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Climate Reparations

November 1, 2022 Filed Under: Music, Radical Songs, Song Writing

Music: Jane Lewis
Words: Based on the writings of and conversations with Lumumba Di-Aping, Sudanese diplomat, chief negotiator for the G77 group of developing nations at the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009, in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Also negotiating at COP27.

Intro
Bass and tenor
Climate reparations (x3)
Pay back now!
Climate reparations (x3)
Justice now!

A
Bass and tenor continue with climate reparations chant as in intro
Sop and alto
Restitution,
Compensation
Rehabilitation,
Satisfaction
Guarantees of non -repetition
Climate reparations now!

B
Bass and tenor continue with climate reparations chant as in intro
Sop and alto
This is not an act of charity
But a moral obligation
This is not an act of sympathy
But an act of reparation

As we face up to the harm we caused
All the pain and degradation
We proclaim our care for all on earth
By these acts of reparation

C
(all)
What are we if we don’t give back?
What are we if we turn our backs and walk away? (x2)

Repeat all from Intro. After last time through end with intro

Quotes:
Finance is key to this not as an act of charity but as an act of reparation
Nicola Sturgeon at COP 26.

Who are we if we don’t give back?
Suzanne Simard in Finding the Mother Tree

The words in part A are the UN ‘Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation’.

Before singing this song please read this paper by Lumumba Di-Aping which explains the term Climate Reparations, the history, why this is important and what it might look like in practice. If you are teaching the song please make sure that the information is shared with your singers.

All parts:

https://craftycarrot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/climate-reparations_alll.mp3

Bass:

https://craftycarrot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/climate-reparations_bass.mp3

Tenor:

https://craftycarrot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/climate-reparations_tenor.mp3

Alto (tune):

https://craftycarrot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/climate-reparations_alto_tune.mp3

Sop:

https://craftycarrot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/climate-reparations_sopl.mp3

Music score:
climate reparations_score

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About Jane

Jane Lewis is a community song leader, mindfulness teacher, environmental and peace activist, gardener and crafter living in Portobello, Edinburgh, Scotland.

Contact Jane

Email: jane@gn.apc.org
Mobile: 07519 582130
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Music links

Portobello Community Choir

Protest in Harmony

The Warblers

Ladies Guerilla String Quartet

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