“L’imagination au pouvoir.” (“Imagination is seizing power”)
Written on the walls of the Sorbonne, Paris, May, 1968
During the 1960s, art and politics merged into a full-spectrum cultural revolution – a liberation of music and poetry, political street theatre, socially-conscious films and novels. A fresh political awareness swept around the world; the women’s movement, civil rights, indigenous stands against colonial domination and the dawning of modern ecology action.
The status quo may attempt to crush that spirit of social liberation, but social movements turn in cycles, and it feels as if the world is about to erupt again with citizen empowerment, driven by the collapse of both our ecological and economic systems.
In this spirit of revival, Greenpeace has released a two-disc CD, Amchitka: The 1970 concert that launched Greenpeace. Featuring Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and Phil Ochs, the recording reflects a time when artists seized the power to merge imagination with politics and shift the social context.
Yes, I did feel a bit silly asking Howard Zinn to pose for this souvenir picture, but if it bothered him he was kind enough to pretend it didn’t. Zinn is of course the handsome white-haired man on the left, I am the woman in purple on the right and my friend Philippe the man in the middle.
Much has already been written and said about the failure of the December 2009 Copenhagen Climate Summit, and no doubt there will be plenty more commentary over the coming months and years. But one thing is certain and that is the Summit marks a point in history where millions of people made clear their demands to protect the climate and the World’s political leadership ignored them. But be sure – those voices will not be silent. They will gather in number and strength over the coming months.
Just after New Year’s I asked “What is your most inspirational memory from in 2009 – something that restored your faith in our ability to make the future greener?” on twitter and got the following responses…
Coverage in Spain and European free dailies continued yesterday on the campaign to release the four red-carpet activists in Copenhagen. Spanish news documented the condition of Juan Lopez de Uralde in prison as “thinner than usual”, with a quote from Kumi Naidoo referring to conditions as “harsh and disproportionate”. Reports described a cell with only a mattress and security camera.
GP’s Mario Rodriguez is quoted saying “surprisingly our colleagues are being treated as common criminals. We see disproportionate measures being carried out with them and believe they are a punishment to the civil society striving for a better world. We know that the government is acting, but we ask for higher intensity. And we are asking citizens to continue to mobilize for all the activists to be released immediately.”
The Greenpeace office in Quezon City is probably empty and everybody there is probably spending much needed quality time with their loved ones as I have done this past week.
But even as I enjoy the company of my family, friends and loved ones, there’s that lingering knack in me that made me log on and not let this blog empty on this joyous day.
So in behalf of the Greenpeace family here in Manila I would like to greet everybody Merry Christmas!
Allow me to share this video of Alex the Penguin and the cutest menagerie of singing animals wish to say a BIG thank you to all Greenpeace supporters. Greenpeace has journeyed around the world, campaigning against climate change, fighting to preserve forests and oceans, lobbying for clean water and food free of pesticides. With your support generations of singing animals and our beautiful planet now have a much better chance at a safe and green future.
It was super cold on Friday late evening. After the “climate shame” photo shoot I left Oksnehallen Hall in Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district – the alternative venue given to NGOs, civil society and observers by the Danish Foreign Minister in response to the restricted access at the Bella Center. It’s equipped with television links to the Bella Center until the end of COP15. Continue Reading »
World leaders are scurrying to the Copenhagen airport like rats fleeing a sinking ship. You’d think they were all in the Maldives right now or something, and they could see the water closing in over their heads (if you’ll permit me to mix a couple metaphors).
It’s a gut-busting, heart-breaking cop-out and I’m so very, very angry although sadly not very surprised. The exhaustion we’re all feeling in the Greenpeace team only adds to the appalling sense of frustration – our leaders swanned in and let us all down. The deal isn’t fair or ambitious and it certainly isn’t legally binding. Even though the agreement, such as it is, has yet to be sealed, they have failed.
I hoped it would be different but the skewed nature of international diplomacy has led the Copenhagen summit through two turbulent weeks into an exercise in arm-twisting and back-room deals. The bullying tactics of the developed countries have ensured they have got what they want, despite the attempts of some developing countries to stand their ground.
Greenpeace US executive director Phil Radford commented on Obama’s speech earlier:
“The world was waiting for the spirit of yes we can, but all we got was my way or the highway.President Obama can still save Copenhagen by doing what he called on other leaders to do and give some ground by increasing his commitment to cut global warming pollution. But as it is he crossed an ocean to tell the world he has nothing new to offer, then he said take it or leave it.
“L’imagination au pouvoir.” 
From the 
It’s a gut-busting, heart-breaking cop-out and I’m so very, very angry although sadly not very surprised. The exhaustion we’re all feeling in the Greenpeace team only adds to the appalling sense of frustration – our leaders swanned in and let us all down. The deal isn’t fair or ambitious and it certainly isn’t legally binding. Even though the agreement, such as it is, has yet to be sealed, they have failed.
