ROTARACT UoA.

Meeting Minutes

Date: 26/5/2010

Time: 6.10pm

· A YouTube clip to calm the mood. Proudly presented by Dan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2FX9rviEhw

· Guest speaker – Kirk Serpes.

o Attended the Copenhagen summit in 2009 as a NZ youth delegate. This is the biggest gathering of world leaders.

o Its purpose was to address the issue of climate change. UNFCC (United Nations framework for climate change).

o We all know about the Kyoto protocol. Whilst this is an important policy, it is riddled with loop holes. More countries need to get on board

o More important now that youth get involved. Climate change will have the largest impact on us however we have the least influence in terms of voting power and leadership. We are the stakeholders.

Some of the issues leading into the summit were:

o There were so many conflicts of interests and disagreements that negotiating texts were not concrete.

o USA is restricted by senate and congress.

o Two pathways; legal form of outcome e.g. Kyoto protocol, or just aspirations.

o Developed countries unwilling to commit and sign up to new targets until they know what developing nations are going to do.

o Kirk explained that the summit was like a “circus”. With so many passionate individuals and powerful leaders it was a constant high stress environment.

o It wasn’t until the final day that world leaders got together to finally make some decisions. The result = Copenhagen Accord. Positives: 80% of global emissions covered, $100b USD put into climate finance for land development, progress of REDD+ (Reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation). Negatives: Non-binding, no time frame, no details on finance.

Why did the summit fail?

o Country vs. Country. All trying to push the burden on others. Countries playing to “win”.

o Weak public support. We put off making amends now because we know that the timeline for change is huge. The result however is that we will end up paying a price in the future because we left it too late. Like leaving an assignment to the last minute.

o Psychological issues: Discounted future costs, solutions require lifestyle change and sacrifice, cognitive dissonance. People are more likely to switch off their value systems instead of altering their lifestyles.

What’s next?

o Individual responsibility

o Be aware of impacts

o Work together as a community

o Find common goals

o Raise awareness and promote the issue

o Support companies that are proactive in terms of climate change

o Get involved with groups that aim to improve the world in which we live in.

· Management of projects

o Previous years the committee organized and managed all projects. This is neither efficient nor beneficial to other members who want to play a bigger role in the initiation of projects.

o New framework = Meetings will be a time for members to come forward with any project ideas they may have. Subcommittees can be formed and one person will report to the exec team with any resources that they may need.

o First meeting next semester will be project time. Put your thinking caps on!

· Upcoming events

o Circus Quirkus

o Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th May. Volunteers have been contacted by Megan. Tonight the deadline for getting your desired shift times in.

o Polio fun run

o Pakuranga still taking volunteers. Please email the club if you would like to take part as a runner or alternatively we may be able to help out behind the scenes. This is on the 25th July.

o Drug/alcohol project

o Being present at underage clubs and events to help support and provide a safe place for kids to rest/sober up/hang out as an alternative to drinking/taking drugs. Training involved and looking for 10-12 volunteers at the moment. If you are interested please send an email to the club account.

· Cesa, a Rotaractor from Indonesia is selling raffle tickets at $1 each. The money raised will be donated to a school in Jakarta. Tickets can be purchased by emailing the club.

Next meeting: Wednesday July 21st (First week back semester 2).

Meeting concluded: 7pm