The climate catastrophe
has not happened by random chance and the melting glacier is not its
place. Our economic system, the way it produces goods, and the way
they are transported and finally consumed is the root of climate
change.
We do not believe that
this COP will solve the climate crisis. The delegates, NGOs and
company representatives are stuck in an ideology of never ending
economic growth and universal market solutions to all human-made
problems, such
as ecological
destruction. Social justice issues are consequently ignored.
On December 13th we call
for action on this economic system. We encourage affinity groups to
take action on targets in Copenhagen, and abroad. In the Morning of
December 13th we will also shut down the harbour of Copenhagen
through a mass action blockade. The harbour is a key symbol of the
global free-market economy. Here becomes visible what is usually
hidden: ecological deterioration, economic and social exploitation,
and utter injustice.
Since
the dawn of colonialism the global shipping industry has been
characterized by violence. What was once gold pillaged from the Incas
is these days profit based on cheap resources and cheap labour –
usually transported by ships. Today, container shipping is one of the
foundations of capitalism. There are hardly any regulations: fuel is
not taxed, emissions are not subject to control and borders are
seemingly non-existent for container ships. At the same time, the
never ending need for more cheap goods is almost limitless. The
“free” global flow of goods continues to grow – with benefits
for only the few.
But whereas these flows of
goods can enter the EU/ rich world freely, humans cannot. As soon as
people do not have the right passport or enough money when entering
rich countries, they are put in prisons, deported and deprived of the
most basic human rights. And the militarisation of the seas is not
just happening around the EU borders. It is also used to protect
international shipping, like in Somalia where international fishing
fleets have robbed Somali fishermen of the fundamental elements of
their existence.
Finally, international
shipping is more than just a method of transport for the global
economy. It is in itself a primary cause of climate change.
Approximately 5% of Global Greenhouse Emissions are produced by the
shipping industry. Container ship fuel is basically toxic waste left
over from petrol production, containing high amounts of sulphur and
mercury. And like international flights, nobody is responsible for
shipping industry emissions under the Kyoto Protocol.
Climate justice and real
social change will not come from above. Effective change has to come
from everyone – affected, responsible, and observer. True change
has to be organized and realized by people all over the world – all
people on the streets and in the fields. We say no to the power of
governments, companies and so-called non-government organisations
which are only interested in maintaining their power, influence and
flows of capital.
We will try to stop this
madness for a day. Fighting for climate justice means changing our
economic system and this needs to happen here in the rich global
north, which reaps the most benefits from the disaster. For the free
flow of people and ideas, instead of flows of goods to benefit the
few.
Contact htp at riseup.net to get involved with planning the action, or come to one of our next
meetings Copenhagen October 18.