Not everybody has been invited to the COP15 UN climate change conference.

But it does not mean that you cannot go.

Why not participate in one of the two alternative happenings held in the same weeks?

Climate Forum (klimaforum)

One of them is the alternative congress called Klimaforum09 (Climate Forum). It takes place in DGI Byen next to the Central Station and the organizers are expecting around 15,000 participants. More than 5,000 are already registered from all over the world.

It has been arranged by NGOs and a various range of NGOs from Denmark and all over the world are organizing the workshops, debates and exhibitions from December 7-18.

It is free and you can check it out at http://www.klimaforum90.org. Also in English.

The aim is as stated on the webpage:

“While the UN conference will be a platform for political decision making, Klimaforum09 gathers citizens from all corners of the world to create a socially just and sustainable future.

The idea behind Klimaforum09 is to create an open space, where people, movements and organizations can develop constructive solutions to the climate crisis.”

The congress has nine themes:

1. Climate crisis and the effects upon nature

2. A just and sustainable climate agreement

3. Climate justice

4. Sustainable energy technologies and energy systems

5. Sustainable use of resources

6. Sustainable farming, fishing and foresting

7. Alternative economy and sustainable development

8. Sustainable ways of living

9. Teaching

Amongst the happenings a huge demonstration is to take place on 12 December called Global Day of Action.

The climate buttom metting

The climate buttom metting focuses on presenting the 'Windows of Hope' in a casual/relaxed atmosphere. “The conference will present a number of practical sustainable cities and eco-village initiatives around the world, showing different solutions to overcome the world's ecological, social, spiritual and economic challenges.”

This climate meeting will include lectures, workshops, presentations and political debates mixed with entertainment activities, such as singing, dancing and music. In addition, there will also be a special youth forum and child program. Indigenous groups from around the world will as well hold ceremonies as inspiration and guidance.

The meeting will primarily take place in Christiania at the Meadow of Peace and at the Factory (Fabrikken) and is more spiritual in its’ initiatives. The hope is that the knowledge of the indigenous people as well as the practices of the eco-village lifestyles can offer fresh ideas and impulses to inspire an Earth-friendly lifestyle.

Also smaller workshops and exhibitions will be at the Main City Square by City Hall (Rådhuspladsen), and at the Klimaforum09.

The buttom meeting/Windows of Hope is arranged by Christiania Culture Association, The Network for the Conservation of Christiania as a green urban biotope, two Agenda 21-centres in Copenhagen, LØS (The Danish Association for Eco-villages), and GEN (Global Eco-village Network) in collaboration with many individuals, associations and groups.

It takes place from December 5-18 of December and you can read more in English here: http://www.climateroots.org

Get the message out

I hope that you will all consider participating if you have the possibility, and if you are coming to Copenhagen I will at the same time advise you to sell stories to the newspapers in your countries from the alternative meetings. It is important also to show the parallel actions by the NGOs even though they are not the decision makers. Thus all the stories of the alternative meetings are worth covering and the participating people may have some influence in one way or the other.

I am sure you can find a couch to sleep on. If not, I will gladly try to help.