Climate Justice Activists on Water-Only Fast in Copenhagen; Protest Inaction on Global Warming

Interview with Anna Keenan, 24-year-old activist from Queensland, Australia, conducted by Melinda Tuhus

Thousands of climate activists have descended on Copenhagen, Denmark for the United Nations Climate Change Conference, where delegates from more than 190 nations are negotiating a treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. One hundred ten heads of state are expected to arrive in the final days of the UN conference, with the goal of overcoming major differences between industrialized nations and developing countries that are pressuring wealthy governments to pledge more funds to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Among the thousands in Copenhagen are eight individuals who began a water-only fast on Nov. 6 in an effort to pressure world leaders to take the steps necessary to combat devastating climate change. They are calling their action Climate Justice Fast, and have been joined by others around the world who opted to fast either long-term, or for short-term in solidarity.

Between The Lines' Melinda Tuhus spoke with one of those fasting in Copenhagen -- Anna Keenan, a 24-year-old activist from Queensland, Australia. She participated with an estimated 100,000 activists in a spirited march and rally on Dec. 12 to support the demands of the most threatened nations for immediate and far-reaching action. Keenan and the other long-term fasters are under medical supervision and taking salt supplements to protect their health, but no food or liquid, aside from water. Keenen explains why she decided to engage in the fast and what she believes is the necessary outcome of the UN climate talks.

For more information, visit Climate Justice Fast's website at www.climatejusticefast.com.

Related links:

* www.350.org website to take action on global warming
* Global Climate Campaign at www.globalclimatecampaign.org
* United Nations Climate Change Conference official site at en.cop15.dk

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