The Copenhagen Climate Council (CCC) today announced a momentous eleventh-hour effort to mobilize the strongest possible public mandate for an ambitious and binding agreement at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP15, in Copenhagen this December. By launching i speak earth, the CCC is encouraging citizens worldwide to take action against climate change and to share the call for action with family and friends through social media.

The i speak earth initiative lives at www.ispeakearth.com -- the focal point, an animated video voiced by actress and environmental advocate Cate Blanchett. Compelling and direct, Ms. Blanchett warns of the dangerous, irreversible changes that could face the planet if appropriate action is not taken at COP15.

"This meeting is about the future of our Earth and must establish actionable, sustainable plans to reduce carbon emissions," says Tim Flannery, chairman of the Copenhagen Climate Council. "There's been talk but little action concerning melting icecaps and rising sea levels. Now it is time for global leaders and businesses to act decisively to create a solution."

i speak earth is a simple declaration that reflects a serious concern for the future of the planet. By sharing the i speak earth video and critical messages about the risks of an unstable climate, the voice of the global online democracy has the power to reach worldwide political and business leaders. Whether through signing the PlanetCall Declaration, Facebook status updates, tweets, e-mails, and/or instant messages, global citizens can ensure that negotiations in Copenhagen reflect a new beginning in the effort to protect a habitable planet.

COP15 has been called the most important meeting of the century, and is, in fact, of great global significance as it will define the role of governments and businesses worldwide in guiding the economy onto a sustainable path. The complexity of global climate policy often leaves people confused and disengaged; however, i speak earth has the power to unite citizens worldwide and help them influence the change they seek.

Climate change is an issue that does and will affect every citizen on Earth. World leaders at COP15 must establish a replacement for the Kyoto Protocol – which expires in 2012 and is not structured to solve the dire climate change problem – that will reduce emissions over the next 10 to 15 years. If not, the opportunity to prevent global warming will be lost and the door to uncertainty will be open.

Photo credit: Justin Smith ©