Hamilton Eco Film and Arts Festival runs -April 7th to April 24th.

http://www.ecofilmartsfestival.com/index.php

See you at the April 7th launch at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, and the line-up of exciting film events over the next two weeks.

Earth Day Hamilton – Waterfront Walk and Tree Planting Event

http://www.earthdayhamilton.ca/ED/

Participate in the April 24th Earth Day Walk and Tree Planting Eco-Festival.

A Tale of Two Peters – Earth Day Canada Film Competition

http://macnabstreetfilms.ca/

Vote for this 90 second film submission by producer/director Darren Kaulback from MacNabStreetFilms. A new vote can be cast everyday for the same film! The film has risen to second place in the standings… please watch the film and cast your vote – everyday if you’d like!

Earthlings

Finally, please check out the film Earthlings. This 12-part documentary exposes various facets of specie-ism and exploitation of animals. Perform a search on youtube and be prepared for a mind-boggling video.

“A Tale of Two Peters” Climbs to 3rd place in Earth Day Canada Short Film Competition

The film “A Tale of Two Peters” submitted by Darren Kaulback has risen to third place in the on-line voting poll. Please check it out and cast your vote. New votes can be registered every day until April 22nd (Earth Day), so vote everyday if you can. Please spread the word !!! Details at http://macnabstreetfilms.ca/

Formation of a McMaster Green Party Student Club at McMaster University

We’re in the process of re-forming a Student Club at McMaster University. If you know of any students that may be interested in helping with this process, please let me know ASAP !! Local Events There are many wonderful events being organized around Greater Hamilton in the next few weeks. Please check them out.

April 7th – 24th – Hamilton Eco Film & Arts Festival – http://ecofilmartsfestival.com/

April 9th – James North Art Crawl – Hamilton Car Share Cooperative Anniversary Party – http://www.peoplescar.org/

April 24th – Earth Day Walk – Bayfront Park to Churchill Park – 10 am start – Pre-register online – http://www.earthdayhamilton.ca

April 24th – Tree Planting – Churchill Park – 11:30 am – 3 pm – http://www.earthdayhamilton.ca

Food for thought:

Last week I attended a speech by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the University of Western Ontario titled “Our Environmental Destiny”. He described many aspects of our current world, with the corporate establishment being an obstacle to change. He focused on the transition away from coal and nuclear, and the powerful lobbies that these industries still wield. He also spoke about the huge pharmaceutical machine, society’s pre-occupation with prescription drugs, and clear links between vaccinations and health impacts including autism.

JFK Jr. also spoke of the need for the global move away from mega-project mentality to one of local-owned, distributed community enterprises. This includes solar energy on our rooftops to heat our water, send electrons into the grid, and heat our pools.

Therefore, as a panelist on CHTV last Thursday March 25th, during the Provincial Budget Release, it was easy to explain that Ontario’s economic challenges are part of a global transformation to a sustainable tomorrow. In other words, an opportunity for improvement.

As a judge at the Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair this week, it was encouraging to note that the majority of projects dealt with ‘Green” topics – greywater, solar energy, pollution, water, gardening, and plants. It helps explain why the majority of Canadians under 25 years old vote Green – they understand the power – and necessity – of change.

Stay tuned for our next fundraising event. In the meantime, stay involved with your community, and if you are aware of any events that I should be attending, please let me know the details.

See you during Earth Week.  Peter

PS. Don’t forget to watch “A Tale of Two Peters”, spread the word, and vote everyday!

The most important take-away was “make a difference in your own community”. Each individual at the grassroots level is empowered.

After Copenhagen, I met Barbara in Rome, and we traveled south to meet her family in Girifalco, Calabria. Italians are almost living the ideal lifestyle there – definitely from the food and wine perspective. Our planned 4-day visit soon expanded into a 14-day visit to Italy’s boot. Flooding in Sicily and Tuscany kept us between the two – in sunny Girifalco.

Our rail passes made the train an attractive travel option. We choo-chooed up to Venice, Paris, Bretagne (France), Amsterdam, then Meerhout (Belgium). Scotland, Spain and Morocco rounded out the journey.

Overall, we stayed with friends and relatives half the time, and enjoyed the relative calmness of the tourist off-season. Instead of racing from museum to museum, we meandered through markets and snapped photos at outdoor attractions.

In comparison to Canada, glaring differences were noted when considering transportation infrastructure, diet and overall fitness of citizens. Pedestrians promenaded down huge car-free avenues and plazas, while independent businesses of all types lined the streets. Double-level bike racks overflowed.

The variety of independent stores was refreshing, so was the healthy traffic that flowed into them. Contrast this to with Canada’s Big Box Syndrome, and the Canadian carloads that flock to Walmart, Indigos, Shoppers Drug Mart, Home Depot, McDonalds, Tim Hortons, Canadian Tire, etc. The list continues. The crazy thing is that for some products, we have to go out of our way to find the choice that promotes local and independent products and enterprises. However, it does make a difference. Each choice casts a vote.

Right now, Barbara and I are writing down our experience in a book that incorporates stories, recipes and other  nifty features. This project is something that I’ve wanted to complete for over a decade…

Over the next few weeks, I’m lined up to give various talks on our experience. The first one is an informal discussion at Hamilton Green Drinks – Tuesday at 6 pm at the Skydragon Centre downtown on King William Street. If you can make it, see you there!

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8621336459

Sign up for my blog if you’d like. I’ll be writing weekly accounts and reading them during my weekly radio show “Green Sense” which runs on 93.3 CFMU every Monday from 1-2 pm.

In the meantime, get involved. You make the difference.  Cheerio. Peter

PS. Happy St. Paddy’s Day!

Obama could only promise what he could deliver for sure. However, he’ll do what he’s promised and more.

Country negotiators are still going to hammer out details through the night, including specification of their target reductions where known.

It’s tentative. The developing countries are crying foul,  saying that it’s not enough. Either way, the conversation continues, and much new dialogue has started here. The dichotomies are out in the open in full vocal forum. Developed vs developing, rich vs poor, north vs south, leaders vs obstructors, transparency vs. shrouded secrecy.

Of course Harper is “happy” with the supposed agreement, because he and his cronies have delayed any progress for the last three years. Mission accomplished, however, this experience and the commitment to funding and reduction of emissions from all other developed countries,  leaves Canada in the stark limelight as the earth’s  lone outsider, obstructionist and Kyoto sabatour in the developed world (other than Saudi Arabia).

Harper’s failure here was highlighted with Canada awarded the Fossil of the Year award at the global Climate talks – for the third year in a row. Please remember  that the Conservative role here is blocking the global movement toward sustainability.

Follow the headlines and have a great sleep tonight. I plan to!

Thanks for all of your support throughout this UN Climate Change Convention experience.

Regards. Peter

PS. Please keep following my blog as I meet Barbara in Rome on Sunday, and we continue a new adventure.

PSS. Two more radio interviews coming up – one tomorrow with the Forum, and another on Monday morning with Bob Bratina and Shiona Thompson.

Obama and others have just delivered speeches that flag the need for cooperation, and pledge the commitment of their respective countries.

Canada’s position is so out of touch that Harper wasn’t even invited to a special meeting that Obama called to align key players in this negotation process. Even last night, Harper was the only leader present not to address the other world leaders gathered. Instead, he asked Prentice to perform this task, and the speech was especially empty.

If Harper shows his face, there may be many airborne shoes in the room. Actually, he’s has done Canada such a disservice, that likely folks would rather keep their footwear, and he’ll have a lonely stroll.

I wonder how many of Canada’s team doesn’t agree with the message that they’ve asked to give, and know that it’s out of line with the global consensus, Canadians and their own personal beliefs. If that’s the case, I’d advise some not to continue their job. Quit. Protest. Prentice looks like he’s guilty of something, anyway!  Imagine if Harper’s underlings in Copenhagen put down their blackberries one at a time, and refused to perform the role of obstructionist? A criminal is powerless without his associates.

That new approach is something that’s going to resurface. Call is career conscience.

Canada has isolated itself. Harper doesn’t get it!!!  This entire conference about a new world green economy. Copenhagen is just another step in that revolution.

Stay tuned. The world’s media is transfixed on this event. It’s pivotal and electric.

I located some of the speeches from world leaders. Watch a few. Sure, key messages are cookie-cutter. However, they are being reinforced each time spoken. Here are the opening speeches. Listen to the words of Prince Charles and other literary gems.

http://unfccc.int/meetings/cop_15/statements/items/5087.php

Elizabeth May has been present at many events. Later today, I’ll video her message for Canadians. She’s one of the founders of this process.

Next time people mention the environment as a single issue, cite this conference and remind folks of this pivotal conference with climate as the focal point, and all the great issues of the world revolve around it.

Today
900 CHML – Morning Show with Bob Bratina, Shiona Thompson

The marathon proclamations by 120 countries continues from yesterday and all day today – an unprecedented number. People are wondering – if we have a serious time crunch here – why is each leader (president, king, prime minister or prime dictator lined up to speak wisely? Because goverments have staff that are managing the detailed negotiations. There was an outburst after one of the speeches,  and security removed the protestors. Now only the leaders and their immediate advisors wait in the huge empty plenary room, nodding off until it’s their time to speak their wisdom.  Amazing speeches, really – and many points repeated. They’re inspirational, except for the context.

The irony is that the leaders at the helm are the problem.  They’re in charge of the system that needs to be changed. When Mugabe spoke, crowds gathered in front of monitors huffed at his hypocrisy. Chavez spoke of capitalist pigs. The Swedish Prime Minister spoke of developing countries not doing their share. Browse the UNFCCC website, look at the  complexity of this conference, and watch a few webcasts of speeches and side events.  http://unfccc.int/2860.php

Hillary Clinton just spoke of the need for transparency with all participants here, especially China. The big countries are jostling for position and the smaller guys have their fingers crossed.  I met a couple of Canadian freelance journalists that have been commissioned by the CBC to complete a documentary on Canada tarsands.

Must the system collapse fully and then rebuild? Perhaps, since the rigid sinews binding today’s models will be too colossal a foundation to unravel and rewind.

Last night I attended an event at the Fresh Air Centre – a centre for independent media and bloggers. Naomi Klein, George Mombiot and the founder of the Huffington Post shared perspectives on next steps. Copenhagen is one of those steps. Attending that event last night opened my eyes to the powerful movement already midstream, and it’s my reminder to raise that bar myself.

Here’s a photo of Bill McKibben, founder of the 350.org movement. He’s an average guy. “Gotta get some beer first” were his first words to me. Look at how many people he’s aligned.

See photo attached. As before, please follow my videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/GentlyExtraordinary

http://unfccc.int/2860.php

Met with Prentice during a press conference earlier. Apparently, Canada is still waiting for the abbreviated agreement text from the host Danish government. The timeline is tight, but anything is happening.

Saw John Kerry several times today, E-May, Charest and others.  Hillary Clinton is coming with Obama. The world is expecting great things.

Regardless, this movement signifies that evolution occuring. 30,000 extra NGO’s, youth all over the place, and a feeling that anything’s possible.

Did you check out some of the videos that I posted on youtube,  including the Arnie one? The link is in my previous e-mail.

Stay well. Peter

Canada - Great Mines Think Alike

Last night on the metro back home, I met a lady from the Phillipines. She’s attending the conference as part of an enormous network of indigenous peoples. When I told her that I was Canadian, she told me that a right-wing Phillipine government has opened up the doors to mining, and it threatens to devastate many parts of the Phillipines, forests and rivers included. Canada is the world’s centre for mining companies. She has learned the hard way, that Canada harbours these companies are ransacking her country. Canada is the mining capital of the world, since we’re essentially the liability-tolerant Bermuda tax-haven for these global rogues.  Visit the website  miningwatch.ca to learn a little.  Our stock market is buoyed  by the mining sector… which includes the uranium / nuclear machine and tarsands. Likely you have stocks yourself.

Do you ever wonder why the new era of light rail transit and community sustainable development will be delayed by a generation of electrical vehicles? GDP. We’re forgetting that electric cars create traffic jams also. The mining sector is rubbing their hands together in anticipation. Even the esteemed founder of Toronto’s Peter Munk Centre ’cleaned up’ in mining sector stocks a while back. This example connects politics, mining, deforestation, indigenous peoples, the stock market and much more.

Three Decades of Deja Vu

Today a press conference was called  by the Governor of Cross River State in Nigeria.  He explained that 90% of the Nigerian rainforest is gone, and the last remaining swath in his state is being decimated at a rate of 2% per year. The 800,000 hectare tract includes 60,000 hectares of mangrove forest, and is home to the critically endangered Cross River Gorilla. He has imposed a moratorium on logging. However, the poor families still risk persecution in order to survive, selling wood and gathering firewood in the depths of the forest. The governer estimated that, if nothing is done, this forest will be decimated in 10 years.

Through one of the UN mechanisms at this conference, LULUCF (Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry) a forest management program would be implemented whereby the forest is protected and peasants supported as they transition to a sustainable economic model. “This tract of forest is a legacy for mankind”, Senator Liyel Imoke emphasizes. He explained that if nothing is done in 5 – 10 years, the magnificant  forest stand will essentially be destroyed.

In many ways, the developing country appeals for emergency help with destabilizing tragedies including habitat loss, food issues, flooding, drought, energy, corruption and deforestation may becoming quieter. When the voice isn’t heard, why waste the breath? A demonstration yesterday about habitat loss and the extinction of our big species could have been staged thirty years ago.

Are we ever going to get it? Only when we are thoughtful with every action, choice and decision made.

I know that I repeat these points often, but they are so glaringly wrong, that they merit repetition.

No To Nukes: In Copenhagen, anti-nuke organizations are all over the place, yet the Ontario government relentlessly pursues the one-track nuclear path, and just announced another tender request under the radar as Copenhagen started. Denmark abolished the nuclear option in a moratorium years ago.

Protect Green Space: Hamilton and the Dundas community continues to fight with multiple development projects to protect green space. In many ways, this echoes the protection of forests and the need for responsible urban development.

Transportation for Tomorrow: As airlines annouce huge losses,  Hamilton’s aerotropolis is still propped up as the project of tomorrow.  The Councillors are still trying to find out the secret contract that the operator has with the City of Hamilton. Has anyone filed a Freedom of Information request yet, as asked by Brad Clark?

Water You Talking About: Hamilton’s wastewater infrastructure is slated to spend billions without considering innovative options such as conservation measures and system re-design. Plus the water infrastructure for the distant airport is a hefty portion of the billion plus dollars. Learn why folks are crying foul.

These perpetual battles are our Berlin Wall, which destiny crumbles. The old guard doesn’t get it, and likely won’t. Leave it to karma.

Arnold Schwarzenhagger: I’ll be Back

Arnie , the Governor of California, summed it up today, explaining that all movements start at the grassroots level. This includes the abolishment of slavery and the recognition of women’s rights. A global era of warm and fuzzy global cooperation has already blossomed here in Copenhagen. Irrespective of what happens in the formal sense, every attendee must carry that message back to their respective communities and take action on it. As grassroots movements swell out of necessity - as they are in Canada - the political regime will naturally topple.  Until the national governments catch on, Arnie offered to host a conference for city leaders and state governors. “Don’t give up… Copenhagen is already a victory”, he assured. His closing “I’ll be back” terminated the silence with thundering applause.  Here’s the link to Arnie:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNEqo0t5adA

Saying that, the UNFCCC executive doesn’t seem overly optimistic about a legally binding global agreement in the next few days. However, they do hope for one within the next 6 - 12 months. We’re not going to change the world in two weeks. Especially when Canada’s Federal government continues to deny this call for the nations of the United Nations to unite.

Anything is possible. Nothing is impossible. However it’s imperative that we try.

PS. Check out the MacLeans’s article on Canada’s image here. Remember, this is your Canada, and we have one earth!!

http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/12/15/suddenly-the-world-hates-canada/3/

For example, with country delegations arriving this week for the high level talks, registrations have bloomed to 45,000 people. That’s 3 times the capacity of the facility. Therefore, only a tiny fraction of the countless non-governmental organizations (NGO) attendees will be able to attend the talks henceforth. Plus, security is becoming more muscled. Understandable when Heads of State arrive, especially in light of Berlusconi’s recent assault in Italy.

Each morning, herds of people stand outside, queueing to be scanned by one of three dozen airport-style security lines, complete with xray screening devices and walk through metal detectors. Coats, belts and hats come off. Liquids have to be sipped, and anything out of the ordinary is scrutinized. The resources that go into the security industry is staggering. Half an hour each for 15 thousand people waiting in line, that’s 7,500 hours. At $40 per hour, that’s $300,000. Plus the salaries of two hundred security personnel at $40 per hour times 16 hours per day equals $128,000 per day. That’s 428,000 in operating costs, each day. Plus the capital investment of 36 stations at $5,000 per station, that’s $180,000.

Can we think of a better way? Soon we’ll strip down to sport compostable fig leafs or maple leafs in Canada. With how much would be saved by steering away from ’security gadgets’, the majority may opt for this natural option – especially at airports.

This very conference is jolting the establishment, and current modes of thinking into new realms of possibility. That’s what innovation and efficiency entails. Appropriate then, that tomorrow I’ll spend the day at the Klima Forum to gather photos and testimonials from the alternative crowd.  They’ve certainly strayed from the status quo.

Despite mankind’s obsession with the mental vacuum we call technology, it’s important to remember that humanity’s ingenuity is still surpassed in complexity by a blade of grass.  By stepping outside of the circle, creative reinvention simply happens. Like Darwinism, to survive. Notice any absurdity around you this day (a traffic jam perhaps, packaging on goods, drive-thru’s, unhealthy Girl Guide Cookies)?

I’ll send you an update tomorrow, and should have the photos sorted by then.

Note: For your perusal, I have posted 5 new videos on youtube. Please check them out at  http://www.youtube.com/user/gentlyextraordinary

PS: Case Study: Copenhagen – Example of A Paradigm Shift of Sorts

Imagine 15 or 20 thousand people striding briskly, criss-crossing rapidly, determined to get from A to B, with each person’s particular agenda the most important task in their world.  Then when an inconvenient reality such as “having to go” bubbles up, it’s important to make the process as – pardon the term – smooth as possible. On the first day, a hushed voice begged me to pass paper under the bathroom wall to him. I waited a minute ., then did (just kidding – I did right away).  Not that I surveyed the latrines after that, but I did notice that many of the stalls were out of toilet paper, and once in a while you’d hear an outburst of irate disbelief, or smack of the hand on the  bathroom wall, followed by sobering silence…  Thankfully this week, most stalls have spare industrial-sized rolls inside. I bet that previously humbled visitors won’t let that very important detail slip through the …er…  you know.