The Occupy Movement has set its sights on the UN climate change talks in Durban (Source: Wikimedia/Brian Sims)
By John Parnell,
RTCC in Durban
Durban is braced for several days of ‘climate rage’ as groups of all backgrounds plan demonstrations during the first week of the UN’s annual climate change conference.
The Occupy movement has confirmed that it will stage a protest outside the COP17 venue on Monday morning to coincide with the beginning of the conference. The group is calling for climate justice and a move away from market-based climate change fighting mechanisms.
On Sunday, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu will lead a multi-faith rally and concert in the city’s Kings Park Stadium with senior religious and political figures set to attend. The group also claims that UNFCCC Chief Christiana Figueres will attend.
Speculation in the local press has also suggested that ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema, who was recently suspended by Jacob Zuma, may organise disruptive events to embarrass the President.
A Global Day of Action planned by the Global Climate Campaign on Saturday, December 3 will see synchronised protests in 114 countries.
Despite the planned demonstrations the hosts are remaining calm and confident that these actions will remain peaceful. The government has been engaging with several NGOs ahead of the talks and has issued a permit for the march on December 3.
“We go to Durban without any doubt in as far as logistical preparations are concerned. This country is the product of negotiations and voices of even the most downtrodden are listened to. Permission has been granted – it will be a very peaceful march,” said South Africa’s International Relations and Co-operation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.
The Occupy movement has gained the approval of several developing countries with former Costa Rican President José Maná Figueres encouraging vulnerable nations to occupy Durban.
Durban is braced for several days of ‘climate rage’ as groups of all backgrounds plan demonstrations during the first week of the UN’s annual climate change conference.
The Occupy movement has confirmed that it will stage a protest outside the COP17 venue on Monday morning to coincide with the beginning of the conference. The group is calling for climate justice and a move away from market-based climate change fighting mechanisms.
On Sunday, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu will lead a multi-faith rally and concert in the city’s Kings Park Stadium with senior religious and political figures set to attend. The group also claims that UNFCCC Chief Christiana Figueres will attend.
Speculation in the local press has also suggested that ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema, who was recently suspended by Jacob Zuma, may organise disruptive events to embarrass the President.
A Global Day of Action planned by the Global Climate Campaign on Saturday, December 3 will see synchronised protests in 114 countries.
Despite the planned demonstrations the hosts are remaining calm and confident that these actions will remain peaceful. The government has been engaging with several NGOs ahead of the talks and has issued a permit for the march on December 3.
“We go to Durban without any doubt in as far as logistical preparations are concerned. This country is the product of negotiations and voices of even the most downtrodden are listened to. Permission has been granted – it will be a very peaceful march,” said South Africa’s International Relations and Co-operation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.
The Occupy movement has gained the approval of several developing countries with former Costa Rican President José Maná Figueres encouraging vulnerable nations to occupy Durban.
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