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Power Shift Blog

Time Out: Youth Climate Leaders Must Change the Game

After an emotional week for the members of the youth climate movement, who have staked so much hope on the promise of passing legislation in congress this year and sealing a binding agreement in Copenhagen, we've had to deal with managing our expectations and reframing how we approach the opportunities that are still ahead of us.

I wrote on Monday that we would adamantly continue to play our unique role as the generation who will bear the brunt of the negative impact every time our leaders choose to delay decisive action on climate and energy. I still believe this is true, but I also believe we have an obligation to step back and celebrate the victories that will ultimately help us achieve our vision. Using the slower pace of the coming holiday weekend to regroup, as frustrating as it may seem to some passionate activists, can allow us to gain perspective that will allow us to continue to be relevant in the dialogue surrounding legislation - even if it winds up happening in April - and make the most of Copenhagen next month.

Foremost, we're lucky that President Obama is our teammate, as opposed to an administration that did not even acknowledge science and reality. The members of the Energy Action Coalition's partner organizations have called on him this month to provide leadership in our basketball-themed, "It's Game Time, Obama!" outreach effort, and I'm pleased to report that members of his administration are hearing us.

Message from Danish Police

I kind of find this interesting. Thought I'd share it with y'all. My favorite "it is prohibited to ...paint your face when participating in public gatherings or demonstrations."

The Copenhagen Police has issued a PDF pamphlet in several languages with instructions on how to get permission to hold demonstrations, processions, public meetings etc. They've also listed what the street "rules" are during the climate negotiations in hopes of happy, peaceful times. Do spread the word, so people know what rights they do or don't have. Of course it goes without saying that violence and trouble-making is not allowed, but here are some additional highlights:
 
• You do not need permission to hold a demonstration, procession, or public meeting however it must be reported to the police not later than 24 hours prior to start. kbh-opa-till@politi.dk
 
• Demonstrations, processions and meetings can be prohibited if the police believe that the public order is at stake.  
 
• Unless attacked, the police can only intervene in demonstrations etc. if the crowd has been ordered to disperse three times in the name of the Queen and the law. 

It's Game Time - Call Today!

The disappointment from Obama's announcement on Sunday that he isn't committed to an agreement at the Copenhagen climate negotiations is wearing off as people across the country are springing into action.  Today and tomorrow, young people across the country are hosting Call-in Events to President Obama, demonstrating large amounts of demand from young peopl

Young Americans Won't Let Obama Waste Copenhagen Opportunity

I was wide awake until 3am last night watching President Obama take questions from students in Shanghai, China, after announcing over the weekend that the expectations for the United Nation's climate meeting in Copenhagen next month will be significantly scaled back.

Seeing a president who wants to be a part of the solution to the negative effects of harmful pollution and dirty energy address a crowd of young people should have been rewarding. Instead, I couldn't help but feel disappointed that he has yet to engage with the young Americans in the youth climate movement in the same way. Especially since we're here, rallying around these essential issues using the grassroots organizing skills he championed during the election, trying to underscore the "fierce urgency of now" he encouraged us to believe in.

Maybe if the president had engaged with us more deeply, he would understand that young people know we can't put politics before progress on climate and energy.

Sadly, President Obama isn't showing the leadership on the climate crisis that millions of young people expected from Candidate Obama. It's game time, but instead of making the winning basket, he's called for a delay of game.

World on Fire Podcast: Ancient sunlight vs fresh sunlight

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World on Fire is the premiere podcast of the climate movement and brings you the most alarming and inspiring news stories from the front lines of the climate crisis.

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This month we take a look ahead to Copenhagen and discuss a few little-understood tools for combating climate change.

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