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In an announcement that surprised delegates and activists alike, the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today announced in Copenhagen that the US will work toward raising $100 billion to help poor countries cope with global warming. The pledge is conditional on the US’s desire to have large developing countries like China and India offer stringent emissions controls that are transparent and enforceable. Many hope that the announcement could jump start the UN Climate talks which had stalled even as the 2 week conference was drawing to a close. A major contention between nations is that poor countries want an agreement that holds any temperature increase to about 1.5 degrees Celsius, while rich countries are okay with the earth warming up to 2 degrees Celsius. One point of agreement has been reached over a deal to reimburse countries preserve their forests, which are an essential component of CO2 absorption. Meanwhile, Danish police have come under intense criticism from human rights groups in the country and outside as mainstream media like CNN are broadcasting videos of police viciously beating unarmed protesters pushed up against barricades. Several thousands of people have been detained and/or arrested since the climate talks began.

GUEST: Gopal Dayaneni, coordinator of The Movement Generation

A new documentary by veteran film makers Gerard Ungerman and Audrey Brohy called Belonging, examines the negative effects of excessive energy use on humans and the planet and shows how conservation is the only path toward long-term sustainability of the human race. It is a scientific and spiritual reflection on the environmental implications of our global industrial society. Ungerman and Brohy’s previous films include The Hidden Wars of Desert Storm, Plan Colombia, and The Oil Factor.