Conference Calls
Our five Area of Focus publications have been accompanied by conference calls on the same topics. Here, we have candid discussions with advisors, grantees, and staff about the most pressing current issues in each Focus Area. Listen in to learn more:
Fighting for Climate Justice at COP16: From the Grassroots Perspective
Climate change is a serious threat. As global temperatures warm and ice caps melt, weather patterns are becoming more dramatic, oceans are rising, and people are feeling the effects. While the developed world—by far the bigger contributor to the crisis—discusses action, those most affected by climate change — the rural, the poor, and indigenous peoples — are the least able to influence global climate policy negotiations. They are excluded from decisions about their own future. As such, participation by grassroots organizations at conferences such as COP16 is critical, giving a voice to those individuals and organizations that may not otherwise be heard. To listen to the call recorded on December 10, 2010, click here. To read a transcript of the call click here.
Women on the Front Lines: Highlighting Environmental Leaders
Women’s rights are an essential and inseparable part of the environmental justice movement. The term “justice” implies equal participation, equity, and fairness. Without the incorporation of women’s perspectives, agendas, and leadership, the environmental movement could never achieve real change. What’s more, women are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation. As resource managers, women walk farther when water runs out, and work harder for less when changing rainfall wreaks havoc on crops. Women tend to suffer more from resource related migration, climate change, and environmental disasters. In short, environmental rights and women’s rights are deeply connected. To listen to the call recorded on May 5, 2010, click here. The recording begins part way through the introduction.
Fighting for Their Rights: Indigenous Groups in Siberia and Northern Canada
Indigenous peoples around the world are holders of incredibly valuable environmental knowledge. Their very identity is linked to the land they have inhabited for generations—land that too often is threatened by oil and gas development, mega-dams, climate change, and other socio-environmental issues. The unfortunate reality is that many indigenous peoples often lack the legal rights to protect their resources from corporate and government development. This is not only the case in high profile locations such as the Amazon and the Congo, but also in the very remote northern regions of Canada and Russia. To listen to the call recorded on November 18,2009, click here.
Water Rights in China and South America
Americans consume water at the highest per capita rate in the world. Globally, however, access to water is increasingly scarce, especially in the Global South. Indeed, water rights is likely to be one of the most contentious issues of the 21st century at both the policy and grassroots levels. Global Greengrants Fund is taking action on this urgent issue by framing the discussion in terms of access to water as a universal human right. Our advisors and grantees address this complex issue from a variety of perspectives, and the aggregate effect is allowing those who are most impacted by the decisions to take part in the decision-making process. We are pleased to offer a recording of the conference call hosted by Greengrants on these issues which features an interview with Enrique Bostelmann (Advisory Board Coordinator for the Andes and Southern Cone of South America boards) and Yan Baohua (China Advisor). To listen to the call, recorded on May 28, 2009, click here. To read a transcript of the call click here
Additional information on water rights:
China Environment Series 2007
Report on the State of the Environment in China (2006) – water environment section
Boston Globe article – In Ecuador, A Fight for Safe, Affordable Water
New York Times article – Chilean Town Withers in Free Market for Water
Energy Justice – From Oil Fields to Rivers
With the effect of the energy crisis touching us all, what are the stories behind the fuel pumps and heating bills that are not so often told? Across the world, the issue of energy and the intersection with social justice is at the forefront. Who is reaping the benefits of these projects? What does it take to protect communities against the power of politics and foreign money? What role can small grants play within these issues? We are pleased to offer a recording of the conference call hosted by Greengrants on these issues which features an interview with Nnimmo Bassey of Environmental Rights Action in Nigeria (West Africa Advisory Board) and Aviva Imhof of International Rivers (Global Advisor). To listen the this call, recorded on January 28, 2009, click here.
Additional information on energy justice:
The Movement for River and Rights
We All Live Downstream
Senate Testimony – Sept 24, 2008
International Rivers Fact Sheet
BBC Article
Learning and Discussion on Food and Agriculture
Explore how grants on sustenance fit into a larger theory of change, specifically looking at grantees working in the areas of sustainable farming practices, the future of agricultural policy, Chilean fisheries, and the impact of biofuels. The discussion is led by Peter Kostishack, Deputy Director of Programs at Global Greengrants Fund. We also welcomed Nonette Royo, Executive Director of the Samdhana Institute, a member of the Greengrants Alliance of Funds in Southeast Asia, who provided a first-hand account of the impact oil palm cultivation is having in that region. The presentation is viewed via Windows Real Media. To listen to this call, recorded on October 14, 2008, click here.