We talked to government delegations--those with the power to make decisions--in an effort to deconstruct the "myth of clean fossil energy" that the industry has so powerfully created. Many people joined us to argue that, NO! fossil fuel is dirty from the beginning! When it's mined, drilled, and extracted, it's DIRTY! Dirty socially and environmentally!!! Powerful forces challenged that truth claim. Witness the OPEC countries dividing the G77 group of countries, holding meetings late into the night.
In the end, it is clear that the CSD remains an intergovernmental forum in which industry has the inside track. Our efforts inside to insert one little word-"extraction"-were made despite our recognition of the fatally flawed document we were given to work with. However, our voices were heard and we left assured that the grassroots has much vitality looking ahead to the ongoing struggle to transition toward a more just and sustainable world. We know that mountain top removal has now been internationally recognized as unjust and unsustainable.
The delegation held a press conference on Tuesday, 8 May (see Grist for more on that).
We also had a major hand in drafting a citizens statement on renewable energy and a call for moral leadership from the US. See Citizens Network for Sustainable Development.
Tuesday night, 8 May, was a beautiful and uplifting event in the shadow of the famous Riverside Church in Harlem, "Music for the Mountains" with Jean Ritchie and Friends, Goldman Environmental Prize winner Judy Bonds, and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Students from Berea College played a huge role in making the music happen. Randy Wilson, Jen Osha and so many other folks too!
And though we know coal issues in the US are part of a larger and more complex set of global issues that are being chiefly discussed in the global warming context, we feel good about adding our voice to this nuanced dialogue. While we were disappointed but not surprised at the CSD outcome itself, important statements were made that the world heard. Our delegation played a big role in these. To get a sense of what took place, please view them at http://webcast.un.org/ramgen/specialevents/csd070510pm.rm
Our friend and ally, the Indigenous Peoples major group statement is at the 143 mark.
The amazingly inspiring Youth and Children major group statement is at the 147.25 mark. This is a must see.
For more in-depth analysis and documentation on the CSD see:
Sustainable Development Issues Network
Earth Negotiations Bulletin and in particular, the May 11th summary issue here.
Google "Appalachian Coalfield Delegation CSD" to find many blogs and links.
Finally, one coalfield delegate found this video of a young Canadian girl delivering a forceful speech at the "original" CSD, the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. This is another must see. View it here.