Ruth Carruthers: Democratic decisions
Driving through Austria across the border and into Slovakia, I couldn’t help but notice that the massive wind turbines that lined the Austrian motorway suddenly vanished the second we passed from one country into the next.
This is a perfect example of how neighbouring countries so close in geography are worlds apart when it comes to their attitudes towards climate change. Solar panels are commonplace on the streets of the Austrian capital Vienna, and yet the Slovakian government is yet to acknowledge that climate change is a major concern for the country.
It’s not that every country is denying climate change is a problem they need to address, however many countries have their own way they want to tackle the situation, and in the globalised world that we live in part of the solution needs to suit everyone, which is far easier said than done.
It’s all too easy for us to sit at home, wondering why our governments haven’t done anything about the climate change situation yet. I mean, I’m trying to do my bit, why aren’t they doing more? But on this trip I realised that deciding which action to take is a huge problem within itself.
As a Climate Advocate for the British Council, I was in Slovakia recently for a climate change conference. And yes, I did fly there, but only because it was £400 cheaper than getting the train, which is something else that needs to be tackled.
The three-day conference was a meeting of young minds from across the globe to discuss the climate problem, present research and to prepare a comprehensive resolution that will be sent to the International UN Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen, 7-18 December 2009, also known as COP 15.
I guess it was a bit like pretending to be a country leader for a couple of days, but coming up with a resolution wasn’t much fun. After a couple of hours of debate I felt overloaded with viewpoints, and the opinionated and energetic version of me was left feeling drained and apathetic, unwilling to speak up for fear of sparking yet another clash of interests.
We formed a resolution in the end, although I dare say the details of the letter are unimportant, as much of the COP 15 agenda is already set in stone. But what I do feel is significant is that we are showing our support, and letting our governments know that we as individuals are passionate enough about tackling this problem to hold our conference in the first place.
Many of us are lucky enough to live in a democracy, but for our leaders this can make decision-making difficult. So it’s no surprise to me that we have seen little action after previous international meetings on climate change.
These leaders are representing our nations, and in a similar way I was representing the UK at this conference in Slovakia. I just wish I had someone to back me up, it would have made the decision-making process a lot easier I’m sure. So maybe if we support our governments some more, and tell them what we want it will assist the decision- making process a little. Perhaps then we’ll begin to see some action on climate change.
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We just all need to consume less and abstain from the things that are killing us. We are like smokers who know what their doing will potnetially end their life prematurely but can't help but crave that 'one last cigarette'.