Copenhagen becomes Hopenhagen

Is there still hope for a positive outcome in Copenhagen in December? Stephen Harper has steadily eroded the possibility that Canada will be a leader in the race to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. With the blessings of this same Stephen Harber, big oil companies continue to devastate the land, water and air for thousands of miles around the tar sands. Many of my acquaintances still believe they have a God-given right to buy as much stuff and use as much energy as their bank accounts and credit cards allow. These are all very depressing facts.

But there is hope. Small groups are meeting in coffee shops, libraries, living rooms, and city parks to discuss climate change and to design meaningful long lasting actions to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in their own lives while inspiring others to do the same. As an example, citizens in St. Thomas, Ontario are holding an event at City Hall at 12 noon on the 12th day of the 12th month to raise awareness about climate change and to offer hope. This event is part of a worldwide action to come together as a Time to Sign - the most important signing event for the future of the world.