GREG POWELL, 30 JUL 2010

Until about six months ago, the world's population was poised for big action on climate change. Citizens around the globe wanted more action from their governments. Canada's federal government was facing pressure from all sides to take the lead on reducing emissions in Canada and support vulnerable countries as they adapt to changes already taking place. Canada was seen as a "villain" for not taking stronger action. But now, cynicism and resentment seem to have replaced hope and enthusiasm among concerned citizens. And for a government whose ideologies are pitted perfectly against the critical elements of combatting climate change (respecting science, creating new regulations, 'interfering' with business and encouraging behaviour change), this period of dormant climate justice activism is a gift. But climate change opponents shouldn't get too comfortable because the warm coals are rekindling.

In the late months of 2009 leading up to the Conference of the Parties in Copenhagen, the climate justice movement had become the biggest social movement in history. (After finishing Adam Hochschild's Bury the Chains about the abolition of slavery in the British empire, I have a much greater appreciation for this feat.) 350.org's international day of action on climate change inspired people in 5,200 actions in 181 countries to express their concern for the looming climatic changes, which are now well underway. I witnessed an entire population of active citizens literally 'taking it to the streets' to urge elected officials to assume their responsibilities and reach a global deal to reduce emissions and finance adaptation in poor countries. Instead, Canada and other countries successfully led a charge to reach a global deal to maintain the business as usual emissions trajectory.  The movement did succeed, however, in achieving some fast-start financing for low-income countries to adapt. Ultimately, though, Copenhagen feels like a huge defeat and the hundreds of thousands (millions?) of climate activists seem to still be licking their wounds in hiding.

The question now is how we rekindle the movement. Has this single (albeit significant) defeat defused an entire movement? Were the world wide public demonstrations merely part of a trend? Is climate change no longer a concern?

Ultimately, the answers to these questions will become evident in the next few months. Last year's efforts successfully engaged thousands/millions of people who remember how to be active and may just be waiting for the right time and the right situation. Maybe the Conference of the Parties in Mexico (COP16) will give cause to organize. Planning for 350.org's 10/10/10 campaign is well underway in 116 countries and may well show up last year's day of action.

The French Revolution only really materialized once French citizens had a taste of what could be. When we get a taste of what could be - more power in the hands of citizens, more policies to aggressively take on climate change - I am confident that the period of climate action dormancy will quickly come to a halt. If there really is a social movement under foot, and I believe there is, the power shifting will resume soon. Get ready to hit the streets.