Frantic or Peaceful- We Choose/ Global Day of Fasting and Reflection

Hello again from Snowy Copenhagen and the long johns are back in action.  Feels like Minnesota today and I'll be wearing my Twins shirt to spread the message.  Took the morning to catch up on sleep, messages and reflecting on all I've seen, done and what's left to do on my last few days here.

Finally met with Nils, Craig Neal's Danish friend who set up my lodging through his cousin Ida. Such a network I have thanks to my friends. Nils wanted me to meet his friend Lars a retired environmental and energy engineer who worked for the previous Danish administration. We had a fabulous conversation about the negotiations, Danish culture, the way we address issues in the world and making on going connections between Denmark and Minnesota. Here we are at Lars home in downtown Copenhagen.

Just before that I said "Good-bye" to the Bella center I went to one last "side event" it was ICLEI's big event with mayors from all over the world doing the necessary and important work of implementing the energy and environmental programs that are transforming the way we live.  The mayor of Mexico City, Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon, host for the next COP 16 in 2010 spoke powerfully of the need for ICLEI and local governments to be involved in the negotiations in the coming debates. After he spoke, I thanked him for his efforts and asked him what he thought about having more wellness activities at the Mexican COP....yoga, massage, music, dance. Without a pause he said "I agree completely, more public involvement is very essential." He introduced me to Martha, his environmental secretary and on his way out of the room he said to Martha, "let's have him help to organize that next year."

Anyone for Mexico in December 2010?

Spent a lovely evening with Jane, my kind host, watching all the COP 15 coverage on TV and more computer work  with organizing the Climate Justice Fast big day, working on my return reception and news conference at the airport next Monday the 21st with tireless climate activist Natalie Gille and figuring out how to get to the airport on Monday morning at 4:30 am....Jane is going to drive me there on Sunday evening and I'll check in early and get some rest in the lounge.

Time to go see Al Gore and participate in the Global Fasting Day of Solidarity and say a prayer for our leaders to open their hearts and see the beauty of this new world that we are on the threshold of realizing.

And on the last day of the COP 15, I'll be where I belong. Connecting children in Copenhagen with kids in Edina and Minnesota. The last day of school before the vinterholiday, and now a visit from a Minnesota eco disc ivist...should be fun and finally Sage, our green interactive playscape can be used.

US just announced $100 billion per year by 2020 if the COP 15 can reach an agreement....nice try Hillary, but the $$$$ is needed now, not in 11 years.

Keep the faith and read the letter from Bill McKibben on my Facebook page.

Love in action,

Paul.....blogging a new world your way from the Bella Center in Copenhagen.

It's a Miracle

I never thought I would learn how to get my video on my blog or You Tube.

Chuck Prentice, I hope you are listening......walking out of the Large Plenary Hall which I just discovered,,,,after a rousing frisbee fgame with a 21 year old from Norway (who advanced from a 2 to a 6 in skill level in 20 miniutes) I'm ready to go home after a long day and there sits Valida....video guru of the youthful greens.

She was so kind to show me every step from camera, to imovie to you tube to my blob and here it is 19 seconds of the Will Steger Youth at a photo shoot for Stoneyfield Yoghurt.

VOILA!!!!!



Small step for a man ....huge leap for his video imagery.

Enjoy...there will be more.

time to catch the train for tomorrow I eat...or not....this fasting deal is pretty cool.

Mr Paul delivering the goods!

 

Day 1 at the Bella Center- Bikes on trains/ Youth on the Move

Here's the link from the FOX 9 Morning News program last Wednesday just before I left for Copenhagen. Thanks to Shara for setting it up and sending me the link...I hope this works.

Opps it won't let me save it here, I'll get some youth experts on it today but will send the link via e mail to all of you.

Saturday morning here, i finally got some sleep and am going to head in to the University of Copenhagen for the Youth Summit today and tomorrow. Hooked up with a bunch of the Climate Justice Youth and the Will Steger Expedition Copenhagen Youth at the Bella Center (my credentials had not been processed yet but the ICLEI, Local Govt. for Sustainability, folks are assuring me all will be well.

Jane , my host mentioned that President Obama has changed his plans and is now coming on the 18th instead of the 9th. That is the last day of the conference when the World Leaders gather to endorse, sign, reject whatever has come out of the deliberations.  I was hoping that he would do both, come early to set the tone and return for the culmination. Still waiting for him to check in with me about that. hhhmmmmmmm.

Here are a couple shots from yesterday...people with bikes on the train is my fav image of Cop so far and everyone is well aware of the convention and interested in reading your cards and what Minnesotans think about Climate Change.



The main wall where people enter the Bella Center












I start my second 3 day fast tomorrow and am inviting any readers to join me for a meal, a day or just let go of your daily latte in honor of our journey together to find multiple solutions to this pressing problem.

Some of the Expedition Copenhagen youth from the Will Steger Foundation

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After a hard days work caring for the elderly.




Remember the 350 Candlelight Vigils are one week from today  (12/12) as the World shines a bright light on COP 15....please invite your friends and family to participate.


Climate Justice Fast Youth (l-r) Sara from Sweden, Daniel from Australia living in Copenhagen and Anna, a founder, from Australia. Anna and Sara are beginning their 30th day with water only. Daniel 22nd day!

Family heading home on the train, parents, bike and baby carriage.  They said "you look scandinavian" and I told them Mona and Gustav (my grandparents) were from near Mora Sweden.


Time to hit the train station at get Sage's banner some "air time" with the youth leaders...perhaps some disc?


Enjoy your day!!


Paul in Charlottenlund