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What are the aims of Climate Camp?
To take direct action against the root causes of climate changeWe intend to act collectively to take direct action against the root causes of climate change, the key agents responsible and those who profit from causing climate change. We call on all people in Ireland to join us – not just during our camp but beyond in our own neighborhoods and communities.
To build a movementWe aim to build resistance movement that can bring down climate polluters and carbon traders, demand climate justice and implement sustainable solutions. But beyond this, the movement that we are building must be one that can bring down the structures that have caused the climate crisis and support communities in finding their own answers. We aim to build a lasting movement that nurtures resistance to all forms of injustice and oppression, and supports people in implementing their own solutions.
To create a space for educationProvide a safe, positive space, enabling people to be informed about and empowered through engagement in struggles for a better world. The camp brings together people who wish to become active and people already campaigning on climate change and many other issues. We aim to provide resources for, and facilitate the needs of people who wish to become active and campaign groups, enabling them to meet, discuss, plan, create links, have open dialog and debate, and develop new ideas.
To demonstrate a model of sustainable livingWe aim to demonstrate and promote viable alternatives to our current wasteful way of life and failed economic system that is driving the climate crisis. Our camp will show that solutions exist – solutions based on direct democracy, co-operation and concensus and social justice – we just need to start living them
What are our guiding principles?
Autonomy and self-managementOur aims can only be achieved in a self-managed, autonomous space. The camp aims to run independently of local authority, government, church, business, or other controlling body. It is managed collectively by the people who use it.
Openness and inclusionThe camp seeks to be as open and inclusive as possible, providing a space that is welcoming to everyone irrespective of age, ethnic background, gender, faith, class, sexuality and ability. We encourage - and aim to provide equal access to participation in the camp. While the camp is a space for open debate and all ideas and opinions are invited, discriminatory ideas and discrimination on the grounds of age, ethnic background, gender, faith, class, sexuality and ability are not welcome.
Organising without leadersThe camp believes in organising without leaders or bosses, and with everyone having an equal say. When power is shared equally in a group, it can be more effective and sustainable - as well as empowering - for all involved.
Collective decision makingWe try to reach decisions by consensus, as far as practically possible. Consensus decision-making is about trying to find common ground and solutions that are acceptable to all in the space. This attempts to ensure that everyone's opinions, ideas and concerns in the camp are taken into account.
Co-operation and mutual aidIn a world dominated by competition and conflict, we believe that working together, sharing knowledge, skills and resources, and helping each other out builds strong communities and networks of support and friendship.
Solidarity with affected communitiesThe camp seeks to promote understanding of the principles of climate justice and respect for the rights of affected communities. The camp seeks to further the debate of genuine solutions that are being proposed by affected communities – rather than furthering debate of false solutions proposed by those attempting to profit from the climate crisis. The camp acts to create an Irish voice of solidarity with communities who are struggling against the causes, impacts and false solutions of climate change.
Environmental sustainabilityIn an effort to minimize the ecological damage we cause, the camp seeks to use as little as possible in terms of energy, materials and resources. We strive to use only renewable energy. The camp aspires to create minimal waste and to reuse all waste created. Protection of local biodiversity, protection of land and water quality, and ecologically sustainable design are fundamental to the construction and planning of our camp. We aim to source all construction materials, food, water, furniture and equipment locally and in the most ecologically and ethically sound manner possible. The use of fossil-fueled vehicles and all other sources of pollutants is discouraged.
This is a living set of aims for our movement. All are welcome to get involved in discussions about our collective aims and principles - join us! |