Masonic Press Agency of Romania (APMR) - COP 16 - UNFCCC ------------------------------------------------------------------- español - română

Friday, December 17, 2010

Interview with the President of the World Conference of Regular Grand Lodges, Hernando OSORIO RICO

Your Excellency, President of the World Conference of Regular Grand Lodges, Brethren Hernando OSORIO RICO, the world is going through a very intense season, as it is considered that the COP16 Summit may not offer more than the COP15 in Denmark.

1. On November 29, 2010, began the COP16 Summit. The last meeting (the one in Copenhagen, Denmark) did not have the desired results of the participating countries. Do you think this meeting will bring something new in terms of Climate Change?

Climate change is a problem facing the world because it is the force of nature that is causing havoc everywhere, as a result of this phenomenon. The countries at the COP16 Summit were bound to reach agreement on this matter, for the good of humanity. Recent history shows us that the of consequences of climate change suffer not only the poor countries, though no doubt are those with fewer economic resources to cope. Those consequences have also been demonstrated in industrialized countries, which tells us that this is a problem of all at the same intensity.

As a result of this COP16 Summit necessarily will bring new measures to help avoid climate change or that it will continue sharpening. All governments need to be aware of the need to save the planet. One of the most important steps at this time is by avoiding climate change. Surely there will be countries whose economies will be more affected than others. This is because these countries have been the most influential in creating the problem. Independent of the cost of these measures have, to some more than others, is a universal need.

The COP16 |Summit took a series of decisions that have been recorded in the statement of Cancun. May think that one thing is to make decisions at a summit and another to implement them. This is true. However, one must take into account what was said at the beginning: the evil has been evident in all the countries of the world so that for all became a pressing need to avoid making decisions.

2. Last year in December, the Grand Master of United Grand Lodges of Germany (Brethren Rüdiger Templin) did not consider relevant the COP15 Report. The Grand Master asked Freemasons of Germany and in the world to begin to act each one to bring its contribution to reducing energy consumption. Do you think that Freemasons and Freemasonry can play an active role in this process apparently irreversible?

Freemasonry as an institution has a very important mission to this problem: to encourage its members awareness of environmental protection. Thanks to these incentives Masons around the world can and should play an active role to help resolve the problem created by this natural process,which is the product by human actions and their industries.

In most cases, Freemasons are natural leaders in the community. For this reason it will be quite possible to speak in favor of the environment through education, participation in government projects and studies, laws, etc.

It is therefore a good measure that Universal Freemasonry to invite all Freemasons who, as a general policy, to promote in their communities and in every different scenarios in which they act, to help generate awareness for the environment and to prevent climate change, moreover, that wherever they are promoting the implementation of global policies to help solve this problem.

3. The Grand Lodge in which you are a member is actively involved in protecting the environment? And what does regarding this?

Yes. Our Serene Grand Lodge of Colombia at Cartagena is based in part on environmental protection. It is dedicated to this activity through the actions of its members in different scenarios in which it participates. As I said before, our Grand Lodge is asking its members that in any scenario in which they are to work in favor of the environment and prevent global warming as a mechanism to avoid the disasters that have plagued us in recent days.

4. Masonry in Brazil is trying to protect the Amazon. Various Masonic organizations have implemented several projects in this regard. How effective can the relationship between state institutions and Freemasonry can be?

The relationship between state institutions and Freemasonry, for environmental protection is critical. Thanks to the activities of Freemasons they are eligible for state institutions and agencies where decisions are made on the subject. It is important that the Freemasons to be present to influence the making of these decisions in favor of environmental protection.

5. What is your vision, as a simple citizen, regarding the future of the nature on our Planet? Education is a way forward in this respect?

If I were asked to give an opinion as an ordinary citizen about the future of our planet, this view would be uncertain, it would take into account the interests of companies that feed from the ecosystem for their existence. This caution applies to oil, which can harm the environment and thus contribute to global warming (remember the recent disaster in the Gulf of Mexico), paper and the whole business with resulting damage to their activity in our ecosystem.

But it is necessary to take into account that economic development created by these enterprises which are essential for humanity. For this reason the average citizen is skeptical about the future of our planet, thinking that if development is facing the planet's health, development will succeed, because it is the economic interest of companies and in some countries.

But if takes me to give an opinion as a social leader, I must say that is a problem in which we are committed all the inhabitants of the planet and thus face the problem collectively. Thus our concept will be less skeptical and have more confidence in all the actors in this great conflict.

I agree that through education we can get all commit ourselves to the task of fighting for "Pacha Mama", as they called the early Native Americans the land.

Your Excellency, President of the World Conference of Regular Grand Lodges, Brethren Hernando OSORIO RICO, the Masonic Press Agency of Romania (APMR) thanks you for your kindness to grant us this interview.

Interview with the Grand Master fo the Regular Grand Lodge of Portugal (Grande Loja Legal de Portugal), Jose Francisco MORENO

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grande Loja Legal de Portugal, Brethren Jose Francisco MORENO, the world is going through a very intense season, as it is considered that the COP16 Summit may not offer more than the COP15 in Denmark.

1. On November 29, 2010, began the COP16 Summit. The last meeting (the one in Copenhagen, Denmark) did not have the desired results of the participating countries. Do you think this meeting will bring something new in terms of Climate Change?

Sadly, I am not optimist. The economic crisis in USA and Europe did not help... If in good times the countries did not achieve an agreement, now the conditions are more difficult.

2. Last year in December, the Grand Master of United Grand Lodges of Germany (Brethren Rüdiger Templin) did not consider relevant the COP15 Report. The Grand Master asked Freemasons of Germany and in the world to begin to act each one to bring its contribution to reducing energy consumption. Do you think that Freemasons and Freemasonry can play an active role in this process apparently irreversible?

Reducing fossil energy consumption should be a global goal, which every person should try to achieve. Freemasons individually must join this global effort. But energy policies and reducing energy consumption campaigns are not Freemasonry acting area. Freemasonry, as a whole, must leave these areas to political deciders.

Freemasonry’s role is rather more effective uniting its members efforts in the pursuit of a long-term solution. Mankind must absolutely change its energy paradigm. Freemasonry should encourage its members to scientific and technical research in order to help Mankind to use non-fossil energy sources.

Research, research, research – this should be Freemasonry field. All the rest is political and other social institution’s job.

3. The Grand Lodge in which you are a member is actively involved in protecting the environment? And what does regarding this?

As stated in the last answer, GLLP and its members follow the global effort in this issue. Portugal has one of the world’s highest taxes of solar, wind and water energy produced and in the present moment is starting the process of massive implementation of the electric vehicle.

GLLP directs its efforts to the research. In 2009, Grand Lodge recommended its members to present papers about Environment and Global Warming. Mainly,the conclusions were that Mankind needs to solve three major problems in order to get to a balanced use of Earth’s resources: overpopulation, viable and economic sustainable energy sources and a new Value paradigm that includes the quality of environmental values.

4. Masonry in Brazil is trying to protect the Amazon. Various Masonic organizations have implemented several projects in this regard. How effective can the relationship between state institutions and Freemasonry can be?

GLLP, following mainstream European Freemasonry, thinks that, as an institution, must keep its distance towards state institutions. However, the cooperation between state institutions and Freemasonry in the benefit of society is welcome.

5. What is your vision, as a simple citizen, regarding the future of the nature on our Planet? Education is a way forward in this respect?

Education is vital and, with Research, it is definitively a priority. Mankind is in an important crossover. Providing we all be aware of that, Mankind will overcame this challenge and leave to the future generations a cleaner, sustainable and ecologically balanced world. This a battle Mankind can not afford to lose.

M.W.G.M. Jose Francisco MORENO, the Masonic Press Agency of Romania (APMR) thanks you for your kindness to grant us this interview.

Interview with the President of the Confederation of Regular Grand Lodges of Mexico, Dr. Felipe VITELA MORA

Worshipful Dr. Felipe VITELA MORA, President of the Confederation of Regular Grand Lodges of the United Mexican States, the world is going through a very intense season, as it is considered that the COP16 Summit may not offer more than the COP15 in Denmark.

1. On November 29, 2010, began the COP16 Summit. The last meeting (the one in Copenhagen, Denmark) did not had the desired results of the participating countries. Do you think this meeting will bring something new in terms of Climate Change?

I believe that while the main countries that produce higher emissions of pollutants (United States, China, Russia, India and Japan) do not change their emission conduit, nothing will be worth the efforts of other countries that if they want to do something to change disorders of the climate change that are already at a global level, the year 2010 was characterized by a number of global climate disaster, where our planet is sending alarming signals of warming, should seek ways to slow warming and prevent global temperatures rise more than two degrees, I think that if necessary it must review the economic models and whether first is life or a particular model.

2. Last year in December, the Grand Master of United Grand Lodges of Germany (Brethren Rüdiger Templin) did not consider relevant the COP15 Report. The Grand Master asked Freemasons of Germany and in the world to begin to act each one to bring its contribution to reducing energy consumption. Do you think that Freemasons and Freemasonry can play an active role in this process apparently irreversible?

It may seem utopia, to say that all Freemasons could initiate a series of measures that contribute to produce changes on climate change, but I think there are many ways to help prevent global warming, is so easy to start a world day of saving energy with media such as the internet and social networks that spread to all corners of our planet, changing from incandescent bulbs to eco friendly ones is a good measure, among many others that can be implemented; wind energy is an important alternative to generate electricity and could be applied in many countries with the benefits this will entail.

3. The Confederation of Regular Grand Lodges of Mexico, whose President you are, is actively involved in protecting the environment? And what does regarding this?

Our Association is very concerned about the alarming climate changes that are affecting most of the states in our republic, especially our Brethrens in the southeast, as are the inhabitants of Tabasco, who suffer daily and systematic floods that result in the deterioration of living conditions of Chiapas; through the water avalanche dams release from other places such as the state of Chiapas, who by pouring large quantities of water produced floods in the lowlands of Tabasco. Thanks to this during my administration I created the Grand National Disaster Committee, which is headed by the former Grand Master of the MWGL Michoacana Lázaro Cárdenas in Michoacán, Guillermo Ortiz Rodriguez, which has its rules of work according to the needs of our population that suffers the brunt of the disaster along the most difficult seasons that plague our country. We also have in our beloved institution the Great Commission of Ecology and Environment which is chaired by the MWGM of the Grand Lodge "Guadalupe Victoria" of the State of Durango, Eduardo Sanchez Ortiz, who works enthusiastically in this commission to support efforts to improve our environment.

4. Masonry in Brazil is trying to protect the Amazon. Various Masonic organizations have implemented several projects in this regard. How effective can the relationship between state institutions and Freemasonry can be?

We could say that an institution like ours is ready to establish relations with the institutions emanating from the will of the people and which by an democratic act it is established to rule a population; especially the effectiveness lies in the relationship of liberal theory to practice the liberal theories in the benefit of the population and of Freemasonry that can help to achieve those purposes with those state institutions that are willing to fulfill that purpose.

5. What is your vision, as a simple citizen, regarding the future of the nature on our Planet? Education is a way forward in this respect?

I'm concerned because I believe that man is the greatest predator that currently exists on our planet, polluting water, air and mother earth, surely we need a change of attitude among those who inhabit our house. The inclusion in the education systems field studies such as Ecology and environment, could be the key to creating in children and university students to seek action awareness for better ideas and actions against the deterioration of our environment, I put my hope in them that will create the foundation of changing a new generation committed to saving our planet.

Worshipful Dr. Felipe VITELA MORA, President of the Confederation of Regular Grand Lodges of the United Mexican States, the Masonic Press Agency of Romania (APRM) thanks you for your kindness in granting us this interview.

Interview with the Grand Master of the National Grand Lodge of Colombia at Cartagena de Indias, Idelfonso BALDIRIS SILVA

Most Worshipful Grand Grand Master of the National Grand Lodge of Colombia at Cartagena de Indias, Brethren Idelfonso BALDIRIS SILVA, the world is going through a very intense season, as it is considered that the COP16 Summit may not offer more than the COP15 in Denmark.

1. On November 29, 2010, began the COP16 Summit. The last meeting (the one in Copenhagen, Denmark) did not had the desired results of the participating countries. Do you think this meeting will bring something new in terms of Climate Change?

I'm really skeptical about changing positions of the so-called superpowers, on the ecological theme and in particular on climate change.

As we say in slang "the cards are on the table" and only lack the political will of our governments to allow the brake to the destruction of nature.

Our Serene Grand Lodge presented at the last World Conference of Grand Lodges a paper titled "Together we preserve the environment" in which stress the importance of all countries to work together to control the excesses of pollution, toxic waste, non-degradable wastes, greenhouse gas emissions that affect the ozone layer, uncontrolled use of pesticides, biological weapons, the risks of biotechnology and natural resource depletion. This document was sent to all the Grand Lodges of Colombia and government bodies, as a call to address these fundamental for human survival.

2. Last year in December, the Grand Master of United Grand Lodges of Germany (Brethren Rüdiger Templin) did not consider relevant the COP15 Report. The Grand Master asked Freemasons of Germany and in the world to begin to act each one to bring its contribution to reducing energy consumption. Do you think that Freemasons and Freemasonry can play an active role in this process apparently irreversible?

The campaign to reduce consumption of energy is one of the most important in relation to make good use of energy resources as oil, natural gas, water sources and others, so I think that is a success of our dear Brethren Rüdiger Templin, Grand Master of Germany, because sometimes these resources are wasted or given improper use, believing that they are inexhaustible. I firmly believe that Freemasonry can contribute greatly in the process of community education with a positive attitude that starting from the Grand Lodge and expanding to all Lodges and to reach all sectors of society.

3. The Grand Lodge in which you are a member is actively involved in protecting the environment? And what does regarding this?

Our Grand Lodge, through its members, has developed conferences and gatherings around the theme of environment in which participate Freemasons and profanes. Through our School of Masonic Education, we are also developing a training task in this respect, aware that the man in his lifelong pursuit of profit and wealth accumulation of uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources; we had conducted seminars on environmental preservation environment, looking for that through an educational plan for short and medium term, our active members and contributors are made aware of the importance of caring for the environment and prevent the consequences of climate change.

4. Masonry in Brazil is trying to protect the Amazon. Various Masonic organizations have implemented several projects in this regard. How effective can the relationship between state institutions and Freemasonry can be?

In my opinion, Freemasonry should be advisory and proactive in conservation of the environment regarding state institutions, given their greater responsibility in the design and implementation of public policies aimed at environmental conservation.

Freemasonry's relationship with the various State institutions should be an efficient collaboration, while maintaining their independence and sovereignty.

5. What is your vision, as a simple citizen, regarding the future of the nature on our Planet? Education is a way forward in this respect?

Given the voracity of some businessmen who prey on the ecological environment to make their business successful, the irresponsibility of sectors of the population misused water resources and how the atmosphere is polluted with chemicals, nuclear experiments that are becoming more frequent and deadly, catastrophic effects anticipated for our nature. Hence the importance of making a stop on the road and stop these attacks on our planet, which in future may be closer than expected to produce catastrophic effects.

The 11th World Conference of Grand Lodges will focus on "Freemasonry and Human Development", considering that man needs a healthy environment for its sustainability. From this forum we will call for solidarity in the care and preservation of the environment from the Illustrious Grand Masters attendees.

Widespread education about preserving our ecological environment will be one of the pillars tobuild a secure future in terms of nature is concerned, our descendants will guarantee a dignifiedlife.

Most Worshipful Serene Grand Master of the National Grand Lodge of Colombia at Cartagena de Indias, host of the 11th World Conference of Grand Lodges, Brethren Idelfonso BALDIRIS SILVA, the Masonic Press Agency of Romania (APMR) thanks you for your kindness to grant us this interview.

Interview with the Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Aguascalientes, Evaristo VELASCO

Most Worshipful Past Grand Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Aguascalientes "EDMUND GAMES OROZCO", Brethren Evaristo VELASCO, the world is going through a very intense season, as it is considered that the COP16 Summit may not offer more than the COP15 in Denmark.

1. On November 29, 2010, began the COP16 Summit. The last meeting (the one in Copenhagen, Denmark) did not had the desired results of the participating countries. Do you think this meeting will bring something new in terms of Climate Change?

I think the meeting will give very good results, but the meeting itself can not do anything about what is sought in relation that the countries could adopt environmental measures which can work together to make the world a better place and that Change Climate does not affect all its rigor. What it would give the desired results would be that delegates bring the ideas to their respective countries and they that the ideas must be applied with responsibility.

2. Last year in December, the Grand Master of United Grand Lodges of Germany (Brethren Rüdiger Templin) did not consider relevant the COP15 Report. The Grand Master asked Freemasons of Germany and in the world to begin to act each one to bring its contribution to reducing energy consumption. Do you think that Freemasons and Freemasonry can play an active role in this process apparently irreversible?

Surely if all Masons of the world we organize ourselves and we are located in positions that allow us to trigger civil laws and their application for this, again, surely we shall have all desired and relevant outcomes.

3. The Grand Lodge in which you are a member is actively involved in protecting the environment? And what does regarding this?

We are trying to influence the proper reforestation in the consciousness of the people through writings published in some newspapers in the nation and be the first to observe laws and norms that lead us to the goal.

4. Masonry in Brazil is trying to protect the Amazon. Various Masonic organizations have implemented several projects in this regard. How effective can the relationship between state institutions and Freemasonry can be?

The first and most important is that we began to drive projects through various organizations. The effectiveness is in direct proportion to the support both within and outside the country perform of all Masons in the world. The Amazon is not only the heritage of Brazil, but is one of the most important places for all humanity, so we must all participate.

5. What is your vision, as a simple citizen, regarding the future of the nature on our Planet? Education is a way forward in this respect?

Education has always been one of the most powerful tools that mankind has had to act. The big problem facing us is not only the need for a more appropriate educational program, but somehow we all, as citizens of the world must unite in a green army with a responsible vision of coexistence in the world.

Most Worshipful Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Aguascalientes "EDMUND GAMES OROZCO", Brethren Evaristo VELASCO, the Masonic Press Agency of Romania (APMR) thanks you for your kindness to grant us this interview.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Interview with the Grand Master of the Symbolic Grand Lodge of Paraguay, Carlos Alberto QUIÑONEZ

Most Worshipful Grand Grand Master of the Symbolic Grand Lodge of Paraguay, Carlos Alberto QUIÑONEZ, the world is going through a very intense season, as it is considered that the COP16 Summit may not offer more than the COP15 in Denmark.

1. On November 29, 2010, began the COP16 Summit. The last meeting (the one in Copenhagen, Denmark) did not had the desired results of the participating countries. Do you think this meeting will bring something new in terms of Climate Change?

We must be optimistic, a sensitive issue for the planet and therefore for the future of humanity requires us to be. To the extent that commitments are negotiated and established guidelines for monitoring the results, I believe we can move forward in this highly sensitive matter for our own survival as a species.

2. Last year in December, the Grand Master of United Grand Lodges of Germany (Brethren Rüdiger Templin) did not consider relevant the COP15 Report. The Grand Master asked Freemasons of Germany and in the world to begin to act each one to bring its contribution to reducing energy consumption. Do you think that Freemasons and Freemasonry can play an active role in this process apparently irreversible?

Not only that I believe it, but I believe that the Masonic Order, through its members, is expected to play a leading role in this process. As members of the Masonic Order, an initiation school that aims psychological arousal of its members from sleeping, facilitating real and effective emancipation, we can not ignore the problems that concern the future of nature which is nothing but the future of planet and hence that of humanity. We must act, and we must do from the positions our members hold relevant in different areas of decision, whether government, business, union or educational.

3. The Grand Lodge in which you are a member is actively involved in protecting the environment? And what does regarding this?

"With all its lung, Paraguay is breathing" is a laudable initiative taken by one of the most prestigious journalists in my country, Mr. Humberto Rubin. Is to plant trees to try to recover the Atlantic Forest of Alto Parana, a wonderful ecosystem located in our country that has suffered a ruthless deforestation which transformed Paraguay into the largest deforester of America and the second in the world.

On the understanding that Masonry should participate in the secular world through Masons, the distinguished members of our Grand Lodge are in executive positions and practice relevant functions in this laudable enterprise from its very beginning. The campaign moves successfully and the proof is that its initial purpose from the fourteen million trees planted, the current target jumped to twenty million. Parallel to these leadership roles, members of our Grand Lodge are among the largest number of tree planting peoples in their respective jobs.

4. Masonry in Brazil is trying to protect the Amazon. Various Masonic organizations have implemented several projects in this regard. How effective can the relationship between state institutions and Freemasonry can be?

We are aware of these actions of the Brazilian Freemasonry. In one of our last visits to the Grand Orient de Sao Paulo, we had proposed that as part of MERCOSUR Freemasonry (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) we must undertake joint actions to protect this great lung of the planet that is the Amazon. As a first concrete action, I proposed holding a meeting in Foz de Iguazu, the Triple Frontier, in 2011. In this regard, with much satisfaction, I can report that the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Symbolic Grand Lodge of the State of Parana, is moving in the preparation of this meeting which will have as one of its central themes the environment, focusing on protecting of the Amazon.

5. What is your vision, as a simple citizen, regarding the future of the nature on our Planet? Education is a way forward in this respect?

Undoubtedly the education - or awareness with subsequent transformation of thought, actions, habits and customs - is the way and what we do in this regard in the coming decades will be vital.

I'm reading now a cable originated in Brasilia whish informs us that "the Brazilian Amazon in the last year recorded the lowest historical rate of deforestation, 6,451 km2, a reduction of almost 14% over the previous 12 months, although above the initial official forecast." In this regard, the Minister of Environment, Izabella Teixeira said: "This is the lowest in the history of deforestation in the Amazon, are fantastic numbers."

This is a testimony that we can; depends on awareness of the inhabitants of our beautiful planet, in conjunction with effective protection laws.

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Symbolic Grand Lodge of Paraguay, Brethren Carlos Alberto QUIÑONEZ, the Masonic Press Agency of Romania (APMR) thanks you for your kindness to grant us this interview.

Interview with the Past Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the State of Israel, Leon ZELDIS MANDEL

Most Powerful Past Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the State of Israel, Brethren Leon ZELDIS MANDEL, the world is going through a very intense season, as it is considered that the COP16 Summit may not offer more than the COP15 in Denmark.

1. On November 29, 2010, began the COP16 Summit. The last meeting (the one in Copenhagen, Denmark) did not had the desired results of the participating countries. Do you think this meeting will bring something new in terms of Climate Change?

It is necessary to conduct new studies by independent institutions, not subject to preconceived ideas designed to protect vested interests, to determine the extent to which human activities do affect climate change, or if it is a geological phenomenon that has been repeated in the course of millennia.

As for the conference, my opinion is negative. While still focusing attention on carbon dioxide emissions from the combustion products of petroleum and its derivatives, while ignoring the result of massive deforestation in Brazil and other countries, there can be no progress in this regard. China's role in the case of fuels is strongly negative.

2. Last year in December, the Grand Master of United Grand Lodges of Germany (Brethren Rüdiger Templin) did not consider relevant the COP15 Report. The Grand Master asked Freemasons of Germany and in the world to begin to act each one to bring its contribution to reducing energy consumption. Do you think that Freemasons and Freemasonry can play an active role in this process apparently irreversible?

I believe that Freemasonry as an institution should not take part in this debate, since there are other institutions and appropriate forums for this purpose. Masonry must work to meet its primary and traditional which is the spiritual and intellectual development of its members who individually can bring their lights to the solution of all problems affecting humanity.

3. The Grand Lodge in which you are a member is actively involved in protecting the environment? And what does regarding this?

We have no specific program in this area.

4. Masonry in Brazil is trying to protect the Amazon. Various Masonic organizations have implemented several projects in this regard. How effective can the relationship between state institutions and Freemasonry can be?

Masons – not Freemasonry – can play a positive role in this problem. Israel is one of the few countries with an ongoing program of afforestation, which increases every year the number of trees in the country.

5. What is your vision, as a simple citizen, regarding the future of the nature on our Planet? Education is a way forward in this respect?

Unquestionably, education is most important. Economic development must take into account the effects it has on the ecological environment. Unfortunately, there is awareness of the long-range importance to the unbridled exploitation of natural resources. This issue is related to population growth, and there are conflicts with religious and political ideologies. The most Freemasonry can do in this regard is to promote education at all levels.

M.P. P.S.G.C. Leon ZELDIS MANDEL, the Masonic Press Agency of Romania (APMR) thanks you for your kindness to grant us this interview.

Interview with the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of State, Sovereign and Independent "El Potosi", Israel HERNANDEZ ARRIAGA

Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of State, Sovereign and Independent "El Potosi", Brethren Israel HERNANDEZ ARRIAGA, the world is going through a very intense season, as it is considered that the COP16 Summit may not offer more than the COP15 in Denmark.

1. On November 29, 2010, began the COP16 Summit. The last meeting (the one in Copenhagen, Denmark) did not had the desired results of the participating countries. Do you think this meeting will bring something new in terms of Climate Change?

Sadly I doubt it. Unfortunately many countries participating in the summit even before the start of the same state that "Cancun will not save the world." The attitude of these members makes their final position. Can generate ideas, seek agreement, but their starting position is not to endorse the commitments that are generated. Many of these positions may reflect economic interests rather than a firm commitment for the benefit of everyone's home, which is Earth.

2. Last year in December, the Grand Master of United Grand Lodges of Germany (Brethren Rüdiger Templin) did not consider relevant the COP15 Report. The Grand Master asked Freemasons of Germany and in the world to begin to act each one to bring its contribution to reducing energy consumption. Do you think that Freemasons and Freemasonry can play an active role in this process apparently irreversible?

Definitely! Our commitment is to work for the good of mankind, so that we can not side aspects such as care for the environment. For example, if a Grand Lodge has 60 Lodges, imagine that each "adopt" a public park and keep it clean and reforested, this means that 60 parks in our community would be helping to clean our air. If as links of this great universal chain multiply this global effort, as a Universal Family, how many acres would be preserved by Freemasonry? Can we measure the positive impact of this activity? Imagine the social and environmental impact that would cause our Order in the world.

3. The Grand Lodge in which you are a member is actively involved in protecting the environment? And what does regarding this?

We are promoting the work of Brethrens devoted in particular to this. There are those who are actively involved in social movements opposed to industrial activities which have seriously negative impact on our environment, mainly because our city water is a scarce resource, and some industries also consume large volumes of this precious liquid, discarding contaminated water with substances which are lethal, such as arsenic. Many of those who integrate El Potosi have professions which will help in boosting on short-term specific projects about which we will keep you informed.

4. Masonry in Brazil is trying to protect the Amazon. Various Masonic organizations have implemented several projects in this regard. How effective can the relationship between state institutions and Freemasonry can be?

I consider it of vital importance. In this way Masons could ensure that the governments of our countries move from talking to acting. Mainly, we must urge our Americans Brethrens to seek channels of dialogue and to work with the Government of their country to sign the Kyoto Protocol and to undertake concrete actions aimed to preserve the environment. I also believe that the European Union should take the lead, amalgamating its member countries in a bloc to combat climate change. Sadly my country is one of the countries with a high deforestation rate, and therefore Mexican Freemasonry should not wait until it starts to pay a high bill, both economically and socially, of the impact of this activity when it reaches a global environmental crisis. Our Order must help to integrate what was scattered so far: economy, society and nature. If we do not push this integration, in environmental terms, we do not follow the social justice that is illustrated in our Institution.

5. What is your vision, as a simple citizen, regarding the future of the nature on our Planet? Education is a way forward in this respect?

There are times when, at the dinner table with family, we comment that to some extent man has become a blight for the planet. Our dependence on fossil fuels and the little interest in developing alternative energy sources is leading to a spiral toward disaster. We all have responsibility in this. If by analogy we think, we can perceive more clearly what we face. Think of a child in normal health conditions, body temperature ranges in the 37º C. Now what would happen if you increase the temperature with 1.5 degrees? Then we shall see him with fever, which can even convulse the child due to the temperature, or at least generate tachycardia. If we bring it to our planet, we talk about the fact that if we do not take responsible actions towards the environment, global temperatures will rise between 1.4 and 5.8º C by 2100 would not this increase in temperature and would not generate a "global upheaval"? On the other hand, education is certainly a relevant factor. In fact, new generations have greater sensitivity and awareness in this respect than ours. Youth are now looking for recyclable or reusable products, which has led to the term "eco economy" or "green economy", not as an economic discipline, but as a multidisciplinary field of study, which we drive to preserve human life in our planet, with development of the countries and communities in a sustainable manner.

M.W.G.M. Israel HERNANDEZ ARRIAGA, the Masonic Press Agency of Romania (APMR) thanks you for your kindness to grant us this interview.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Bolivia to challenge the Cancun Agreement before the International Court in Hague

Bolivia Considers that the agreements signed yesterday morning in Cancun have violated the principles enunciated by the U.N. in what is the final approval of official documents. That's what will make Bolivia go before the International Court challenging the climate change agreements. The Bolivian Ambassador said very clearly that this will be resolved before the International Court. Of the 194 countries present only 193 signed the agreements.
Bolivia has refused. Angela Merkel declared herself satisfied. Rafael Correa said that there are results but is not sufficient.

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