An IPL nun blogs from Bali: Final thoughts

Friday:

From the Climate Action Network we learned that last night, Thursday here in Bali," the US made a last ditch attempt to block progress on the Bali roadmap by submitting a proposal to ditch the Kyoto Protocol and replace it with a non-binding bottom up, voluntary framework. This outrageous behaviour was met with stunned silence by the delegates.'" The Bush administration, it would seem, has once again totally abandoned what moral and legal obligations it may have.

In a hopeful move, óne by one, EU ministers are in line to boycott the MEM (a forum for major emitters organized by the Bush administration). The German Environment Minister, stated that "if Bali did not culminate in substantial progress, then the EU would boycott the Hawaii MEM in January, 2008. The world is asking for quantified emission reduction targets....which the US opposes.

We have no idea what is currently taking place behind closed doors...together we must send all good energy and prayers that hearts may be moved..and indeed substantial, critical issues addressed in this convention. We must move forward as ONE EARTH COMMUNITY.

______________

Saturday:

This is Saturday, the 15th here in Bali. Negotiations continued through the night into early morning. There will be a plenary this morning to hopefully make the final decisions. It appears there are two main issues to agree on:

-Mitigation levels for developing countries. These are conditions for adataptation funds

-Whether or not the specific targets for emission level reductions are included.

One member of the US negotiating delegation has been reported to say: (quote is not exact) "we know that the EU is doing what they can to reduce CO2 emissions...and we in the US are very dedicated!"

We shall see what develops. I leave for the airport in minutes...and will stay in touch when I return to Oregon.

In the meantime...let us continue in our efforts towards creating a movement among the faith communities...a movement towards a more stable, just, compassionate EARTH Community.

Sincerely, with hope

Sr. Pat Nagle

An IPL Nun Blogs From Bali: Al Gore Speaks!

Hello to all,

Greetings from Bali on this, the final day of the 2007 UNFCCC.

We are all waiting to see what the final rush in deliberations will produce.

Last evening, Al Gore spoke to a more than capacity crowd in the Plenary Hall. He did not hold back and strongly criticized the US Government for their lack of cooperation: "My own country is responsible for obstructing the process here in Bali." Stating that we are at a time of great need, he said, "you need to act with certainty. . .and move forward in spite of the obstacle."

He suggested that the framers of the final papers leave a blank space in the document and write around it adding a footnote explaining the space! Needless to say he received a spontaneous round of applause.

Actually, I felt that Mr. Gore spoke with such heart last night. He said over and over that the issue of climate change and our response is a moral issue, and that this requires a shift in our thinking and in our hearts.

He emphasized:

"We must remember that WE ARE ONE. We have the capacity to strip away the externals and to get to the core...we can and will rise up to meet the central crisis.'"

What is the spark that will set aflame our moral imagination and lead us in designing a new future for our common EARTH HOME?

I hope to have more to share later in the day. Until then, thank you for your commitment to a more sustainable EARTH COMMUNITY.

In solidarity,

Sr. Pat Nagle, IHM

N.B. I cannot locate right now my exact notes from a side event I attended yesterday sponsored by the IPCC and the IEA (Internattional Agency). In the report from the latter organization, strong evidence is supported on energy efficiency as a major reductor of CO2 emissions. The presenter stated that we cannot emphasize enough the importance of energy conservation measures....they DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! So, gratitude to each IPL organization and your efforts to encourage energy conservation in your communities of faith.

An IPL Nun Blogs the Bali Climate Change Convention

Bali Time: Thursday, December 13

It is a remarkable experience to be here and to literally feel the energy from around the world as we come together to address our response to the defining issue of our time: climate change. Here we see efforts to address our concerns and to strengthen our bonds across international borders as we face the needs of our common EARTH HOME.

Yesterday (Wednesday) was the opening of the high-level negotiations. This means it is the time when the heads of governments arrive and speak on the issue, and work towards decisions that will move us toward a more sustainable EARTH community. Each speaker yesterday from around the world spoke of the absolute necessity of ALL countries cooperating in the decision making process. Many spoke of being motivated by our responsibility to care for creation, the most vulnerable and future generations. It was clear, without mentioning the United States directly, that each speaker was indeed saying to the United States: you need to be a cooperative party in the negotiations.

So far, I can say that the United States has taken positions far from the key essential elements of the framework: transfer of technology to developing countries to assist in adapting to climate change; and adaptation -- that is the allocation of funds for developing countries. Climate Action Network, an excellent international educational, lobbying organization says: "the US said technology needs an assessment to 'figure out what the situation is in developing countries and the US rejects 'sufficient, predictable and additional funding' to assist developing countries as they adapt to climate change. Also the US has said that this Conference is "not a sustainable development convention."

Senator John Kerry was here this week and speaks of the movement on the local levels in the US to adopt the Kyoto Protocol and also the support that is emerging from the private sector to urge the US government to set definite emission reduction target numbers (also opposed by the US). Today, Al Gore will speak.

With all the disappointment in our US government, I have great hope when I meet folks from around the world who appreciate what the "locals"are doing in the US. with their efforts and ours...from organizations like IPL, we will continue our work for a healthier, more sustainable EARTH community. This is where my hope rests..for the moment.

I am grateful to represent Interfaith Power and Light and ultimately all of you...together we are making a difference.

Sincerely,

Sister Pat Nagle, IHM

Sister Pat Nagle, IHM serves as Co-Chair of Oregon Interfaith Power and Light. She is attending the UN FRamework Convention on Climate Change in Bali, Indonesia as a member of the Delegation from the World Council of Churches.

CNN features Interfaith Power and Light president

The Rev. Sally Bingham talks about how she went back to school -- at age 51 -- so that she could have the knowledge to make the connection between ecology and faith. Since then her work has spread, this year reaching a new high with 25 state Interfaith Power and Light chapters.

How Many Lightbulbs Does it Take to Change a Christian?

CHRISTIAN ENVIRONMENTAL SPEAKER EVENT, Friday, Dec. 7, 7:30pm: Claire Foster and David Shreeve discuss How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take To Change A Christian? Aiming to counter the idea that stark warnings on climate change seem too colossal for individuals to make any real difference, the booklet argues that Christians not only can have an impact by adapting their lifestyle, but actually have a moral duty to do so.

Claire Foster is national policy adviser on environmental issues for the Church of England, and David Shreeve is co-founder of The Conservation Foundation and environmental adviser to the Church of England. Also speaking will be Bishop Marc Andrus and Rev. Sally Bingham, President of California Interfaith Power and Light and The Regneration Project, and winner of the 2007 EPA Climate Change Citizen of the Year Award. The event, which is being underwritten by PG&E, includes a reception, and also presentation of the first Commission for the Environment Award for the Episcopal diocese of California. RSVPs are encouraged. Contact: Barbara Bisel, 377-5953, bsmithbisel@cs.com.