COP21 Climate Negotiations — Paris December 2015
- Dec 1, 2015
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 31
In 2015 world governments gathered in Paris, France for UNFCCC COP21 climate negotiations, where they agreed upon an international climate agreement with important implications for our global trajectory and the health of people and planet.
WECAN International was on the ground throughout the two-week process, working both inside the UNFCCC negotiations, as well at outside events and on the streets with the people’s climate justice movement.
Click here to read WECAN’s full reaction to the Paris Climate Agreement– which acknowledges breakthrough steps by governments, but ultimately denounces the lack of binding, sufficient and just commitments, the continued implementation of false solutions, and the failure to uphold human rights, Indigenous rights and fully support gender equality.
Women Leading Solutions on the Frontlines of Climate Change – Paris
On December 7, 2015, an extraordinary gathering of worldwide women joined in solidarity to speak out against environmental and social injustice, draw attention to root causes of the climate crisis, and present the diverse array of visions and strategies with which they are working to shape a healthy and equitable world.
‘Women Leading Solutions, Paris’ featured more than 20 women leaders including Mary Robinson (Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice), Patricia Gualinga (Sarayaku, Ecuador), Josefina Skerk (Sami Parliament, Sweden), Kandi Mossett (Indigenous Environmental Network), and Aleta Baun (Conservationist and anti-mining activist of West Timor, Indonesia) and many more. Click here to read full speaker biographies.
Click to read the ‘For the Earth and Future Generations’ event blog and hear directly from all of the outstanding speakers.
International Rights of Nature Tribunal — Paris
On December 4 and 5, 2015, WECAN International, as part of the Executive Committee for the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature, helped organize and participate in the International Rights of Nature Tribunal, Paris. Osprey Orielle Lake, WECAN Executive Director, served as an event organizer and the central Judge for the Climate Change case, and WECAN International COP21 delegates, Casey Camp Horinek of Ponca Nation, Oklahoma and Patricia Gualinga of Sarayaku, Ecuador, presented testimony during the Tribunal.
Click to WATCH ‘International Rights of Nature Tribunal Paris’– a dynamic introduction to the Tribunal.
Global Women and Indigenous Peoples on the Frontline of Climate Solutions: Forests and Renewable Energy COP21 Side Event
On December 8, 2015, WECAN International organized and held a formal COP21 side event in which we heard testimony from frontline women leaders, examined the Women’s Climate Action Agenda, Indigenous leaders presented the Sarayaku people of Ecuador’s "Living Forest" proposal, highlighting Amazonian indigenous solutions, and showcased women as agents of change in transitioning to 100% renewable energy.
UNFCCC Press Conference Inside COP21 – Frontline Women Speak
WECAN International was committed to bringing the voices of frontline women leaders to COP21 through side events, media, advocacy, official press conferences and the release of WECAN’s Women’s Climate Action Agenda inside COP21 .
Click to WATCH the Frontline Women’s Press Conference - Casey Camp Horinek (Ponca Nation, Oaklahoma, Turtle Island, USA), Kandi Mossett (North Dakota, Turtle Island, USA), Neema Namadamu (DR Congo), Patricia Gualinga (Ecuador) and Osprey Orielle Lake (USA) speaking truth to power inside of COP21, addressing themes of violation of the Earth and women, Indigenous and African climate solutions, and women as vital agents of just change.
Rights of Nature, Human Rights and Women’s Rights Events
at Place To B and ZAC Climate Action Zone in Paris
WECAN International Executive Director Osprey Orielle Lake also led and participated in roundtable discussions, workshops and presentations on the intersection of Rights of Nature, women’s rights and human rights at various civil society platforms across Paris.
Click here to WATCH ‘Rights of Nature for Climate Justice – Osprey Orielle Lake At Place 2 B During COP21’
Advocacy Inside COP21 with the Women and Gender Constituency
Throughout COP21, members of the WECAN delegation participated in meetings, strategy sessions, actions and direct advocacy work with the UNFCCC Women and Gender Constituency.
Click to read the Constituencies COP21 Key Demands document and final response to the Paris accord.
Keep It In the Ground Advocacy Work with International Allies
Explore the declaration here: ‘Keep Fossil Fuels in the Ground: A Declaration for the Health of Mother Earth’
Human Chain and D12 Actions on the Streets of Paris
On November 29, WECAN International organized and supported a women’s contingent joining thousands on the street in Paris for a peaceful human chain action, organized as part of the Global Climate March in the wake of the French authorities ban on protests following attacks in the city.
On December 12, in response to the release of the final draft of the Paris climate agreement, more than 20,000 mobilized for at the Arc de Triomphe for a ‘red lines’ action, street march and moment of silence honoring those who have already lost their lives to climate change. WECAN and allies also took action at the Eiffel Tower, participating in a massive human chain and rally, all expressing discontent with the final Paris agreement and hope in the power of the people to take real action for climate justice in light of governments insufficient commitments.
