13 September, 2008
to14 September, 2008 **
*Towards climate action in Copenhagen 2009*
**
*First international planning meeting*
We invite you to join the 1st international planning meeting in Copenhagen
from the 13-14th of September 2008. The meeting aims at preparing a large
mobilisation for direct action against the root causes of climate change in
Copenhagen and throughout the world during the UN Climate Conference (30
Nov-11 Dec 2009).
We stand at a crossroads in history. The facts are undeniable. Global
climate change, caused by human activities, is happening. We all know that,
world over, we're facing a manifold and deepening crisis: of the climate,
energy, food, livelihoods, and of political and human rights. Scientific,
environmental, social and civil society movements from all over the world
are calling for action against climate change.

Massive consumption of fossil fuel is one of the major causes of global
warming, a problem that threatens the lives of hundreds of millions of
people around the world. Instead of leading the way, governments are
prioritizing economic growth and corporate interests while ignoring the
speeding train of climate change hurtling towards the abyss. The corporate
exploitation of the planet's resources cannot be allowed to continue any
longer. We have precious little time to react to this threat. We need action
NOW to stop climate change, and if the so-called 'leaders' won't lead the
way, we must.

On the 30th November 2009, world leaders will come to Copenhagen for the UN
Climate Conference (COP15). This will be the most important summit on
climate change ever to have taken place, and it will determine how the
countries of the world are going to respond to the climate threat. The
decisions taken there will define the future for all the people of the
world. The previous meetings give no indication that this meeting will
produce anything more than empty rhetoric and a green washed blueprint for
business-as-usual.

There is an alternative to the current course and it's not some far-off
dream. If we put reason before profit, we can live amazing lives without
destroying our planet. But this will not happen by itself. We have to take
direct action, both against the root causes of climate change and to help
create a new, just and joyous world in the shell of the old. And so, we call
on all responsible people of the planet to take direct action against the
root causes of climate change during the COP15 summit in Copenhagen 2009.

The exact plans for our mobilization are not yet finalized. We have time to
collectively decide what our best course of action may be. We encourage
everyone to start mobilizing in your own countries. It is time to take the
power back from the leaders not responsible enough to hold it. The power is
in our hands!

*Practical information*

The meeting is free for everyone, accommodation and food will be provided by
local activists. Note also that the meeting will be held the weekend prior
to the European Social Forum (ESF) in Malmö, September 17-21. People are
welcome to stay in Copenhagen in the intermediate days.

Please announce your arrival to * sept08@klimax2009.org*.
We're happy to respond to any questions you might have. You can also
subscribe to the international mobilization mailing list.

*Please circulate, translate and distribute this call widely.*

In solidarity,
Climate Network 09
The Copenhagen Activist Network for International Mobilization towards the
COP15 Climate Summit 2009