Our hearts go out to all the victims of the violent attacks in Beirut and Paris last week, to their loved ones and all those in the path of violence in response to these attacks. We condemn these acts of senseless violence.
In light of the Paris attacks, the future of the planned civil society events for COP21, including our planned events with our indigenous allies from the Amazon, are uncertain. The UN has issued a statement that the official COP21 negotiations will move forward, but what that means for public events is still unknown at this time.
Amazon Watch is in discussion with our indigenous and NGO allies on next steps, and we are closely monitoring the related decision-making processes at both the French and UN levels. This climate summit is a critical one; one that can, and must, play a critical role in charting the path forward to a livable climate and peaceful world.
It is vitally important that civil society participation be included in this climate summit. We are determined to ensure that the voices of indigenous people on the front lines of climate change are heard in such a globally-significant decision-making process. However, the reality is that the playing field just shifted. “This Changes Everything,” as Naomi Klein says. So, we need everyone to call for peace and climate justice in Paris and around the world.
While we await decisions from French authorities, we are moving forward to facilitate a powerful delegation and canoe from Sarayaku to ensure that our calls for protecting living forests and keeping fossil fuels in the ground are heard. That said, logistics and security have become much more challenging in light of this tragedy. The safety and security of our staff and indigenous allies is most important. We will keep you informed on our plans as they re-develop.
Thank you for your support!
#KeepitintheGround
#NoWarNoWarming
For Peace and Climate Justice,
Amazon Watch
