Tell Merkel to be a climate leader again

UPDATE - 12 DECEMBER 2008 : Today's EU decision failed to achieve what was needed -- but had it not been for a massive public outcry, it would have been even worse. In the final hours, under intense pressure from her own citizens and people around the world, Chancellor Merkel scaled back her demands for loopholes that would have resulted in millions of tonnes of C02 emissions and handouts to heavy industry. The EU climate package is deeply flawed--but at the same time, it's an important reminder of the power of ordinary people to shape the decisions of their leaders. More than 200,000 Avaaz members, including more than ten thousand in Germany, have participated in actions targeting Merkel over the last ten days, including: * signing massive petitions delivered to German and European officials in Brussels and Poznan * helping to organize a demonstration in Warsaw during Merkel's climate discussions with Polish prime minister Donald Tusk * sending tens of thousands of personal messages submitted through Merkel's public comment website * making thousands of small contributions to fund public opinion polls that demonstrated the German public's support for climate leadership and belief that combatting climate change is more likely to help than to hinder the economy *funding a satirical four-page advertisement in the newspaper distributed at the Poznan UN climate negotiations. The ad was covered internationally and by German media. Avaaz members around the world will campaign throughout 2009. Our aim? A global climate agreement that contains: - A Global Target – informed by the latest science, bold enough to prevent catastrophe. - Fair Shares – everyone must do their part, those who've polluted most must change most. - Funding and Technology – huge new flows are needed for survival and success. - The Force to Deliver – practical plans, inventive ideas, binding targets and enforcement. .................................................................. Last year Chancellor Merkel presented herself as a climate hero, vowing to cut greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy and establish a robust Emissions Trading Scheme. This time around, at the UN climate talks in Poland, Merkel is undermining the negotiations. Without her support, the EU climate package will likely fail, and with it the crucial global climate talks. But there is still hope, if Chancellor Merkel -- who is highly sensitive to her international reputation -- receives thousands of messages from around the world urging her to maintain a strong commitment to climate change, we'll have a chance to influence the final climate deal that will be agreed at the end of this week.

Climate Protest outside the Polish Prime Minister's Residence, Tuesday 9 December 2008

Send your personal message to Merkel (below are some talking points you can refer to), then use our Tell-A-Friend tool to spread the word to your friends and family. We would also encourage you to ring her office using the number below.

Please scroll down to use the official webform and send your message!

(Please note, the webform may be slow due to heavy traffic, please be patient after hitting send below)

What to say - suggestions:

Here are some talking points that you can use for your emails or calls. Remember personalised communications are always far more effective than if you ‘cut and paste’.

Ask the Chancellor to show climate leadership at the global and EU climate talks this week. You may wish to remind her of the following:

• Strong German support for Action - According to an Avaaz YouGov Opinon Poll (5-8 December 2008) 85% of Germans agreed that "Germany should show leadership in securing a strong climate agreement for the EU despite the economic downturn"
• Invest in Green Growth - A strong global climate package, will help both achieve a green recovery from the economic crisis, by creating green jobs and strengthening the economy, as well as avert climate chaos
• Emission Trading Scheme - Germany should not attempt to secure free permits for its polluting industries, these industries must take responsability for their contribution to climate change
• Promote Green Technology - Germany has a proud tradition of technology innovation and has significant potential to lead in its development going forward
• Protect Vulnerable Populations - The interests of the planet, the people and the most vulnerable populations worldwide should be the primary concern in the current negotiations and should be protected by a global agreement

If you haven't already signed our global climate petition, please do so here: http://www.avaaz.org/en/europe_climate_poll/