CLIMATE CHANGE AND MULTINATIONALS – A VIEW FROM THE GRASSROOTS IN COLOMBIA

just got this from Colombia Solidarity, gracias amigos!


World leaders and activists are preparing to descend on Copenhagen to discuss climate change, but have we fully understood its structural causes? Colombian social movements argue that multinational oil and mining corporations, especially BP and other British based companies, have destroyed their environment, their human rights and social fabric. This raises vital questions linking environmental justice with international solidarity.

As Colombian communities struggle to defend their territories against corporate plunder, what can be done to build links with those affected by the seemingly unquenchable thirst for profit? How can corporations like BP be made accountable? And how do we connect our common concern to stop climate disaster with the issue of the global North’s ecological debt to the South?

‘CONSCIENTISATION’ TOUR 10th - 15th November 2009

Isaac Marín is a grass roots campesino leader from Eastern Colombia. His first organisational and political space was with the National Association of Peasant Farmers (ANUC), holding several positions at the regional level for a period of 12 years. He is a founder member of the group Corporación COS-PACC, a civil organisation with national reach since its inception into social and political life 7 years ago. From this space, they contribute to the construction of different political and organizational processes with rural communities, neighbourhoods, student groups, women’s associations, environmentalists, trade unions and organizations defending human rights.

Alongside these movements COS-PACC work to defend their territory and the enforceability of political, social, cultural and environmental rights of the communities and the Colombian people.




NB we may be able to add one or two extra events to the tour. If there is not an event near you and you want to organise one, even at short notice, please contact us at info@colombiasolidarity.org.uk


TUESDAY 10TH NOVEMBER - LIVERPOOL

7:30 PM AT EL RINCÓN LATINO, ROSCOE STREET, LIVERPOOL

A public meeting on OIL, THE ENVIRONMENT & HUMAN RIGHTS IN COLOMBIA

with ISAAC MARÍN (a representative of communities affected by oil exploitation and repression) and a video on the "Minga" process of popular resistance.

Admission free (donations requested)

Organised by Colombia Solidarity Campaign (Merseyside)


WEDNESDAY 11TH NOVEMBER - BRISTOL

What Does Climate Justice Look Like? Copenhagen and the Energy Crisis: The Case of BP in Colombia

6.30-9pm At the Department of Law, University of Bristol, Old Council Chamber in Wills Memorial Building, BS8 1RJ.

Guest speaker Isaac Marín from COSPACC, Colombia introduces and explores the situation on the ground in Casanare. The leader of this grass-roots organisation looks at the social and environmental effects of BP in the region. Yasmine Brien (Rising Tide) re-contextualises climate change in terms of climate justice and unravels global energy politics, including a look at the role of biofuels.

Organised by Colombia Solidarity Campaign, Bristol Rising Tide and Espacio Bristol-Colombia.

Chaired by Alice Cutler from popular education collective Trapese as part of Environmental Justice Week in Bristol, see below for more details (*)


THURSDAY 12th NOVEMBER – BRIGHTON, SUSSEX
Visit by Isaac Marin, leader of Amazonian pueblos where British Petroleum is implicated in assassinations and displacement.
5-6 pm University of Sussex, Falmer, Arts C Room C133 and
6:30-7:30 pm. Cowley Club,12 London Road, Brighton,
Organised by Sussex Colombia Solidarity and Latin America Research Group, University of Sussex
http://sussexcolombiasolidarity.wordpress.com ; sussexcolombiasolidarity@gmail.com

SATURDAY 14TH NOVEMBER - LONDON

3pm-6pm School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) room tbc
University of London Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG

Isaac Marín in discussion with Cristian Domínguez, who has been at the forefront of environmental justice campaigns in Bolivia, opposing water privatisation and working for the nationalisation of natural resources. The organisation he represents, the CSUTCB, is one of the main social movement organisations which brought president Evo Morales to power.

Organised by Colombia Solidarity Campaign, Latin American Workers Association, Polo Democratico UK and Bolivia Solidarity Campaign.


SUNDAY 15TH NOVEMBER - CAMBRIDGE

The human rights and environmental costs of resource extraction in Latin America.

Late afternoon, details tbc. For latest information contact markos@riseup.net

Organised by Cambridge Action Network.


(*) BRISTOL ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE WEEK

3 events with one foot in Latin America and the other in the environment: linking issues at home and abroad. A film, a discussion on environmental justice and culminating in a look global energy politics with a focus on Colombia.

1. Tuesday 10th November - 8pm

Cinema Klandestino present Our Oil and Other Tales

As the first film of their Cine Rebelde mini-season, Cinema Klandestino show this film about oil extraction in Venezuela. With introduction and discussion afterwards led by Mark Ellingsen (Bristol Solidarity with Venezuela) and Thomas Muhr (University of Bristol). For venue details call 07747 833376 to hear the brief answerphone message with directions. £2 donation. info and trailer.

2. Wednesday 11th November - 1.30-4.30pm
Environmental Justice seminar
Exploring the concept of environmental justice as the human right to a healthy and safe environment, a fair share of natural resources and access to environmental information and participation in environmental decision-making. With Bolivian trade unionist Cristian Domínguez, Professor Malcolm Eames (Low Carbon Research Institute, Cardiff University) and Judy Ling Wong, CBE (Director, Black Environment Network, UK).
University of Bristol, LT1, 3-5 Woodland Road, BS8 1TB.