Cancun can make a difference to climate change? if we push for it!

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This December I'll be turning my attention to Mexico - and not just because I'm a big fan of Tacos! From 29th November to 10 December, the international community will meet in Cancun at the COP16 climate change talks. After failure to reach any meaningful agreement at the COP15 in Copenhagen last year, they'll continue efforts towards a global agreement to counter the threat of climate change. I travelled to Copenhagen, full of expectation that campaigning might achieve success, and that there would be agreement to reduce emissions and increase funding for climate adaptation. But I came away deflated, concerned that an agreement would never be reached, and the poorest in the world would continue to suffer. So, in 2010, how do I feel? Oxfam is asking people to make a noise about climate justice, and really show energy secretary Chris Huhne MP, attending the talks on our behalf, how important the issue is. But can he make any difference? Can anything be achieved? Well, I think the answer is yes - Cancun can be a success if we push for it! Although it's unlikely Cancun will deliver the fully binding agreement we need, there are still opportunities. Chris can fight for a Robin Hood Tax, international taxes on aircraft and shipping emissions, and emissions-trading schemes. These will generate much needed money to help those facing the challenge of climate change right here, right now. BUT he's only going to push for these things if we ask him to!! We need to let him know that we care, and Oxfam have lots of ways you can do this: Email Chris directly to show you care! You can email him here: http://www.oxfam.org.uk/get_involved/campaign/actions/huhne.html Write to Don Foster MP to ask him to raise the issue with Chris Huhne. He's our MP, so if you write to him he has to act! Join Oxfam's Rapid Action team. Throughout the talks, Oxfam will let you know of opportunities we might have to influence the talks through quick actions. Join the Team here http://greenbath.org/cancunaction Join Oxfam Bath at www.greenbath.org/oxfam-bath. We'll be thinking of creative ways we can let Bath know about Cancun, maybe even hosting a Mexican Fiesta or a climate change photo exhibition….. You CAN help ensure the poorest get the best deal they can from Cancun. More from the Oxfam Press Office at http://www.oxfam.org.uk/news