 |
|
|
-
Update: Corinna left for Copenhagen on Sunday evening and
will be blogging on her experiences while she is there. Keep
posted to http://embraceyourworld.ca/index.php?q=climate-change for all the updates.
Young Woman
Making Global Decisions
NSAC's Corinna Taylor to be a delegate at United Nations Climate
Change Conference in Copenhagen in December.
If you were told that one person from your community was
about to be a part of decisions that would affect the entire
world,
what would you think? What would you think if that person
was 23 years-old, a new mother and a master’s student?
NSAC’s Corinna Taylor has been chosen as a delegate to
the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen
(COP15) from Dec. 7 – 18. This recent B.Sc grad and
M.Sc. student will be one of the only Atlantic Canadian representatives
of the International Federation of Liberal Youth.
“I still find it really hard to believe!” says Corinna.
But, then again, between juggling recent mid terms, volunteering
for the Ecology Action Center, Clean Nova Scotia, being an
active member with the Living Earth Council, caring for her
ten-month old daughter and now scrambling to raise $5,000,
she hasn’t had a lot of spare time to sit and think
about the once in a lifetime opportunity.
“The fact that she is a new mother who took on the challenge
of starting her masters in September, let alone putting herself
out there for this opportunity, really shows Corinna’s
strength of character,” says Dr. Gordon Price, researcher
at NSAC. “This is the type of person who can make change
and push to make things better.”
 All issues surrounding climate change will be discussed at
the Copenhagen conference, which is being described as “crucial”.
The goal is to establish a global agreement with all countries
of the world. In support of this goal, the host country has
guaranteed that all food provided at the conference will
be a minimum of 65 per cent organic, including fair trade
coffee
and tea. In addition, virtual conferencing is being provided
to limit travel and foster global inclusiveness.
“I’ve been feeling very overwhelmed since I found out,” says
Corinna. “When I applied to go, I thought ‘yeah
right’. Even though this is something I’m really
passionate about, I figured filling out the application would
simply be good practice.”
Taylor will have lots to offer at the conference. For her masters
she is researching waste management. More specifically, returning
nutrients into the ground as an alternative energy source.
“Corinna’s research here is definitely supportive of what
will be talked about at COP15,” says Dr. Price. While
he hopes she’ll gain knowledge that will help with her
research, he also looks forward to hearing about her experiences
in general. “It'll be great to have Corinna provide her
perspective on the discussions around global climate change
issues,” he says. “She'll be able to come back
and share the concerns of people from around the world regarding
climate change in their respective countries.”
 As well as her own concerns, Corinna will also take the voices
of her community members with her to Denmark. As part of
the requirements for attending, Corinna will be holding a
town
hall event for the public to share their climate concerns.
The town hall will be held in NSAC’s Alumni Theatre
on Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.
Corinna is also required to fundraise all costs for the trip,
which is expected to be $5,000. “It’s an exciting
time, but also a bit daunting to raise that amount of money
in less than four weeks. I’m hoping that some local businesses
and organizations will offer corporate sponsorship,” she
says. Corinna hopes to raise the remainder through selling
t-shirts.
“This is an incredible experience for Corinna and NSAC,” says
Jim Goit, NSAC Executive Director, Development & External
Relations. “At NSAC we believe one person can make
a difference in the world, Corinna perfectly represents our
university
and how we stand. She will be a great voice for our community,
our country and the world.”
Amidst all of the excitement, Corinna admits the hardest
part of the whole conference will be leaving her daughter,
Sophie,
behind. “It’s not going to be easy, but she’ll
be in good hands.”
Anyone wishing to support Corinna’s journey can do
so by making cheques payable in her name and sent, C/O Eleanor
Norrie at 35 Saxby Lane, Brookside, NS, B6L 2T2.
For more information on COP15 visit cop15.dk
|
| 
|
