Climate for Change: From Suderbyn to COP21

​Two people from Suderbyn recently took a part in the UN Climate Change Conference, so-called COP21, the main global climate event of 2015 and perhaps of the decade. This post will not tell you about COP negotiations and the final agreement between the countries, as there is a lot in the media already — from twitter to BBC. This post will tell about our experience at COP21 and alternative COP which warmed our ecovillagish hearts. 

>> The demonstration on 29.12: Police and Environmentalist 

Robert and Alisa from Suderbyn went to Paris as a part of UN Working Group of GEN (Global Ecovillage Network International*) and as representatives from ECOLISE — the umbrella organisation for grass-root initiatives in Europe against climate change and for sustainability. Additionally, Alisa went on behalf of REALS which unites Transition Town, Ecovillages and Permaculture movements. ​

They stayed for the first week, setting up the ECOLISE stand, networking in Le Bourget and participating in a range of events: from demonstration at Republique to presentations by indigenous people in Climate Generation Area. ​Beyond official negotiations and unnecessary noise and crowd of COP21, Paris was hosting many wonderful guests and initiatives. 

<< Suderbynians at COP21

Unfortunately, the Climate March which was to be the main demonstration against Fossil Fuels and Climate Change, was cancelled due to the terrorist attacks in Paris prior to the Conference. Many people's actions moved to the virtual space: to blogs and online exhibitions. Some demonstrations were however hold, bringing together people longing for the change. For different types of change, actually, but in this space all voices were mixed in one massive protest.  

 Demonstration at Republique brought together all kinds of activists from environmentalists to left-wing anarchists.

Paris and Le Bourget, where ECOLISE and GEN stand was held, were crowded with folks from all countries and social levels, from UN delegates to civil society. A really colorful symphony, although with sometimes too fake decorations and sometimes too exhausting sound.  ​
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Why would I wait for politicians to bring the change to my local community?

What we from Suderbyn really loved during those days at COP21  is the "Alternative COP21", the fair of bottom-up initiatives and solutions for Climate Change and other crises the world is facing. A lot of ideas coming from the principles of Permaculture and social and environmental justice. This is where you feel the real change is happening, in contrast to the official Conference‬.
These are the easiest but functioning steps to the transition from oil-dependence and people's alienation to a new way of economy and society.  The transition doesn't start in political negotiations, where half of the parties are lobbied with the corporations. The transition starts here, in the society, when people stop to support the existing wasteful system and give hand to each other. With no consumers, the corporate machines lose their power, with no power they lose their control over political actors. Simple. If you want the change, don't wait for someone to make it, just go for it.
Here is some taste of the Alternative, bottom-up COP.

<< Organic, local, seasonal. Understanding where you food comes from, choosing right and producing your own
​is the first and the most crucial step for the global sustainability.

>> Recycle and upcycle.
Nice and funny soft "chairs" made entirely from "waste".

<< Take care of your shit!
It is an important resource to use instead of chemicals, and instead of flushing away ​causing the ocean contamination,

>> Do local. Buy from local producers. Alternative currency allows to bring money back to the town, district or region instead of paying it to big corporations.

<< Value local resources!
We can produce locally much more than we think. It reduces the transportation demand but first and foremost it gives life to local entrepreneurship, giving people jobs and uniting them together around new interests.

>> Dream. Create. Outreach!
This was one of a few places in Paris where people were leaving there messages: 
"What do you love which you do not want Climate Change to take away"

Use traditional knowledge in new conditions. Here are various cosmetic products made of hemp.

Realize that there is no "Freedom to pollute" as there are people suffering from it and be aware of the materials you use.

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Be creative and ecological in your building. Use low-tech innovations which allow you to make beautiful spaces with no harm to other people and the environment.

Be open to others. There is no change without cooperation. If we want to change, we need to build together.

To finish, we would love to show this picture from Place to B, the hostel and co-working in Paris where GEN delegation was staying during COP21. This map made of greens reminds that each action and choice  we do locally and individually is echoed by actions of others. Together we shape what our world becomes.

​* Have you known that GEN has the consultative status at the UN-Economic and Social Council?