Register for the “Life vs. Gas” conference in Opatija

Our event will be held simultaneously with the so-called International Scientific and Expert Meeting of Gas Professionals, which would be better called the “International Meeting of Life and Climate Destruction Experts”. 

The conference is called “Life vs. Gas” because human life and the life of planet Earth are not compatible with the use of fossil fuels. We are in the midst of a crisis of living (high cost of living, growing poverty, inflation) and instead of solving it, millions of euros are being given for new gas projects in Croatia that are causing us a lot of harm in the long run. And, more broadly, globally, fossil fuels are used for the war machine that is killing both people and the planet. 

The conference will serve as an alternative space with a more realistic picture of life in Croatia and the rest of the world, but also offer solutions for the climate crisis and the crisis of living, which are not fossil fuels such as gas. 

Our goal is to gather activists, organisations and initiatives dealing with environmental, climate and social justice, progressive trade unions and all other interested citizens.

Who can apply and how?

You can apply via this online form until 14.4. midnight. Knowledge of Croatian language is necessary.

We have a certain budget to cover travel and accommodation costs for about 25 participants who live in Croatia. Places at the conference itself are limited to about 40, and we encourage you to pay for your own travel and accommodation costs if you are able. Please list everything in the form.

We emphasise that everyone is welcome regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, skin color, national, ethnic or social origin, religious, philosophical or political beliefs, health condition, disability, pregnancy etc.

What will the conference look like?

Expect several panels and workshops with local and international guests on the first day of the conference, and creative street actions on the second day. 

A detailed programme and other important information will be provided to registered participants. Places are limited, so hurry up.

Important note: Most of the programme will be in Croatian, without organised translation into English, so knowledge of Croatian is essential.

Why are we organising a conference?

There are many reasons. 

First of all, we are aware that a large part of the Croatian population is facing the consequences of inflation, abnormal growth in the prices of goods and services, and that many, in order to reduce costs, are saving on food, energy for heating etc. This is devastating for a “social” state that supposedly cares about its citizens. We are angry because at the same time, the same state is investing our money and withdrawing millions in EU funds for the expansion of gas pipelines and gas terminals instead of directing this money to clean renewable energy sources, which can help reduce our living costs, create new jobs, or focus on other measures to support people. However, the state doesn’t really care about its citizens, and instead is pandering to the lobbyists of dirty industries and other interest groups.

FOSSIL FUELS = CLIMATE CHANGE

Gas is a fossil fuel, as harmful and dirty as coal and oil, although the industry persistently tries to portray it as clean and necessary in the transition to renewable energy sources. For example, last year, a long-awaited peer-reviewed study by the American Cornell University found that LNG (liquefied natural gas) has a greenhouse gas footprint that is 33 percent higher than coal. The data suggests that the expansion of LNG is a major threat to the climate - and the Croatian government is currently doubling the capacity of the Krk LNG terminal.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Furthermore, gas leads to environmental problems, including devastating impacts on ecosystems during drilling, water pollution and the leakage of methane - a powerful greenhouse gas - from infrastructure. When extracted from the ground, especially through hydraulic fracturing - better known as fracking - it can poison water sources and destroy agricultural land, affecting livelihoods and access to food and clean water. Some of the potential (and already documented) problems associated with gas pipelines and infrastructure include: destruction of vital habitat, forests and pristine lands, pollution of drinking water sources and streams and rivers, destruction of agricultural land and landscapes, deaths and injuries from explosions, taking of private property without public benefit etc.

HEALTH IMPACT

On the other hand, fossil fuel industry lobbyists are using lies and deception in organised campaigns to try to stop the full phasing out of heating and cooking in buildings, or the transition from gas to renewable sources in residential buildings. It is important to emphasise that removing gas from households is not only good for the climate, but also for people's health, and can reduce the cost of living, especially with energy efficiency measures. It has been proven that cooking with gas has numerous harmful consequences, including asthma (especially in children) and premature death, due to long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide indoors.

WARS AND GENOCIDE

We must not ignore the global picture, including the wars that have been and continue to be fought for resources. For example, in Mozambique, from which both Croatia and the EU currently import gas, the local gas industry is systematically fueling a civil war, which has already displaced a million people. In addition to wars being fought for such resources, fossil fuels are used for the war machinery, so for example the so-called West sells fossil fuels (and weapons) to Israel, which are then used to attack the Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Yemen etc. In this regard, Croatia is a great ally of Israel.

In general, the EU is investing significant resources in the construction or expansion of gas terminals in order to diversify its supply, which is a major step backwards in the fight against climate change. At the same time, wars are catastrophically exacerbating climate change. Militaries consume enormous amounts of fossil fuels, which have a high carbon footprint. The global military carbon footprint is the fourth highest, ranking behind the US, China and India.

____________

If you are able, please donate to the costs of organising the conference “Life vs. Gas”. IBAN: HR4124840081101645974 (Reiffeisenbank, Magazinska ul. 69, Zagreb), Zelena akcija