The 1.5 Million mark to be passed soon (21.11.09)

Since the campaign was launched on 27^th October, the number of signatories supporting the petition has reached 1.5 million, most of which came through signatures on papers and the number is growing every day.

The online signatures have just passed 750 and the website is being visited everyday by an average of 100 people. The poor internet access and poor connectivity might have apparently diminished the number of online signatures. It took only about three weeks to collect this huge number of signatures physically mainly through the cooperation of schools, universities, church communities, youth groups, and trade unions. Some prominent personalities who signed the petition so far include:

- Dr Tekalign Woldemariam, Academic Vice President, Addis Ababa University

- Prof. Kabba Urgessa, President of Jimma University

- Ato Getachew Tefera, President of Debre Berhan University

- Ato Zerihun Jemaneh, Dean of Students Addis Ababa University

- Prof. Masresha Fetene, Director of Addis Ababa University Press

- All deans and directors of colleges and faculties under Addis Ababa University

- Ato Eyesuswork Zafu, President of Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce

- Dr Nega Nammaga, G/Manager of Ethiopian Private Higher Education and TVET Institutions Association

- Ato Kassahun Follo, President of the Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions

The signatures came from the following institutions:

Institution	Signatures
Addis Ababa University	1,164
Debre Berhan University	381
Jimma University	8,528
Arbaminch University	2,540
Haramaya University	2,420
Ethiopian Civil Service College	274
Harari Education Office and Schools	16,276
Yeka Sub City Education Office and Schools	28,750
Bole Sub City Education Office and Schools	8,141
Addis Ketema Mesenado School	273
Akaki Lespyrans Secondary School	539
Yetnsae Brehan Primary School	2,510
Eshet Primary School	13,172
Berehane ena Selam Primary School	14,778
Bole Secondary school	612
Dagmawi Berhan School	404
Berhan Guzo Primary School	7,519
Gulele Sub City	557,690
Addis ketema Sub City	935
Bole Sub City	750,000
Unique 7000 Church	1,788
All Ethiopian Tour Operation Association	68
Green Image for Ethiopia Initiative (Awassa)	377
Online signatures	750
Total	1,419,889

We are confident that by next week we will manage to have the five million signatures from Ethiopians living in Ethiopia and abroad as well as some supporters from other countries.

We would like to thank Farmer Mulualem Berhane, his wife farmer Wubalem Mengist as well as Alemayehu Akalu and his youth team in soliciting and facilitating the signature collection. Our thanks should also go to the many people in the various institutions who are turning this dream into a reality. Signatures will be collected tomorrow (22.11.09) through the many youth supporters who will join the Great Run event.

Dear colleagues, let’s step up our pressure even more now mainly because of the current circumstances that are delaying a legally binding deal that is much needed for those affected most and first in countries like Ethiopia. The decision to delay the process is unacceptable because vulnerable countries like Ethiopia are actually paying the real costs in livelihoods and lives. For the record, a recent report by World Bank states that 80% of the costs are borne by developing countries that are responsible for only a third of the emissions. If we consider Africa alone, the total contribution of emissions is less than 5%.

Where is morality gone and where are our democratic principles?

For further information, please contact the coordinator, Mr. Negusu Aklilu, Director of the Forum for Environment at ffe@ethionet.et

An urgent campaign launched in Addis Ababa (27.11.09)

The climate negotiations have been delayed due to the failure of inaction by developed countries. As a little more than one month is remaining for the Copenhagen summit, there are no indications that a deal will be struck by global nations to curb climate change and its impacts.

The major victims of the delay in striking a global deal, however, are countries like Ethiopia. Every single day of delay has been denting not just the pockets but also the health, survival and lives of Ethiopians. As a country that is historically the main responsible one for the climate change, we think America should take the lead in finding the solutions.

In view of this, the Ethiopian Civil Society Network on Climate Change under the leadership of Forum for Environment has launched a campaign by concerned and affected Ethiopians on the US Government at different levels. A petition letter signed by 10 persons on behalf of various population segments was submitted to the US Government via the US Embassy in Addis and directly to the White House.

We are now collecting five million signatures that will be sent to the US Government before the Copenhagen Summit. Signatures are being collected online and via petition forms to be filled by concerned and affected people.

For more information and media coverage, you may contact the coordinator of the campaign Mr. Negusu Aklilu at ffe@ethionet.et

Breaking News (November 9, 2009)

The Ministry of Education has joined our campaign in collecting signatures for the petition. In line with this, a letter is now sent to all the 21 government universities and the 11 regional education bureaus asking them to support the campaign. The letter of collaboration is now being sent to all these parties and it’s anticipated that signatures from supporters in universities and schools will come back in a few days time. We’re also approaching some Ethiopian groups and networks to join our campaign. Please join the campaign now by contributing your signatures and spreading the news to all concerned and affected Ethiopians.  For further information please contact the coordinator of the campaign: Negusu Aklilu, e-mail: ffe@ethionet.et

Sloidarity Statement sent to US Campaigners

Mr. Negusu Aklilu sent a solidarity statement to US faith leaders who rallied for climate justice in Washington DC to deliver a red flag message to the Obama administration and the Senate. The rally was organized by the Church World Service and called for the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee members to forgo differences and agree on a strong and binding climate bill. You may find the press release at www.wfn.org/2009/11/msg00035.html