Descriptor paragraph in italics
Frankly, there’s a very good case to be made for not knowing much at all about the ongoing politcal bunfights around the UNFCCC etc. That is NOT to say that understanding the moral and pragmatic urgency of “climate justice” is a luxury. The “South” has been getting screwed for a long time, and climate change is already hitting them, will hit them harder…
Why it is a core competency : xxx
You have to know the basics of why this issue is so hard to solve. But anything beyond level one or two is a luxury/distraction, imho
What consequences are there for yourself, the movement and the bigger picture if you can’t do level one? :
You end up as a technocrat and apologist for the status quo. That’s not a good look.
Stage One:
Knows the outlines of the UNFCCC and its next meeting, the existence of the IPCC. Is able to communicate them to an interested lay person. Able to explain the basics of why different nations are failing to co-operate on a global emissions cap.
Stage Two:
Is familiar with the sorry sordid history of international political “efforts” (cough cough) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the likely trajectory.
DO YOU REALLY NEED TO GO BEYOND LEVEL TWO, EH?
Stage Three:
A well REDD individual, who knows a COP from a MOP, and is able to distinguish a BINGO from a RINGO and an ENGO. Able to read iisd newsletters while nodding sagely. A sad sad individual.
Stage Four:
Able to produce detailed critiques and alternatives for the upcoming UNFCCC negotiations (there are always upcoming UNFCCC negotiations…)
(Click on each of these for descriptors, indicators and resources)
Resources – Marc Roberts cartoon in New Internationalist about Copenhagen
