#COP21: Ok to kiss but not to protest in Paris

PARIS, France –  Negotiators from 195 countries deliver a draft climate agreement on Saturday, December 5, amid tight security in the wake of the Paris attacks.

Voltaire Tupaz reports.

In Paris, you can kiss, light a candle, leave your shoes on a public square.

But you can’t march to protest against global warming. 

The French government bans protests as it hosts a crucial climate change conference.

This is a moving installation here at Place de la Republique. Environmental activists and their supporters who are not allowed to protest here in the wake of the terror attacks left notes with their shoes to speak for them and to support a city that is still in shock.” 

Thousands of shoes stand for the protesters who could not mass up for big actions as world leaders, negotiators, and observers gather for a two-week summit.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon leaves a pair of sneakers in solidarity.

Former Filipino climate change negotiator Yeb Saño, who walked from Rome to Paris to dramatize his call for an ambitious pact, places his shoes beside the Pope’s. 

YEB SANO, FORMER CLIMATE CHANGE NEGOTIATOR:

It was a bug humbling honor for me, to be able to do that because it symbolizes a lot of things specially standing “beside Pope Farncis” in this difficult time and also standing up, calling for climate justice. That was one of the most powerful experiences for us on this journey.”

A 65-year-old grandfather visits this square.

Here the iconic Parisian monument that represents liberty, equality, and fraternity stands.

 YVES ALLARD, PARIS RESIDENT:

I read all the messages. These messages were very very kind to us. I approve all those who came here to see.” 

Much of the square is now clear as negotiators from 195 countries deliver a draft text on December 5, day 6 of the talks that seek to keep the rise of global temperature at bay. 

COMMISISONER EMMANUEL DE GUZMAN, CLIMATE CHANGE COMMISSION 

Importante ang temperature goal na yan kase based on science, beyond 1.5, marami nang isla ang lulubog.

(The goal on the temperature is important because based on Science, beyond 1.5-degrees Celsius, many islands will be submerged.)

Days and nights here are cold, but protesters are turning the heat up on negotiators and decision-makers.

In the past, climate talks were marked by intense protests on the sidelines as negotiators debate on a deal that’s often watered down. That’s not happening here in a city placed on high alert after the November 13 terror attacks. What we see here are muted actions and empty shoes, silently marching for a strong deal that will save the world from global warming.

Voltaire Tupaz, Rappler, Paris. – Rappler.com