "SMELLING LAND - The Hydrogen Defense Against Climate Catastrophe" published by the Canadian Hydrogen Association 2007 www.h2.ca In this, any source of of electricity, including nuclear but excluding carbon fuels, is used to hydrolyse water into hydrogen and oxygen. These two gases in liquified form took Buzz Adrin to the moon in 1969. Surely hydrogen can power all our needs for the future either by direct combustion or by conversion back to electricity via fuel cells. The byproduct is H2O not CO2! The synergy of hydrogen and electricity is called hydricity. John Freer, South Africa. jfreer@iafrica.com

how can we make our politicians really listen?

2009-02-26T01:07:22-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
It's clear that the number of people - who are truly concerned about our future - is growing everey day. Voices are rising everywhere. Our politicians however, don't appear to be this concerned. Maybe they're more concerned about money? Maybe they are being influenced by big companies and internationale money machines? How can we make our politicians really listen to us instead of looking the other way? They have to take their responsibility urgently. Example: during the last european summit, european leaders shook off their promises for carbon emissions they made years ago. Suddenly, they were discussing about how to shift their responsibility in carbon emission to third world countries. Sad...

Where does the profit from fossile fuel go to?

2009-02-26T00:33:42-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
I think that an international panel of expert people should investigate and publish the way the profits from our existing world energy resources take. I believe that by making the public aware of the huge business case so far being protected to serve the wealth of a few will initiate an increasing change of consciousness - especially in the more industrial countries.

How can we help poorer countries ADAPT to climate change?

2009-02-26T00:33:27-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
Malawis population has increased by 9 million in the last 40 years yet we don't know where the people live because the maps are so out of date. This will make it impossible to develop strategies to help Malawians adapt to climate change. Global warming will cause lake and river water levels to fall with consequential massive disruption to supply and power issues. What policies are in place to help countries like Malawi adapt to climate change?

Changes of minds

2009-02-26T00:26:38-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
All human caused problems are due to our selfish lives. We need to changes our minds so that the will of God come true. Read the bible Romans 12:2! All agreements, treaties, laws etc. are just technical solutions and doesn´t really changes our minds and behaviors. They also give people instruments to go around agreements and laws. I think changing of minds must be according to most religions which consider a God is above everything including our minds. So my question is if don´t have to search for the meaning of our lives parallel with technical solutions? All the best Bengt Carlsson Ödsmål, Sweden

Accountability for global warming for large corporations

2009-02-26T00:26:17-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
Why can't large corporations be made accountable by their governments to seek alternate environmentally safe solutions to support their business by using a specific % of their billions of dollars of profits they make per year for this purpose.

Should a universal climate change treaty exist?

2009-02-25T23:21:03-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
Should all countries be held to a single climate change treaty, or should treaties be draw to accomodate for the individual country's ecomonic and technological standard? Bec H - Burra - South Australia

Can we create shared eco-technology to support 3rd world?

2009-02-25T18:13:44-08:00

Kate Hall suggested:
Can we create a shared eco-techology bank so that all countries can reduce their carbon footprint without falling behind in their standard of living or, for many, increasing their living standards.?

What should be done to assist Africa get more CDM projects?

2009-02-25T17:41:52-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
Out of the 1000 plus Clean Development Mechanism projects approved and are in the process of being approved, Africa has only less than 20. There should be a shift to this since Africa is the poorest continent and will be the most affected by climate change in terms of drought, food insecurity, floods etc. by Purity K. Kenya

Legislate to replace cars with mass transportation worldwide

2009-02-25T17:20:47-08:00

Joaquin suggested:
Legislate to limit the ownership of two cars per household (4 persons per household) maximum and force investment on mass transportation at every country WORLD WIDE thru a United Nations urgent agreement; nations not complying to be trown out ofrom the UN. Joaquin Dorantes Mexico

Isn't the economic crisis an opportunity?

2009-02-25T17:01:25-08:00

debollix suggested:
With bold and committed leadership, isn't the current global crisis an opportunity to adopt a more sustainable, resource-based economic model?

I support Q1, but suggest -

2009-02-25T16:52:00-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
Estimate average standard of living for all living people; ask rich nations to bring the poorest up to that standard; then raise the standard by all committing to reduce total population by 1% annually.

'Ekois' - meaning environment. This can mean anything from t

2009-02-25T15:59:10-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
'Ekois' - meaning environment. This can mean anything from the personal, to the household, smallholding/farm, village, town, country,planet 'nomy' i think it might be onomy - but basically means management of. So 'economy' means management of ones/the environment/resources. Now there are two fundamental problems that we have created. 1/ First is an exponentially expanding or inflating paper money system for measuring what is otherwise basically a closed 'sustainable' loop Ekois. Like energy, Ekois does not increase/decrease but simply move from one form to another.- how else could it be sustainable? Simple analogy is food/growth - compost/decay - soil/nutrients - food/growth. (Ekois-ology) So economy is (should be) the measure of the ecology cycle. Our problem is in stupidly thinking that we can create food/growth by simply printing more paper money (grown from trees lol) Yes we are obviously interested in measuring the growth side, but if we as a species were a little more enlightened, we would include on the 'balance' sheet, the compost/decay on the debit side. The above is THE reason why GOLD must form the basis of any ECO-nomic value/measuring system. It is of the earth and its rate of discovery/ supply is close to a sustainable rate of population growth. It is impossible to have a sustainable eco-logy and eco-nomy without some kind of sustainable value/measuring/money system. 2/ Brilliant book the 'Corporation' by Joel Bakan explains how we humans have created a legal 'entity' with a life and values system of its own - the Corporation. Our whole education system is geared toward creating employees for this entity, an entity which then extracts and converts resources as the most effective rate possible. The best marketing people and physiology methods are then employed to convince the rest of us that we need to consume these converted resources and to feel inadequate if we don't. When i describe the corporation as an 'entity' i do not mean the kind of alien (non human) that invades from another solar system, entering our psyche, consuming humans or resources - as would make a typical Hollywood movie. No, i mean something a bit more subtle and incipid, so subtle that most educated minds cannot see it. (without prompting!) The Corporation has not just a legal right but an obligation to existence and must do whatever it takes to exist/survive. It has no human morals or values, only of profit for it's shareholder. Countless lawyers are 'employed' (and measured within GDP!) to retrospectively defend us and the environment against 'them' (employee rights/health safety) How does the 'corporation' measure survival/success? - by the exponentially inflating paper money pricing (not value) system. A company (or country) whose profits or share price is growing at the rate of paper money supply may think it is 'surviving or even thriving' but we can now see that is an illusion. The shareholder may appear to be the (only) beneficiary, at least the ones smart enough (with or without morals/values) to calculate a 'winner' - But then what does he do with his 'winnings'? - he spends or reinvests, giving it back to the 'corporation' Ohh, and who won all the 'bailout' money because 'they' were too big to fail? My views/understanding/ perspective is that of a free thinker who refused the 'education' system. Obviously the corporation would not want its enslaved population to come to a similar perception and will defend it'self' vigorously. This (inc above) i see as the fundamental understanding behind greatest threat facing the human species.- unfolding as you read this. Sadly i cannot see how we humans nor the environment can evade the ineviatable - without first becoming 'concious' Waking up and thinking for your selves. Becoming concious of the above, realising the fundimental issue/threat and if you have money, send it to me or at least direct it to 'good' non corporate use.

How to get people energised to DEMAND action?

2009-02-25T15:59:08-08:00

Hugh Somerville suggested:
By and large people are unaware of, or unconvinced of the imminence of the peril we face or just too busy surviving on a daily basis to worry about the future. Unless an overwhelming majority of us can be alerted and convinced that this is an issue which cannot wait then the politicians who serve us will pay lip service only. So what do we do?

Why not outlaw gas powered vehicles?

2009-02-25T15:44:00-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
The ability to run a vehicle on penut oil, hempoil, sunflower oil and others has existed since the vehicle was invented by Henry ford, also built the first car made of hemp and ran on hemp oil. Our abilitiy to run cars on electricity has been around for more than half a century, or perhaps allways has been available dark forces got in the way hence fear and greed. Theres a book available about a couple who have been living off the grid for 15 years and wrote a book on how to convert your car to electric for as low as 300 dollars. I f we really were serious we would have strict and enforced laws that actually made a difference in the world then more people would prosper in the ways nature intended or god whatever word makes you feel safe. There is no reason why we all cant live with free electricity homegrown food abundance. We have so many cures for diseases but if revealed death ends up being the punishment for truth. The war in Iraq is a joke in the mind of an awakened being who understands that over 200,000 people die without reason of humane cause. The war is here in our hospitals, here in America where all the people seem to appear as if there in the lioght when so many are in there ego thinking how much money they can make experimenting on us humans as they "practice" there medicine on us to bank on our so called diseases we have, as the doctor who we may not even have the chance to meet before the operation goes out to have a smoke our health practitioner we call doctor not even qualified to study health or advise his clients what they can do to be healthier a form of malpractice from the first visit the majority of the time. As the medicine prescribed to you gives you symptoms you never wanted or wished for. Suppressing your ability to heal naturally, to feel; when feeling is your vehicle for manifestations, literally, if you cant be in touch; to touch within how can one move the energy in a loving manner? Emotion; energy in motion when we trap energy in our bodies we hinder our ability to be fluid beings, it back fires on us. The largest epidemic on the planet the suppression of the feminen energy within each and every one of us, the true marriage; free from seperatism . We have been numbed by the true drugs which should be illlegal, the ones given to us when were in our helpless vulnerable state of mind. We can all be driving an electric car when you subtract the greed and the politicts the solution is allready being used and is clearly within our reach. Were looking for solutions that already exist; when we surrender the falsified way of life which still feeds greed eventually well learn we cant solve problems with the problem itsself we cant mix oil with water just because we want to subtract some oil or some greed or improve a little; we need to cancel all that is not working not some of it. No one needs medication to dumben themselves if we get any dumber we are only going to sleep through the solutions that are in front of us; no this isnt going to happen in the convenient way we are used to its going to happen with the true strength and courage of taking responsibility of owning up to our emotions the feelings we dont want to feel the foundation we have been trying so hard to avoid our core healing, our unity, the coming together of the feminen and masculine energies within. That is the truth of one ness, wholeness, unity. we need to have the freedom to live off the land in our back yards live in communities where we can find what we need within walking distance or bikink distance;its possible, its allready happening. The poison feed off of the ego, and fear has influenced us to drive us away from our home our already natural state of availability, instead the weak forces have tried to over power the divine with religious beliefs to seperate the people and create the illussionary god derived and percieved through the perspective of the ego here on the material world all to provoke fear and our illussion of dependence on the religions for safety or faith, when we are all equal and dont need a building to be free or loving people, that contradicts the love of god; love is free and blind so what we see has nothing to do for reason to love has no box to choose ;for the circle of life is round;equal ,easy flowing ,no better than ;no lesser than ,a circle of life what goes around will come back around as we create our reality relative to an open heart and the karmic circle boomerang effect.this flow .

how should the world enforce a treaty? [updated]

2009-02-25T15:42:28-08:00

Should leaders of countries who don't follow through on their climate agreements be held personally responsible? Or should countries get kicked out of the UN? Or what? Ben W - Cambridge MA - USA

Jeanne Schoenwandt said:

It would seem that this question, and the one about a global environmental protection agency, are similar. Can we not put the two of them together?

Please, defend <350 ppm CO2 by 2050! Doris Norrgard, Sweden

2009-02-25T15:24:52-08:00

People of developing nations need incentives to save forests

2009-02-25T15:12:53-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
The Earth needs to save the forests it has left, and reforest areas cleared for farming, mining and industry. Citizens of developing nations must be given financial incentives to do this - we in the developed world MUST provide them with a means to make a living while protecting remaining forests and reforestng wherever possible. Socail justice demands that the people themselves are recomensed, rather than profits going to big business and industry who have inarguably stolen the land from Mother Earth, regardless of who the letter of law might say owns it.

Lets get the banking whizz kids to use their brains

2009-02-25T15:04:40-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
As their are so many creative minds redundant from their 'toxic debt' packaging, lets use their devious minds for the good of the planet

Where are the visionary world leaders we need to save us?

2009-02-25T14:52:07-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
As we enter a global recession, this is a time of opportunity for the world leaders to do things differently. Are there any potential candidates with the vision and charisma to carry us through to a 'brave new world'?

How can we prevent Big Business evading climate-change law?

2009-02-25T14:46:37-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
Individuals try their best to cut carbon emissions, some governments address the issues with apparent sincerity, but many Global Businesses find ways around the guidlines and laws. How can this be prevented ?

Why is poverty tolerated

2009-02-25T14:21:02-08:00

Do we need a global environmental protection agency

2009-02-25T11:49:05-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
The monitoring and enforcement of a new global treaty is bound to be complex. Do we need a global Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that all countries meet what is required of them, and to adapt the conditions of the treaty to meet the latest scientific developments? Iain K, Scotland

Why is the world so polluted?

2009-02-25T10:56:23-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
Can't we send poluters to do community service cleaning up after their mess?

should the poorest countries have to cut carbon?

2009-02-24T19:07:22-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
The richest countries contributed the most to climate change. Even though poorer countries are emitting carbon now, they didn't cause the problem. It seems unfair for them to have to cut carbon while they're poor--but if they don't, we won't solve the problem. What do you think? Pascal V - Geneva - Switzerland

should the poorest countries should have to cut carbon? [is now spam]

2009-02-24T19:06:45-08:00

how should the world enforce a treaty?

2009-02-24T19:05:57-08:00

AvaazOrg suggested:
Should leaders of countries who don't follow through on their climate agreements be held personally responsible? Or should countries get kicked out of the UN? Or what? Ben W - Cambridge MA - USA