A large group of youth and environmentalists attending the UN climate negotiations in Poznan Poland woke up early this morning to take a train from Poznan to Warsaw for the day in support of a strong EU climate and energy package, which is vital to the final outcome of the negotiations in Poznan. The EU climate and energy package, to become law for the 27 EU member states by early next year, is currently being watered and EU countries are divided on how to adequately address both the climate crisis and the economic crisis.

While traveling across flat, rural Poland by train, I asked a few youth why they had decided to go to Warsaw for the day and what they hoped to get out of it. Many expressed deep concern that the EU, traditionally seen as a leader on climate change in the international arena, could now jeopardize the establishment of a deal in Copenhagen because of its backpedaling. However, many also explained that, while they don’t agree with the position of Poland and Germany, they understand the economic concerns. Poland, a former soviet state with a very troubled political and economic history, relies on high pollution coal for more than 90% of its electricity. Amidst the global financial crisis, there are serious concerns that a strong EU package which includes tough caps on carbon emissions would further harm Poland’s economy. Kasia, a youth from Poland who is attending the UN negotiations in Poznan and traveled with us to Poznan said, “I understand the economic concerns. The biggest problem is that our economy depends on coal. Many people work in the coal mines and the trade unions are really powerful. It’s hard to say what Poland should do. There is no simple answer to this crisis. But we need to start investing in a green economy to save both the climate and the economy.”

Upon arriving at the train station in Warsaw, we all gathered under an enormous Christmas tree to discuss the plan of action and finalize our demonstration materials, which included banners and signs saying “Yes Climate, No Coal” and “Tak dla Klimatu, Nie dla wegla.”





From there we walked for about 30 minutes through the streets of Warsaw to arrive at Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s House where he was meeting with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. A stage, loudspeakers and many media were waiting for us, as well as numerous polish security guards keeping watch. Ben Wikler, our charismatic and humerous organizer, quickly changed into his tuxedo behind one of the props and jumped on to the stage to welcome all in attendance. “We are here to save the EU package, which is necessary to save the UN climate negotiations, which, in turn, is necessary to save the planet,” he said. “We need Poland and Germany to support a strong EU climate change agreement.” There were over 45 different countries represented in the audience, a testament to enormous international support for an ambitious EU climate package and the serious long-term international implications of the decisions made by Merkel and Tusk.



Numerous speakers then took the stage to address the devastating impacts of climate change and the urgent need for sustained leadership from the EU. Anna Keenan, a youth delegate from Australia, explained that today Angela Merkel must make the right decision. “Can you hear us, Chancellor Markel?” Anna bellowed. “This is the voice of youth!! If Chancellor Merkel sets weak targets, this gives an excuse to Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to set weak targets, which in turn gives an excuse to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper to set weak targets. Please do not water-down the EU package!“ Germany’s position has changed significantly since last year, when Angela Merkel lead the development of EU climate change plan for a reduction in emissions of 20% below 1990 levels by 2020. However, over the past year Germany, Europe’s largest economy, has suffered a serious financial blow and is now more concerned about immediate job losses than supporting deep emission reduction targets and tough environmental regulations.

There are critical factors needed for a strong EU climate package, the presenters explained, which include significant support to developing countries for adaptation and mitigation, as well as a target of 40% emissions reductions below 1990 levels by 2020. The demonstration was successful in communicating the fact that the world needs sustained EU leadership on the climate change file if we want any hope of an ambitious post 2012 agreement.