-President Barack Obama speaking at  MIT on Friday, Oct. 23rd

image courtesy of Bio jobs blog.

Guest Post by Jeremy Smith
2009 Focus Root Fellow
Spearfish Community Cycling Cooperative and Work Space

A week ago I returned to Spearfish after spending eight hectic days in Copenhagen, Denmark.  I was there for the UN's COP15 climate conference due to the grant we received to start up the bike co-op.  I was in Denmark with three others from Focus the Nation. 
 
The whole week was so busy, with hundreds of events going on all the time- it felt like I didn't get a chance to do all that I wanted to during my time there. In retrospect, more than the official events of the conference, I feel like most of my time in Copenhagen was spent around the city, soaking up the bike culture and community events tied to climate change awareness.  It was such an international and eclectic mix of people and ideas that I am definitely still digesting the whole experience. The most important thing for me to do right now though is share some ideas that I think can be applied in Spearfish, both immediately this winter as well as long term goals.
 
First, I saw all kinds of bikes during my time overseas.  Suprisingly, they all were utility bikes, for carrying big loads, traveling with children or just getting around town.  Hardly any recreation bikes like here in the states.  Everyone in Copenhagen bikes because it is the most practical way to get around town.  There are bike racks everywhere: in front of grocery stores, subway stations, just along the street - everywhere.  All ages are on bikes, as soon as a kid can be strapped to a seat, s/he is on a bike.  Mail/coffee/art - everything- is delivered by bike.  
 

December 18, 2009

Youth address world leaders at high-level plenary at UN Climate Summit, demanding governments commit to bold targets to ensure survival and climate justice.

COPENHAGEN – With over 1000 youth leaders from more than 100 countries gathered in Copenhagen, the International Youth Climate Movement at the UN Climate Summit today sent a powerful message to the assembled world leaders that governments must rise above the divisive politics of the past and show true leadership to ensure nothing less than the very survival of current and future generations.

“We have all worked for the past two years with the promise of a strong deal in Copenhagen to safeguard our future. Now it seems you will not get it done,” said Juan Carlos Soriano, a youth delegate from Peru, addressing the summit plenary. “This is unacceptable. We placed our trust in you. You should be ashamed.”

“Our rivers are drying up. Our crops are turning to dust. An unrelenting sun scorches our land while other areas are ravaged by storms and diseases,” said Esther Agbarakwe from Nigeria. “If developed countries set aside just 5% of their GNP for effective adaption by the most vulnerable countries, we will survive beyond 2050.”