“It has to be CLIMATE SUSTAINABILITY” Book Launched Launched in Copenhagen

On 3 December 2009, the people’s preparations for the UN Climate Summit, COP15, came to life at the Øksnehallen in Copenhagen, with the launching of the hard-hitting book “It has to be CLIMATE SUSTAINABILITY” by the internationally acclaimed sustainability Campaigner Uchita de Zoysa. The launch of the book was organised by the Climate sustainability PLATFORM and was ceremoniously presented to a large international gathering at the Copenhagen Climate Exchange.

The Author of the book, Uchita de Zoysa says: “Climate change is a destiny determining phenomenon and all people need to be aware of their rights and responsibilities. But, half of the world’s population remains under poverty and is being deprived of their rights towards the basic human needs. Meanwhile, the wasteful lifestyles and irresponsible behaviour of the rich and powerful continues to endanger the life of all humans on earth. A small privileged group continues to negotiate for a climate deal and they separately talk about the sustainability of the planet. By marginalising rest of the population in determining their own destinies, they have left us in destitution. A new world order is emerging, but the people are not involved in designing of it as well. A better world order needs to be created upon the mindful aspirations of the people; and should essentially be based on equitable opportunities for all to find peace, prosperity, sustainability, wellbeing and happiness. Then, it has to be climate sustainability!”

A dialogue on the topic of the book was followed with a panel discussion that included international sustainability experts Jeffrey Barber (USA), Souleymane Bassoum (Senegal), Gopal Jain (India), Victor Ricco (Argentina) and Indrani Thuraisingham (Malaysia). The invited participants of the dialogue also included renowned scientists, civil society leaders and sustainable entrepreneurs from all continents of the world. The dialogue also marked the launching of the Climate Sustainability PLATFORM, which demanded a binding ‘International Agreement on Climate Sustainability’ to be initiated by the world leaders meeting in Copenhagen for the UNFCCC COP15.

Reviewing the book, Mr. Bas de Leeuw (Executive Director, Sustainability Institute, Hartland, USA, and former Head of Sustainable Consumption at UNEP) said; with his book, ‘It has to be CLIMATE SUSTAINABILITY’, Uchita de Zoysa has managed to open up for those who are wondering where his passion comes from, and has shared his dreams, and his disappointments, in a very personal way. The title as such shows his mindset; there is no doubt, there is no other way. It shows where he is coming from, and I hope it shows where he is going too: leading the sustainability movement, leading a diverse group of people who realize that there is no such thing as ‘who is doing what’, but that we are in it all together and only can get out of it all together. Over the last decade I have known Uchita as a thinker, a writer, a do-er and an activist, who is deeply committed to a better planet where poverty will no longer exist, and where quality of life is enjoyed by all. He speaks with great emotion and does not hesitate to give his anger a – loud – voice, and inviting him to your conference to ‘get a voice from the South’ is a clear winner. Uchita’s participation to a conference normally generates a discussion more sharp than it was before his intervention, more about the ‘real thing’, and less talking within the comfort zone, where so many speakers and participants are feeling so well at ease. In his book, Uchita demonstrates his power to inspire people to come together and plan joint activities, workshops, declarations, all geared towards this greater goal: sustainability. No matter what background, nationality or institution they are coming from – governments, researchers, NGO’s, and, even, business – they enjoy the opportunity to work in a different setting and with other people then they are used to. The Climate Sustainability Platform convened by Uchita is such a place where people can freely think, talk and express themselves, as I have witnessed and experienced myself at the occasion of the Copenhagen Climate Conference, in December 2009. I hope to keep walking with him on that path.

(for details and ordering see http://climatesustainability.blogspot.com/ or contact) uchita@sltnet.lk)