Going slow

I've woken up to a layer of snow and a mass of down-beat news reports. Negotiations are certainly going slowly. UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon said so himself yesterday (I managed to get in to the speech), but he remains hopefuly for a deal.

But reports in the Guardian, the BBC and the New York Times aren't so optomistic. The general consensus is that there may not be a deal this week.

Yesterday morning I was in line, freezing cold, with lots of other people for a few hours. Our NGO was sharing one 'secondary pass' (which is now required for entry) between four people and trying to pass it around over the day. I managed to get in and thaw at around 11.30 - the police and Danish army were friendly - I was offered coffee a few times - but it's a shame that relations protestors around the city didn't go so well. There were a number of reports of violence and pepper spray was used.

Inside the Bella Center you are completely isolated from this. While queuing I watched more and more police vans arriving, but there was no sign of any problems.

I still feel incredibly lucky to be here to witness these talks. It's incredible that you can get so close to world leaders. I managed to sit right at the front for Senator John Kerry's speech (just behind Dr Pachauri and members of Kerry's family), just by getting there a bit early and not worrying about walking up to the front and sitting down. Senator Kerry basically said that if there were an agreement in Copenhagen it would really help to spur on an agreement in the US. He also proposed that developed countries make a real effort to provide finance to enable developing countires to create renewable sources of energy, so that they are able to develop rapidly without damaging the environment to the same extent.

I also managed to see a panel of global mayors (Sydney, Delhi, Seatle, Johanesburg etc) on how cities can do their bit to combat climate change, before national leaders come to a deal. It's encouraging to hear that cities all around the world have started to make an effort.

For more detailed coverage of the conference, have a look at my friend Joe's blog. He is updating regularly and has some pretty good stuff.

As I knew that I wouldn't be able to get into the Bella Center today (or tomorrow), I decided to stay late into the night (well, until 11.30). It's interesting, the atmosphere seems to change as more and more people wander out of the door. It's also good for wandering around and seeing small conference rooms, delagtes speaking in corridors and journalists broadcasting for the evening news. Interestingly, Fox news are coverering the proceedings - well, not really - they chose to cover a man dressed in a polar bear suit - still denying climate change!

Just looking at Fox news' website - this story about no Christmas trees just isn't true! (photo included)

The only encouraging thing that I've heard for a while is that the US is backing a $100bn plan to help developing countries adapt to climate change. I hope there is more encourgaing news by the end of the day, but so far I've been unimpressed by speeches from world leaders. I realise that these statements are mainly meant for the press, but it's a shame that there seems to be so little substance. They are meant to last for 3 minutes, but go on for much longer!

In from the Cold

I've finally got back in to the Bella Center. I waited for two hours this morning before being moved on - it was snowing and absolutely freezing. People from a Polish Radio station even interviewed me (I must have looked very cold!), but thankfully the Danish army was on hand with hot coffee. The UN has issued secondary passes to limit the number of observers during the last few days. Today, we're sharing a pass between four people, tomorrow there will be even more restrictions and on Friday only 90 people from ALL Non Governmental Organizations will be allowed in!

So on Thursday and Friday I won't be inside the conference, but will watch the live feed on the internet. You should watch too!

There is lots of talk of a big demonstration today so there are police everywhere outside the Bella Center - I know that lots of NGOs are planning on walking out to protest the lack of observer passes, and there are rumours that some groups are going to try to break in to the center.

Yesterday I saw a great speech by Rajendra Pachauri at Copenhagen University (that's two Nobel peace prize winners in 2 days!). He was really impressive and presented his information clearly - but there were lots of climate change deniers present. Lord Monkton (a former Thatcher adviser who sits in the House of Lords) stood up and accused Dr Pachauri of a massive global conspiracy! things got pretty heated - and it was really interesting to see how passionately some people oppose efforts to combat climate change. In the UK, the press treat climate change in a relatively sensible way, but in the USA the media coverage can be far more negative.

I also managed to see a talk by the US delegation - Republicans and Democrats on the panel both agreed that the Climate Change debate is unfairly influenced the media by a vocal minority on the right who want to derail efforts to the talks. What I don't understand is why moderate republicans don't get together for a joint press statement and say that people on the radical right are telling massive untruths which are harming negotiations.

On Monday there was a surprise announcement from Canada that they were going to make big cuts in their carbon emissions - everyone was a bit shocked. Sadly, it turns out that it was a hoax (they fooled the Washington Post) by 'The Yes Men' - a group who have made lots of false, but hopeful, statements on the behalf of polluting companies in the past. Take a look at some of their videos on Youtube .

I heard (though I wasn't able to get in) that there was a big meeting of world Mayors yesterday and Boris Johnson was there - one of my friends managed to get in to see Arnold Schwarzenegger who is here for a big meeting of Governors. World leaders started arriving yesterday - hopefully they will help speed up negotiations so that there will be a deal by Friday.

Now I'm off to see a speech by US Senator (and former Presidential candidate John Kerry). I'll let you know how it went later!

Live from Copenhagen Climate Conference

I'm writing this after being in a session on melting ice caps in Greenland with Al Gore and ministers from the Danish Government. It is incredible to be here with so many things going on and so many people from all over the world who want to do something to limit the effects of climate change.

We were shown some very recent scientific research which shows that estimated sea level rises and ice melt rates are way too low. You can see a copy of the report I picked up here.

I've also been to some sessions on deforestation in the Amazon (REDD - a word that I've seen a lot here means Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation - basically trying to protect forests) and how different UN agencies are working with indigenous people to help protect the forests. In some areas they are using new technology like Smart phones with Google Maps to send quick images of illegal deforestation.

I found out that one talks have been suspended after some of the delegates walked out.

The venue, the Bella Center, is massive - but it's still not big enough to hold everyone who wants to attend. I managed to get in early this morning, but by around 8.30 the doors were shut and people had to wait in line outside in the cold. I've just heard that some people waited for 4 hours in the queue, but then gave up. Later on this week fewer and fewer people are going to be able to attend. The place only has enough space for 15,000 people - and with all of the heads of state arriving soon - they are trying to make it less crowded.

If the Bella Center is closed, lots of people will head over to the People's Climate Conference 'Kilmaforum' in central Copenhagen. There are some great people there and some really interesting events - yesterday I spoke to some people about different ways of getting young people interested in Climate Change (we put different ideas together on massive sheets of paper) - making things fun and attracting people who wouldn't usually be interested.

That's certainly what the people who run 'The Stupid Show' and 'The fossil of the day' are doing. Have a look at their sites for live streams and the latest videos.

Also, I have to recommend the film '8'. The Danish Film Institute are showing films with an environmental theme every night during the conference and having discussions with great speakers like Al Gore and IPCC Chairman, Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri . '8' is a collection of short film (by some famous directors) each based on one of the UN's millenium development goals.

Off to see what else is going on!

The Wave and Copenhagen: Day One

The Wave

Around 40,000 people joined in with 'The Wave' on Saturday. I was there along with a good number of UNYSA-UK and UNA-UK members (including Executive Director Sam Daws). A special thanks has to go out to Morris Marah who managed to get a massive crowd chanting our slogan 'SEAL THE DEAL in Copenhagen'.
We walked from Grosvenor Square to circle the Houses of Parliament. The atmosphere was incredible - there was singing, dancing and lots of blue face paint. I saw people of all ages dressed in blue: elderly people, parents with their young children sitting on their shoulders blowing whistles - someone I know even saw the Environment Minister Ed Milliband joining in! (though he declined blue face paint)

The Thick of It's Malcolm Tucker (Peter Capaldi) also turned up to help persuade world leaders to make an effective deal (anyone who has seen the show knows that he usually gets his way!).
In the papers

First, the Guardian and 52 other newspapers teamed up (for the first time ever!) to deliver a joint front page editorial warning world leaders that they only have 'Fourteen days to seal history's judgement on this generation'.

Next, the BBC has some great coverage of the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference. Keep checking for the latest updates. You can also see live coverage from 12noon every day of the conference on OneClimate.net

Finally, take a look at the winning entries to the 'One minute to save the world' short film competition (3 minutes have passed since the Madonna/Justin Timberlake song ended!).

The world faces a climate crisis: Can we fix it? Observer: Yes...if we act now

The title of this thread is my summery of a good comment article in the Observer yesterday. A number of climate change experts gave their views on whether we can avert 'climate crisis'. It's pretty interesting as the commentators come from different parts of the world: from the Maldives (which would be underwater if the sea rises even slightly) to China, the US, the UK and a researcher in the Arctic.

This morning the Guardian asks... Copenhagen: Deal or No Deal? to another pair of experts.

And as you get ready to open your advent calenders - here's a nice countdown to Copenhagen timeline. Not long now, so I thought I'd show you my Christmas climate change message (above).

Campaigns Conference Success / Art with a message

Last Saturday I went along to the UNYSA campaign conference. It was great to see so many people who were enthusiastic about taking on 'the two greatest threats facing the world': nuclear proliferation and climate change.

The Youth Council would like to give a special thanks to everyone at Leicester University United Nations Society for being such excellent hosts, and to our two speakers, Tim Kellow from UNA-UK and Kate Lyons from Global Action Plan.

Everyone who attended was given a copy of our campaigns packs: STOP THE SPREAD (on Nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament) and SEAL THE DEAL (on Climate Change). Both packs are crammed full of fun campaigning ideas - from running a film night to painting campaigns T-shirts. Click here for a free download of STOP THE SPREAD and SEAL THE DEAL.

You can find out more about how the conference went on our website.

One of the best things about the conference was meeting so many people great people who shared an interest in the UN and international affairs. At the end of the day we managed to get everyone together to do a Wave (you can see the video here) to get ready the big event in London. I'll be painting a banner this week and would love to see some others!

Speaking of getting arty, I saw this instalation (top photo) in the shape of a mushroom cloud by Subodh Gupta in a magazine. It's currently in Brisbane, so not much chance of me seeing it for real, but it got me thinking about other works of art with a message. Has anyone else seen good Climate Change / Nuclear non-proliferation artwork?

Our friends at Global Action Plan told me about COP Art : the idea is that you upload any of your art with an environmental flavour and it could be shown in Copenhagen.

Obama is going to Copenhagen

Today we found out that Obama is going to Copenhagen (and so am I, though sadly not at the same time!) and he will be bringing a proposal to cut US emissions by 17% by 2020.

As the New York Times says, 'first time in more than a decade that an American administration has offered even a tentative promise to reduce production of climate-altering gases' - so it's a big step forward.

Obama will be in Copenhagen on the 9th December, the day before he picks up the Nobel Prize from nearby Oslo. Critics are worried that Obama won't be around at the end of the conference to meet with other world leaders and help broker a deal.

If anyone is interested in America's efforts to become more environmentally friendly, you should watch This World: Can Obama Save The Planet (on bbc iplayer). It's pretty good fun, but only available for the next 7days.

Something else for you to look at, I found a good section on Copenhagen from the New Statesman a few weeks ago. Take a look, there are loads of good articles. The only thing that slightly spoils it is the adverts from oil companies stressing their 'green' credentials!

Copenhagen Preparation

The papers have been talking down the prospects of a legally binding deal at Copenhagen for ages. Now it seems like they were right. Slow progress on Climate Change legislation through the US Senate, as well as at international preparation meetings mean that we'll have to wait longer for internationally binding carbon reduction targets.

But all is not lost. The Kyoto deal took a long time after the conference had finished to take shape and an important political deal can still be made at the Copenhagen Climate Conference. The legal pact would then come in 2010.

This news comes as I just received confirmation of my accommodation in Copenhagen. I'll be staying with local volunteers thanks to New Life Copenhagen - an excellent initiative aimed at dealing with the shortage of accommodation in Copenhagen during the conference by encouraging local people to let delegates stay with them. Its great that so many people have volunteered to have someone stay in their houses and I'm really looking forward to meeting my host.

The psychology of climate change

Adam Corner's article in the Guardian made interesting, if slightly depressing reading. His argument is that most people won't change their lifestyle to become more environmentally friendly until they see that climate change will effect them directly. So he says we should try to make climate change seem more visible (people respond more to phrases like 'air pollution' than 'climate change' because it's easier to imagine).

What he says makes sense. But it's sad to think that some people may not be bothered about climate change until the river banks have burst and the water is flowing under their kitchen door. Aren't the increasingly regular reports of extreme weather conditions around the world visible enough? The severe drought in some areas and massive floods in others? What about the effects of hurricane Katrina and the thousands of people that it effects (some of whom are still trying to get their lives back together). What about the flooding in many areas of the UK in summer 2007 - was that not close enough either?

Adam Corner went on to argue that we should be setting ourselves goals (like catching public transport on a certain day) and that by making plans we are more likely to achieve them. He gives the example of catching a bus one day a week, planning that you may need more time to do this and so setting an earlier alarm or having a quick shower. All pretty obvious stuff, but if it can help people do their bit then it must be a good thing.

Thankfully more and more people recognise climate change as a very visible issue and are working hard to cut down on their carbon footprints. Campaigns like 10:10 are doing great work and making it easier for people to plan how to do their bit on step at a time. If you haven't signed up yet why not have a look at their website?

STOP THE SPREAD campaign featured in New World Magazine

Flicking through my copy of 'New World Magazine' I noticed that our STOP THE SPREAD campaign is featured! The full version of the latest issue can be downloaded here for free.

It features are report by UNYSA-UK President Nick Boucher about his trip to South Korea and also has a photo of Hans Blix handing us an award for the campaign! (we were all so pleased!).

There's also some information about how you can get involved in this years lobby for the UN day. Surprisingly enough, this year the lobby will be about nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and climate change.

And why not support the campaign on Twitter?

New Nuclear Weapons Film

I've just had a look at the new nuclear weapons documentary by 'The Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission'. It's pretty good for giving an overview of why we should be disarming and what the big problems are. You can view a shortened version of the film on their website.

If you're involved with a United Nations Association Branch why not order a copy to run as part of a film night? Maybe it could be part of a double-bill with Dr Strangelove? (great film!).

The New York Times has a pretty good article on America's decision to remove missiles from Eastern Europe. Basically they're saying that it demonstrates the USA's willingness to move towards nuclear disarmament. It's an interesting theory and the timing is very similar.

I also got sent this fictional news story about nuclear weapons in 'The Onion' (a US satirical paper). It's quite fun, so you might enjoy it.

UN Security Council agrees to work towards nuclear disarmament

This week Barack Obama became the first sitting US President in history to chair the UN Security Council. Now, that's pretty special in itself, but even better - Obama used the occasion to highlight the importance of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.

It's great to see that Obama is willing to work with other countries to come to an agreement. President Bush threw away his chance to strengthen the non-proliferation treaty - we can't let that happen again. The non-proliferation treaty is in a fragile state. Countries which were supposed to disarm haven't done so and a number of new countries have developed weapons since the treaty was signed. If nothing is done it's likely that the non-proliferation treaty will crumble and more and more countries will feel the need to develop nuclear weapons.

It's clear that Obama's approach is working - the UN Security Council unanimously adopted his resolution calling for nuclear disarmament. The US and Russia have annouced plans to cut down their nuclear stockpiles and earlier on this week UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced that he would be cutting down on the number of British nuclear submarines. These are all steps forward, but there are many more to go.

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UK to cut down on nuclear subs

Today is an exciting day for anyone who want a world free of nuclear weapons. In the UK Gordon Brown has said that he will scrap one of Britain's nuclear submarines. And in the US, Barack Obama has addressed the UN to promote nuclear non-proliferation treaty. It's a start and a good sign that the UK is serious about working towards a world free of nuclear weapons, but there is certainly loads more work to be done.

Send a message to world leaders by signing the Global Zero petition.

Have a look at this link for more on Gordon Brown's non-proliferation speech.

And here to see what the UK foreign secretary, David Miliband, had to say about reducing the number of British Nuclear submarines.

What do people think about nuclear weapons?

We're interested in what you think about nuclear weapons and would like to conduct a survey to find out.

Lots of people have said that the public, and particularly young people, don't see nuclear weapons as an important issue right now. Since the end of the Cold War interest has declined - ban the bomb groups used to attract huge numbers of people to their rallies.

Here's a survey the International Campaign Against Nuclear Weapons made. Are there any other questions you think we should ask in our survey?

Perhaps some people my sort of age (early 20s) and younger don't think nuclear weapons are important as they don't really remember the Cold War and the fear it caused?

I really don't want to get back to that ever-present sense of dread. This is why non-proliferation and disarmament are so important right NOW. Obama's desire for a world free of nuclear weapons is an excellent springboard for the nuclear non-proliferation review conference next year.

Nick's message from South Korea

Here's what Nick Boucher, the President of the United Nations Youth and Students UK had to say about his time in South Korea so far...

I have safely landed in Seoul this morning after many hours of travel. The day began with an interesting bus journey from the airport (INC) to the hotel. Seoul is quite unique, especially in the amount of constant construction going on and very tall and clustered buildings, indeed amazing to look at. It is definitely a city that is very alive with culture and tradition!

Tim (YPN) and I met with Sam Daws (UNA-UK Executive Director) as well as with other WFUNA and WFUNA-youth delegates and members. It was good to see everyone, and we look forward to meeting the rest of the delegation. The weather in Seoul is very hot and humid at the moment, leaving to adventures out into town further limited by jetlag :-)

However, we did meet with a group of other delegates for dinner at the Seoul Tower, overlooking the city. Tomorrow we are meeting for an informal event with all present youth delegates and are looking forward to the start of the Plenary Assembly on Monday. The schedule is fully packed!

There is a lot that will come out of this conference, and we hope to work better with other UNYA's and continue to share common goals with them! Back in th UK, the Youth Council is currently preparing for Fresher's Fayre, and have available information on the Educations Outreach programme, which allows us to better inform younger people about the UN and opportunities to get involved. Please email us at unysa.uk@gmail.com for further information.

Filled with hope

I've just got back from Wilton Park - an incredible stately home in the middle of the country - with a massive sense of hope for the future.

I, along with and around 40 other young people from all over the world, spent the week there Park for the Atlantic Youth forum. The event is basically a chance to meet people from different countries, learn about their views, cultures and discuss some of the most pressing world issues. I can't recommend it highly enough, if you ever get a chance to go you should take it - you will meet some of friendliest, most impressive people you've ever spoken to and have loads of fun.

We discussed and debated important world issues such as US foreign policy, world migration, enlargement of the European Union and Nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. We also managed to visit the Houses of Parliament, the US embassy and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (all in one day - it required an early morning wake up).

For me it was great to see that so many young people cared about nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. We had a talk from experts, followed by a mass of questions - everyone seemed to agree that we are at a key point where something has to be done to prevent further proliferation and that we should be working towards disarmament. It's not often that you get to speak to people from the US State Department AND the UK Foreign Office about how young people can help promote non-proliferation and disarmament - but that’s what I was able to do.

It's so important that young people around the world spread the message about nuclear weapons - their effects and the dangers of proliferation. If the participants of the Non-proliferation review conference are as enthusiastic as the people at the Atlantic Youth forum we should all have hope.

All planned out

Time has really flown by. We started the campaign in early June and now we're in August. We've finished putting together our 'STOP THE SPREAD' campaign plan (coming to a freshers fair near you) and Nick is off to South Korea at the end of the week!

I've just read that North Korea is now open for talks over its nuclear weapons. This is a massive step forward from testing nuclear weapons last month.

This is another great article - songs on nuclear weapons as suggested by Guardian readers. They've got pretty good taste! If you can think of any more we'd love to hear from you!

Comedy and campaigning

I've been browsing around on YouTube and found some great comedy videos on nuclear disarmament. You might think that it's a bit weird to mix comedy and nuclear weapons, but it is really effective.

Check out these songs by Weird Al Yankovic and Tom Lerher.

I hope you enjoy them - if you find anything else with a nuclear theme it would be great if you could send us a link!

I'm beginning to think that comedy is one of the best methods of raising awareness for a campaign. It makes complex issues really accessible and entertaining. Anyone who doesn't believe me should check out some of Tina Fey's sketches on last year's US election!

We've just about got a campaign plan document together. It's taken ages, but hopefully it will help lots more people get interested in disarmament and non-proliferation.

House of Lords Non-proliferation event

Yesterday I went along to a nuclear non-proliferation event at the House of Lords. The Houses of Parliament are so impressive - once you've told policemen why you're there, gone through security, and been given an identity card to put round your neck - it's possible to wander through most areas, browsing at the huge paintings, statues and halls dating back hundreds of years.

You can stand in the central lobby of parliament, watching MPs, Lords and various staff walk from place to place. I even managed to see Gordon Brown (though he was in the back of a car while I waited to cross the road).

Yes, Parliament is an impressive place. I'm pleased it's open enough to be used for public meetings. The Nuclear Disarmament conference was open to the public and there were a good number of people there - quite a few young people too : )

A number of speakers talked about different aspects of non-proliferation. Lord Hannay (former UK ambassador to the UN) clearly laid out the prospects for success at the non-proliferation treaty review conference - due to be held next year. Other speakers including the Russian ambassador and a BBC journalist, were similarly optimistic about the coming years. Everyone agreed that Obama's change of policy was a massive step forward and that the Bush administration had been holding non-proliferation agreements back (In 2005 the nuclear review conference couldn't even agree an agenda!).

In the question and answer session I built up enough courage to ask the panel whether they think the issue of nuclear non-proliferation is being well presented to young people and the general public. And also, ideas for improving public awareness.

All of the panel agreed that the issue wasn't being presented well enough. Lord Hannay said that it's really important to use simple language - the debate is too full of jargon, when it's actually a pretty simple issue. The BBC journalist said that the reason we don't see a quality debate in the media is that no-one is making the case for keeping nuclear weapons.

Later, the panelists spoke about how ordinary people had an important role in bringing nuclear disarmament. They all said writing letters to your MP really helps. It would be great to organise a big letter writing campaign - like Amnesty International. I've been working on a sheet with tips on how to write a good letter to your MP - I'll put it up here when it's done.

I enjoyed the conference and was encouraged by what the speakers had to say. They were all very pleased by young people being involved and very keen that more people find out about the issue. Let's hope the STOP THE SPREAD campaign can help.

Your Man in South Korea

Nick, the President of UNYSA, is off to South Korea in August. He's flying out to take part in a meeting of UN youth organisations from around the world and discuss nuclear disarmament.

This is an amazingly exciting opportunity. Wouldn't it be great if we can make some contacts with other youth groups and be part of a world-wide campaign. The location of the conference is pretty cool too. I've never been to South Korea, but it looks like a really interesting place. Nuclear Weapons are massive issue there because of the proximity to and history with North Korea.

As Nick will be representing young people in the UK we want to hear what YOU think about Nuclear weapons. Do we need them? Do you think the world can disarm? What are your hopes for the future?

We've made a YouTube video (featuring Nick) to encourage people to get in touch. It's pretty cool - Morris, another member of the Youth Council, studies film as part of his degree. How lucky we are to have so many talented people working for a world free of nuclear weapons.

Public want to disarm

Things are moving quickly. I've just seen a story in the Guardian saying that 54% of people in the UK want us to get rid of all of our Nuclear Weapons.

This is a massive change from three years ago, when most people wanted to upgrade our weapons. This is great news - but what's changed?

Maybe it's Obama's efforts to work towards a world free of nuclear weapons. Maybe it's the economic crisis and the fact that replacing Trident would cost over £20 billion up front and lots more later. Or maybe it's a desire for peace after so many wars.

Whatever the reason, it's clear the people of the UK want a world free of nuclear weapons.

Youthful ideas

I've just been reading the New York Times section in the Observer. It had pretty much the best leading article I could have hoped for...'A Nuclear-Free Vision' and a large image of two people sawing down a mushroom cloud.

The article went on to say how Obama's vision of a world free of nuclear weapons is influenced by his time at University and how he was a young campaigner. The young Obama didn't go along with the prevailing view that the world could keep on building more and more weapons - he was calling for disarmament. For me, it's great to see how what some people would have called Obama's 'youthful idealism' is now a major influence to a massive worldwide campaign. It's great to have hope.

This weekend I was talking to another talented young person. Eldee creates really good animations - this one is great! - and he's only 13. He's now working on a STOP THE SPREAD animation for the campaign. I can't wait to see it!

Wearing the message

Yesterday Malia Obama set a great example to young people around the world when she wore an anti-nuclear weapons T-shirt to accompany her rather famous dad to the G8 summit in Italy.

Malia is only 11 and she's actively supporting nuclear non-proliferation. I hope other young people follow her lead!

President Obama has encouraged both of his daughters to stand up for what they believe in - last year he wrote them an open letter which said, "It is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realise your true potential."

It must be extremely difficult for Barack Obama, being the President and a dad - trying to protect his daughters, helping them to have a relatively normal life while also allowing them to express themselves and make their own choices.

Continuing on the T-shirt theme, my sister has finished painting a 'STOP THE SPREAD' T-Shirt for me. She's extremely talented! Have a look here. If you fancy making one we'd love to see the results!

US and Russia agree to cut down on nukes

President Obama has been pretty impressive so far. I know lots of people say that anyone who followed George W would look good, but Obama isn't just doing well he's doing great!

Obama's latest success came yesterday when he and President Medvedev of Russia agreed to work on a new non-proliferation treaty and cut down their stockpiles by about a third.

Our STOP THE SPREAD campaign is also going pretty well (ok not as impressive as Obama's work, but we're getting there!). At one point in Obama's speech to mark the occasion he said 'we need to Stop the spread'. I wonder if we will be able to use that clip in one of our videos? : )

Today I also found out that we've been given the go ahead to run a reception before a House of Lords debate on the future of nuclear weapons. This is pretty exciting stuff - I hope you can join us!

How many nukes are aimed at you?

This is a pretty scary tool. The Guardian have provided the wonderfully named nuke-o-meter. All you do is enter the name of your town and country and it will tell you exactly how many nuclear weapons are in range of your house.

Someone living in London lives under the shadow of 7728 missiles.

I've just heard that the USA and Russia have agreed a text on how to cut down on nuclear weapons. Lets hope Obama's meeting with Medvedev goes well. It could make us all a bit safer.

Moral Mazes

It's great that the debate about nuclear weapons has been getting quite a bit of press recently.

Today, I listened to BBC radio 4's debate on the moral argument for nuclear weapons. It was an interesting program - you can listen to it here for the next week. A number of guests, both for and against nuclear weapons, spoke passionately about the morality of developing and firing nuclear arms and replacing trident.

While listening I was also drawing up campaign logos (featuring toast with different buttery words) to be used in our first campaign video. All very exciting!

We wanted to make a video to encourage young people all around the country to get in touch with our president, Nick, before his upcoming visit to a Nuclear non-proliferation conference in South Korea. He will be YOUR representative, so why not get in touch with your views on nuclear non-proliferation.

Cold War Lessons

Today I met a friend of mine in town. He's in his late 80s and suffering from Alzheimer’s, but always stops to talks to me. He has led an amazing life.

To start with, he was one of the first people to work on Nuclear weapons, but also a founding member of the Oxford University Humanist foundation. He told me that he believed that the best way to prevent war at the time was to have a nuclear deterrent. This was what the Cold War was about.

There were 'at the brink' moments when world leaders debated whether to use the weapons or not. It got so close (the Cuban Missile crisis). I'm just pleased that when it came to it those in power thought better of killing thousands of people. It would have been world war three (and perhaps the end of the world).

It is wonderful that the Cold War is over now, but we should not forget it. There is so much we can learn from people who lived through the Cold War. Speak to your parents, your grandparents and ask them how they felt. I'm going to try and sit down with my friend, write up an interview and find out what he thinks about non-proliferation. You'll be the first to read it.

Greenham Common: photos from an ex-Nuclear base

Here are the photos I took on Saturday up at Greenham Common. It's an ex-U.S. airbase which was used up until the end of the Cold War. It was eventually returned to the public as common land at the end of the 1990s, but the bunkers, stores and big lumps of concrete are still there.

I was chatting to someone who used to work at the base today. It made me remember passing by and seeing the protesters in their caravans outside. There were always people there, for years and years in all weather. You can read about the history of the camp here.

Mum says that she remembers massive U.S. planes flying over her school field in the middle of lacrosse practice. They were so loud that mum and her friends couldn't hear the teacher shouting instructions (must have been very loud!) so they all just stood there until it passed.

I've spoken to a number of people about how they felt during the Cuban Missile crisis ("we didn't know whether we would wake up in the morning"), but I can't begin to imagine the real sense of fear which so many people had to live with during the cold war.

Earlier this week the BBC reported the release of secret public information films which would have been released in the event of a Nuclear launch. It's chilling to think about, especially typing this only a few miles from what would have been one of the biggest U.S. airbases in the country.

Nothing says it like toast

I've never thought of toast as a way of campaigning, but there's a first time for everything.

This evening I've been in the kitchen trying to write messages on slices of bread. It may sound weird, but I'm planning on using the results for a photo storyboard for a campaign video idea I had earlier today. Click here to see the results. The idea popped into my head on the way to work so I scribbled it down. Morris, another member of the youth council studies film at uni, so hopefully he can help create some impressive campaign videos.

Drawing on bread is harder than you'd think. Pressing into the toast with a knife works pretty well - after it's been toasted a reasonably clear message can be made out (though I found out it looks better in reverse). I'll keep working on it!

I also managed to do the slightly more serious job of creating a rough campaign timeline (it's all colour coded and organised).

Brainstorming

I made some of my logo sketches into designs on the computer. They took ages, but I’m quite pleased with them : )

We had a long Skype meeting followed by a good brainstorming session for the campaign. Here’s some of the things we came up with.

• Film Nights (Dr Strangelove, Thirteen Days, The Hunt For Red October) – any more suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
• T-Shirt design sessions (we thought it would be a great excuse for everyone to have a bit of fun, be creative and raise awareness as they wander around campus in their creations for a day).
• A competition for members to write or express why Nuclear Non-proliferation should be a main concern of the British Government this year (with different categories - essays, paintings, posters and videos / songs).
• Informative workshops – with campaigners on the issue (perhaps from groups like CND) speaking to members and a chance to ask them questions.
• Round table event: with a number of experts and a big speaker.

My sister agreed to paint an example T-shirt. I’m looking forward to seeing it!

Searching for inspiration

I woke up early and searched the internet for Nuclear Non-proliferation information. There are loads of petitions, resources and videos on non-proliferation out there.

Here’s a petition for a nuclear free world and here is the Nuclear weapons section of Obama’s Prague speech.

After dropping my sister off at work I set off for Greenham Common to get some more inspiration. Greenham is an ex-US army air base where they kept Nuclear weapons during the Cold War. I managed to get a few photos of the site, it’s really odd that an army base is now being used as a nature reserve, somewhere for people to come and cycle or walk their dogs.

The big meeting

Today was our first big youth council meeting. We’ve had regular meetings on Skype for a while now, but it’s not the same as seeing everyone. We met at UNA HQ in London - a very impressive building – and discussed our plans for the year.

The UNA staff were friendly and spoke to us about lots of exciting opportunities for the year ahead. We had loads to discuss, so when we had to leave the building at six we moved to a nearby café and carried on.

We decided that Nuclear Non-Proliferation should be one of our main campaigns this year (we’ll be sending out a campaigns survey to members shortly to see which other issues they’d most like to campaign on). UNA-UK are keen on campaigning on Nuclear Non-proliferation and WFUNA Youth (the world organisation of United Nations Youth organisations) are running a campaigns competition with the chance to present a campaign plan to a UN conference in Mexico.

There is a real mood for reducing the number of nuclear arms around the world. In his Prague speech earlier this year, President Obama called for a nuclear free world. Since then there have been signals that the US and Russia are working on an agreement to seriously reduce their nuclear stockpiles. However, it certainly won’t be easy - North Korea tested Nuclear weapons this year and there are concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme.

It was a long day and I got back pretty late. I managed to jot down a few ideas for events and posters. Things kept popping up in my head – it was difficult to get to sleep.