Contact: EcoRes Forum (forum@eco-res.org)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EcoRes Forum Issues Call for Action
20 June 2008, Baltimore — Change is in the air: the message “stop global warming” is gaining ground. As the window for prevention of further human-induced extreme climate change narrows, the urgency of the planetary condition has struck home. This in spite of ongoing allegations of widespread suppression of government-funded climate research and industry-backed calls for studies decrying IPCC findings. Environmentally focused activists and academics around the world watch with bated breath for the sea change that many feel is now inevitable. Yet many, with good reason, remain dissatisfied with corresponding levels of activity. Top-level discussion and decision-making venues reflect what some have called an unwarranted air of optimism, focusing more on species adaptability and technological saves, rather than on preventing as much change as humanly possible.
Reflecting deepening concerns about the web of words in which many initiatives have become entangled, EcoRes Forum, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to the free exchange of information and ideas concerning society and climate change, has today issued the statement EcoRes Forum Call for Action: Achieving Global Climate Justice in the 21st Century. From around the globe, Forum members are reaching out, calling for leadership, action, and change across eight interrelated levels of influence, from local governments to mass media, from international bodies to religious, indigenous, and community groups, from grassroots initiatives to individual efforts.
Leveraging the synergies that arise in interdisciplinary cooperation, the Forum’s voice calls from a wide variety of fields, as reflected in the call’s opening statement: “We, an international group of academics and activists, scientists and social justice advocates, government and community leaders, professionals and concerned citizens, assembled on the EcoRes Forum virtual platform in April 2007 to discuss the ethical, political, and socio-cultural aspects of climate change and to forge a common vision and action plan. We hereby commit ourselves to the development and implementation of a climate justice agenda for the 21st century, and we call upon the world's citizens to join with us in this commitment.”
Speaking on behalf of the Forum team, Mary Leyser notes, “The time for change is now. Individuals and groups around the world are stepping up, recognizing their responsibility – and their unique capabilities – in this situation. It’s not just a responsibility: It is our privilege to take part in this historical moment, this ‘Great Turning’. What we’re seeing is encouraging: but more is needed. We must build on this momentum. As Gladwell pointed out, there are tipping points in any undertaking. Many fear that we are headed for a tipping point in the wrong direction. That’s a valid point, but there is another possibility: Now is our chance to tip the scales the other way, to lead a directed surge in the right direction. The pendulum swing has begun: It’s up to each of us – now – to provide the critical mass needed to make this a reality.”
A full copy of the statement EcoRes Forum Call for Action: Achieving Global Climate Justice in the 21st Century can be found at EcoRes Forum. (Download PDF)
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