Greenpeace challenges world leaders to accelerate UN climate negotiations Chang(e) Caravan concludes outside Bangkok

The challenge came at the conclusion of the Chang(e) Caravan, a 15-day journey which has taken Greenpeace activists, communities and five Asian elephants across the climate change-impacted central plains of Thailand to tell the story of Southeast Asia’s most vulnerable populations and to call for immediate protection of the region’s remaining forests, to combat climate change and to safeguard the planet’s remaining biodiversity.

The Chang(e) Caravan, which began in the outskirts of Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province 250 kilometers North of Bangkok last September 12, is one of the most remarkable journeys ever undertaken by the environment organization.

At the closing ceremony held at the ‘Bench of Public Appeals’ in ‘Ancient Siam’ in Samut Prakhan province today, Greenpeace expressed its disappointment with world leaders for failing to take decision on financing for adaptation, forest protection and the switch to clean energy in developing countries during the G20 economic summit in Pittsburgh in the United States. Tomorrow, Greenpeace representatives will deliver 'small change for climate,' a people's contribution for the Adaptation Fund to Mr. Yvo de Boer, UNFCCC Executive Secretary, at the opening of the United Nations climate meeting in Bangkok.

“We have heard the voices of some of the most vulnerable and least prepared people during our journey, we have documented impacts of climate change on our water, food and forests, and we have asked world leaders to listen. Today we finish our journey.  But world leaders have yet to take their first step,” said Tara Buakamsri, Campaign Manager, Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

The 15-day journey of the Chang(e) Caravan with five Asian Elephants rehabilitated by the Thai Elephant Research and Conservation Fund (TERF) is part of the global tcktcktck initiative. The Caravan has organized ground researches, workshops, public hearings and focus group discussions to document actual situations of people already suffering from climate change effects. As part of the journey, Greenpeace has also initiated a study on the climate vulnerability of the Bangpakong River Basin, an important agricultural area in Thailand, which is now experiencing climate change impacts such as flooding, drought, saltwater intrusion, and coastal erosion.

“The Chang(e) Caravan is only one chapter in the ongoing global clamor for climate change solutions, but it represents the challenge that world leaders face and must answer. This is a challenge they can no longer ignore.” said Shailendra Yashwant, Campaign Director, Greenpeace Southeast Asia. “It is imperative that industrialized countries contribute 140 billion US dollars to invest for the developing world to stop deforestation, adapt to climate change impacts, and shift to a low carbon economy.” he added.