Imagine it, first

All roads lead to Copenhagen. All discussions end there too. In this regard, it is worthwhile to ponder on the observations of someone who went to that city.

‘Copenhagen is not a city of magicians. The people there have no secret powers. What they have is a belief in their power to work together using their city as a tool for changing their lives and transforming the world. Each new bike lane, each new windmill, each new green building, each new design, each new public art project: each builds upon the success of the last, and offers promise to the next. It's that engaged, happy, progressive spirit that I think is Copenhagen's real message to the world: imagine it, build it, and the world will change.’

That is something truly inspiring. Surely we have it in us to attempt something like that? But is it time to give up on leaders and rely more on collective action at the grassroots?

Another expert, IPCC’s Pachauri seems to believe so, when he says, ‘Leadership demands that people with vision, people with a large sense of responsibility start informing the public on what needs to be done. But, I'm reaching the stage where you really cannot rely on leaders. You really need a groundswell of grassroots action and grassroots consciousness on what needs to be done.’

Well, there is hope. On 26 September 2009, almost 4400 citizens from 38 countries participated in the world's first independent citizen consultation on climate change, World Wide Views on Global Warming (WWViews). The Centre for Social Markets organised one of two such consultations in India. More on that in the next post.

In yet another heartening move, IYCN, the coalition uniting Indian youth and Indian youth oriented organizations who are concerned about climate change announced the launch of the Agents of Change team. The Agents of Change will engage both students and young professionals in massive lobbying, as well as campaigning and direct action at regional and national levels, to influence the political decisions leading up to and during the Copenhagen summit in December ’09.

Now whether direct action is desirable or not is another question, but individuals and organizations are getting their act together.

The Agents of Change team will be responsible for coercing governments to take swift and concrete action against global warming at regional, national and international levels. We will achieve this through direct action, policy suggestions, media pressure and negotiation. IYCN is currently seeking funding to support all of the above efforts. For more details on the Indian Youth Climate Network, its earlier projects and other ventures please visit www.iycn.in

Imagine it, and let us build it. That is a point where we will stop at. Do talk to us.