Mobilizing for Climate Justice: Uniting Global Communities

Nepal, a state which is largely crossed by the Himalayan chain, on the border with India and the Tibet region in China, like Italy and the European states with the Alps mountain range and many others, also live the problem of the warming of planet earth mainly due to human actions such as the combustion of petroleum derivatives orth America, Ande (South American mountains chain), also Karakorum. The damage caused by the climate crisis to the natural territory and to the activities of human beings is increasingly evident. For this reason many environmental associations, scientists, social movements as well as the IPCC and the United Nations are trying to put into practice mitigation and adaptation actions and resilience. Still, it is not sufficient at the moment to put into practice the agreements of the COP 21 held in Paris in 2015. The meeting in the French capital indicated 1.5 degrees as the threshold for raising the earth's temperature before entering a phase of total irreversible climate disaster.

To date, unfortunately, most states, pushed in turn by industry lobbies and personally by large corporations, are not committed to ensuring that the agreements are respected, as well as the creation of the 100 billion fund, decided in Paris, to help the countries most in difficulty to put into practice policies to contain the rise in temperature.

In this framework it is our intention, civil society and social movements, to establish an organizing committee to prepare a large Assembly on the Climate Crisis with particular attention to the melting of ice during the next World Social Forum to be held in Nepal 15 19 February 2024, where under the facilitation of the Nepalese people can meet, environmentalist associations, peasants movement, citizens and others who can launch a major global campaign for the next few years to be brought to the COP which brings together the many actions and campaigns already underway in the various regions of the planet where the mountains, ice, agriculture, water and populations are increasingly put in danger.

World Social Forum: Platform for Justice and Equity

The world is facing an array of crises, from rising inequality and food insecurities, exacerbated by the impacts of the pandemic and escalating global tensions. And above all, the climate crisis, are threatening hard-won development gains and squeezing the funds available for investment. The World Social Forum (WSF) stands as a beacon of hope, advocating for a new world order based on sustainability, equality, and dignity. Despite challenges, global movements continue to resist oppressive forces and strive for justice and equity, with the WSF providing a crucial platform for such endeavors. Nepal, a diverse nation committed to socialism, is hosting WSF2024, guided by the principles of the WSF charter and facilitated by various organizing bodies. The event aims to bring together diverse perspectives and movements, fostering collective power and unity against various forms of injustice, including climate injustice and discrimination.

The WSF2024 will revolve around various proposed themes, emphasizing the need for collective action and dialogue to address pressing global challenges. Climate crisis affects vulnerable communities disproportionately, exacerbating existing social, economic inequalities. This can lead to issues such as displacement, food insecurity, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters, all of which have widespread global ramifications. The cross-chapter study included in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) highlights that climate concerns about mountains are transboundary, cascading, and systemic. Weather and climate extremes possess economic and societal consequences that extend beyond national borders, affecting supply chains, markets, and the flow of natural resources. Projections indicate a growing likelihood of transboundary risks in the water, energy, and food sectors. The occurrence and severity of disasters have shown an upward trend. This is evident and poses a serious threat not just to mountains and mountain communities but to billions downstream.

Why this Forum

The alarming reports on the vulnerability of mountain ecosystems, particularly the Himalayas, emphasize the urgent need for a comprehensive global response. With the Himalayan Cryosphere facing a significant decline in glacier volume, the livelihoods of over 2 billion people are at stake. Despite mounting evidence, the global acknowledgment of the critical role played by mountains in sustaining resources and supporting communities remains insufficient. Integration of the mountain agenda into key global climate policy discussions is imperative to address the unique challenges faced by mountain populations.

The Assembly will address the endangered places on our planet and the state of the Cryosphere. This term derives from the Greek word Kryos (κρύος) and is the Earth’s Frozen Frontier, where water turns into snow, ice, or permafrost. It “consists of mountain glaciers and continental ice sheets, seasonal snow and ice cover on land, and sea ice, extensive ice fields of Antarctica and Greenland”. All these areas are increasingly endangered by climate warming.

Nepal, bordering with India and the Tibet region in China, is famous for being, largely crossed by the Himalayan chain, the so called ‘roof of the world’. Karakorum, North American Mountain, Greenland, Poles, Andes, and the European states are also characterized by mountain ranges. Italy is crossed by the Alps Mountain Range as well. All these states are commonly experiencing the problem of earth warming and deglaciation mainly due to human actions, such as combustion of oil derivatives.

The modern economic system emphasizes private ownership of the means of production and the pursuit of profit as the primary incentive for economic activity. The extreme extraction of natural resources for profit, such as mining, deforestation, global trade, and the exploitation of fossil fuels lead to environmental concerns, including the exploitation of natural resources in mountainous areas, which may have ecological consequences. These activities can disorder ecosystems, contribute to habitat loss, and release greenhouse gases, leading to global warming and glacier melt. While these economic systems have led to significant global economic growth and development, they have also contributed to environmental degradation and climate change. 

The intertwined relationship between the economic system and political philosophy and climate change has become increasingly evident in the face of global environmental challenges. With a focus on climate justice and mountain sustainability, we seek to highlight the pressing need to advocate for inclusive and equitable policies and access to global climate finance including loss and damage funds that address the specific vulnerabilities and challenges faced by the poor and marginalized communities across the globe.

What we aim

The forum seeks to amplify the voices of the affected communities and advocate for tangible measures to address the injustices perpetuated by climate change.The pursuit of profit and economic development has led to the overexploitation of natural resources, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and exacerbated climate change. Developing countries, striving to emulate the economic success of larger capitalist economies, often face challenges in balancing their developmental needs with environmental preservation. Consequently, the impact of climate change on these nations can be particularly severe, exacerbating existing social and economic vulnerabilities. To address these issues, a concerted global effort is necessary, focusing on sustainable development strategies that integrate environmental considerations into economic policies while ensuring equitable support for developing countries to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Strategic Objectives

• Advocate for immediate and equitable actions to address climate injustices in vulnerable communities and demand accountability from governments and corporations for their role in contributing to climate change.
• Emphasize the urgent need to integrate mountain concerns into global climate policies and highlight the unique challenges faced by mountain populations and ecosystems.
• Facilitate global collaboration through partnerships, knowledge exchange, and cooperation.

Methodology of the Forum

In the year 2024, we are organizing the World Social Forum which could be a significant milestone for transforming the global people's or civic movements. The delegates from around the world will be gathered in Kathmandu, Nepal. The forum will be held on 18th February 2024 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM in Kathmandu. The program will be conducted in a physical mode. Nevertheless, the program will adopt a hybrid mode (physical and through Zoom) simultaneously broadcasting live through Facebook, YouTube, and the official website.

The already produced documents and campaigns shall also be launched again to disseminate new results and promote all actions and campaigns that have been already implemented and/or are on the pipeline in different regions of the planet where mountains, ice, agriculture, water, and populations are increasingly impacted by climate disasters and at risk.

Actions:

Working in Progress: Proposals for Actions

  During the WSF in Kathmandu

● Create a series of meetings following various timescales, in preparation of forum activities via the web and in presence when possible

● Create thematic panels, such as presentations of various campaigns, associations and/or social movements that operate on the topics listed.

TO BE DEFINED

 Examples:

• - Presentation of data and research about the situation of the Melting Glaciers.
• - Climate Change Adaptation policy.

● Set-up a final assembly ‘that launches a unitary campaign and launches again the already existing campaigns that are in the pipeline in the territories and Continents.

Following the WSF in Kathmandu:

● local feedback in the countries of origin from the various associations and movements.

● Nepal:

● Italy: Milan at Cascina Cuccagna and other places.

Target Audience

A group of activists, scientists, researchers with their associations and social movements, Representatives of HKH, Alps and Andes Mountain communities, indigenous groups, campaigners, policy advocates and researchers, scientists, youth, and social activists from all over the world.

Organization & Logistics

• - Hall and room in Kathmandu
• - Interpreter
• - Web connection with camera system for conference streaming
• - Press and media
• - Travel for foreigners
• - Accommodation and lodging
• - Permit and Visa

• - Promotional material / documentation
• - Graphic canvas
• - Banners and leaflets
• - Photos
• - Videos and video highlights for distribution to be broadcasted on international circuits
• - Social media manager for multi languages activities
• - Video Archive material and the new footage that need to be edited
• - Final report
• - Final small documentary production

GLOBAL CLIMATE JUSTICE ASSEMBLY

MOUNTAIN IN PERIL TOGETHER FOR PEOPLE AND PLANET

17^TH FEB 2024

Kathmandu Declaration: TOGETHER FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE

Re-affirming our solemn commitment to unite  people  in accelerating action towards the goals committed  in addressing climate crisis and achieving sustainable development , we, participants from different civil society organizations, social movements, trade unions and individuals from parts of the world convene at Global Climate Justice Assembly to voice our concerns on lack of urgency in addressing climate crisis and explore alternatives that provides fair, rights based, equitable, and just world at the World Social Forum (WSF) 2024 held in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 17th 2024, hereby make the following declaration.

We assert that climate actions should be based on principles of fairness, equity and justice and should be people led.These actions need to address special and differential needs of poor and vulnerable communities, notably women, children, youth, people with disability, indigenous people and ensure their meaningful participation in the decision-making process.

We demand for climate justice, the burdens and benefits of climate actions should be distributed following the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities, historical responsibility and intergenerational equity. The dignity and safety of climate and environment defenders and the rights of indigenous people, youth and other marginalized communities should be respected, protected and fulfilled. 

The Himalayan Cryosphere, a vital resource for over 2 billion people, faces an alarming decline of one-third of its glacier volume by the century's end, even with efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. Additionally, the loss of 80% of the current glacier volume by the end of the century looms as an unprecedented threat to the region affecting lives and livelihoods, we recommend engaging the international community recommend engaging the international community to prioritize climate action and investments in mountain regions and build on the Framework of the Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions 2023-2027.

 We stress an utmost urgency to reform the global financial system that guarantees scale up, predictable, transparent and equitable flow and distribution of finance that aims at facilitating countries' transition to low-carbon development, enhancing adaptive capacity, and addressing climate induced loss and damage.

We assert that developed and emerging developing countries must come with a new financial package for post 2025 that are new and additional; public finance as core; consider indebtedness; reaching out at sub-national levels.

This year it is likely the world will reach a 1.5-degree temperature rise. There is no other way to reverse it than rapid and immediate emission cuts by all countries, corporations and individuals. We urge developed countries to take ambitious actions to cut emissions and transform the extractive economic model and phase out fossil fuels and redirect investment towards renewable energy and agroecology.

WE PEOPLE, call all countries to respect science and take urgent actions.

HAIL TO PEOPLE POWER !! HAIL TO CLIMATE JUSTICE !!