6 Billion
Others Launched in Copenhague: Portraits of Lives Impacted
by Climate Change
11
December 2009, Copenhagen / Denmark Millions of lives around
the world are already impacted by climate change. Vulnerable
communities in some of the least developed corners of the
earth, are adapting to natural disaster, draught, floods
and rapidly shrinking resources.
"6
Billion Others", a film by renowned film director,
Yann Arthus-Bertrand, depicts the lives of individuals and
communities on the frontline of the climate challenge.
The
film is being launched in Copenhagen this week, in cooperation
with a number of UN agencies, including the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP).
The
images are powerful, moving and in some cases shocking.
We
hear the voices of those affected by the inadequate climate
action of the past and the ones who are likely to suffer
if world leaders fail to watch, listen and above all act.
"6
Billion Others" presents the difficult and sometimes
tragic effects of climate change, as internationally renowned
aerial photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand and his team travelled
the world to interview and film more than 600 people in
17 countries.
For
the film interviews, a list of specific questions on climate,
validated by the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change
(IPCC) were adapted according to the circumstances.
One
testimony from a fisher in Bangladesh, as an example of
the many testimonies collected, says:
"I
fear the sea. The sea is my only fear. Where will we go?
The water is coming closer every day, the country is worsening
day by day. I have never seen this before."
This
project corroborated by science, intends to emphasize the
need for global awareness.
Yann
Arthus-Bertrand, said, "Following my recent appointment
as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment
Program (UNEP), officials of the Intergovernmental Panel
of Climate Change (IPCC) urged us to join forces in raising
awareness of the problems of climate disturbance among the
largest possible audience."
"6
Billion Others - Climate Voices" was officially launched
in Copenhagen during the current climate change negotiations
to present the collective voice of people whose lives have
already been devastated by climate change impacts and those
who are forced to live with the impacts.
Notes
to Editors
Produced
by GoodPlanet.org, supported by the French Ministry of Ecology,
ADEME (French Environment and Energy Management Agency)
and UNEP, WMO,IPCC, ISDR and UN-Habitat, within the spirit
of a united UN system response to climate change.
Screenings
in Copenhagen:
Danish
Film Institut / Cinematek 8 -18 December
10h00 to 13h00 - 6 Billion Others screenings every day for
schools
CO2
Offsets
The
62 tonnes of CO2 emitted during the travels in the 17 countries
have been offset by purchasing three biodigesters in India
through 'Action Carbone' (a GoodPlanet's project). A biodigester
is a large tank of animal excreta which produces biogas
via fermentation. The effluents mixed with straw and worms
become vermicompost in place of artificial fertilizers.
The installation of these biogas tanks provides a real solution
for rural Indian families.
Nick Nuttall, UNEP Spokesperson and Head of Media
Do UNFCCC
