Anyone remember that soap opera? It was one of the less "popular" ones. I myself was an All My Children (thanks Papa) and General Hospital (thanks Jen & Jor) addict. So, I can't comment on the plotline of As the World Turns but i think the beginning had a spinning globe and an hourglass - maybe not? in any case, the point is As the World Turns is a fitting name for the soap opera taking place at the Bella Center. As we last left our cast of characters:
African and Small Island Nations walked out of negotiations! will developed nations meet their demands and get them back?
The President of the COP resigned 2 days before the conference ends! Does this mean there is no hope?
Protestors raided the Bella and were met with tear gas and violence. will they try again?
Friends of the Earth was locked out of negotiations and won't take passes offered by the UNFCCC minister. How many passes would be "enough"?
In our next episode we find out:
Will China agree to transparency in its emissions reporting?
Will the developed nations agree to raise more than $100 billion a year?
Will Kyoto survive?
Will there be a treaty?
Will the US swoop in at the last minute and save the whole world!? (hint of sarcasm in that one...)
oh the drama!
oh the suspense!
To find out what happens - tune in to the last day of the conference live:
http://www9.cop15.meta-fusion.com/kongresse/cop15/templ/ovw.php?id_kongressmain=1&theme=unfccc
though these last 2 weeks have felt in some ways like an international soap opera i am not making light of the importance of tomorrow! It is vital that we end this conference with a FAB deal!!! too much time has gone by, too much momentum has been gained and too much rests on the outcome to end now. Failing to come out with something tomorrow is just not an option.
there are so many conflicting reports right now, my head is spinning! It seems on one hand that nations like the US and China acknowledge that Copenhagen is too important to leave empty-handed where the developing countries feel hopeless that the best offers by the developed nations just aren't good enough. It's a tough call - the developed nations are looking at this from an economic standpoint and the developing nations look at it from a survival standpoint. where is the middle ground between those points?
i will cover what i can as soon as i know - oh to be a fly on the wall at Bella tomorrow...
well all i can say is that if soap stars manage to be married 7 times, have 10 affairs, find their evil twin, be buried alive, shot, suffer amnesia while stranded on a deserted island after falling off of a ship, and still manage to come back unscathed- surely As Copenhagen Turns can manage to create a comprehensive climate treaty with more than adequate financing to support LDCs while reaching target emissions levels of 350ppm, creating green jobs, sustainably developing, and preserving ecosystems & cultures all in a legally binding framework, right?
tune in to find out...
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Here is a link to a piece written in the Billings Gazette from the press conference yesterday.
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/article_ae03dc5e-ea9d-11de-b76e-001cc4c03286.html
you may also find it interesting to read the comments to this article - oh Billings! a good reminder that there is still plenty of work to be done... :)
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/article_ae03dc5e-ea9d-11de-b76e-001cc4c03286.html
you may also find it interesting to read the comments to this article - oh Billings! a good reminder that there is still plenty of work to be done... :)
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
bad blogger. good tourist.
I realized today that i had not yet blogged about a few of the panels i attended as well as updates from the "outside" - since i can no longer get into the Bella. My diligence to my blog will reign once more - but for now i am enjoying my role as a Denmark tourist.
Last night we went to the Rundetaarn (Roundtower) http://rundetaarn.dk/engelsk/index.html It was pretty amazing. Built in the 1600's, the tower now sits in the middle of shops, restaurants and the busy streets of Norrebro district in Copenhagen. To get to the top of the tower, you spiral up along a brick walkway. Halfway up is the library which is now an open gallery and area where concerts and other events are held. There was an exhibit called the Soul of Greenland which featured some amazingly beautiful photographs of Greenland. Up further are some of the original beams in the bell tower. At the top is an observatory built in the 1920's. The domed roof is wooden and weighs 4 tons, but is rigged on a pulley system so you can turn it and then open the roof to observe different parts of the night sky through a huge telescope. Sadly with the snow and rain we could not open the roof to look at any stars - but i get to move the roof which was pretty exciting! The man who conducts the celestial viewings was just the type of person you would expect to see at the top of a 17th century tower. :) i;m kidding - he was pretty great - a cute little old man who you can tell is very science-y and loves sharing the stars with visitors. we talked for a bit about light pollution and how that impacts the viewing from the observatory. He said his favorite thing to see out of the telescope are planets - especially Saturn with the moons! From the observatory you can also step outside onto a platform and walk along the outside of the tower and look out at all of Copenhagen! it was amazing - even in the rain/snow.
From there we headed over to Hopenhagen for the Gogol Bordello show. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLkFLtaOtIQ there were a lot of people despite the weather - the power of music - especially good music! They were a really entertaining band.
Most of the day today i worked on a paper for class but this evening we had a press conference with some Montana media. I think it went really well. Yaicha read a statement on behalf of her, Zach and me (which is posted on her blog, i believe) and then KC, Keegan and Payton were also on the call in Copenhagen as well Dr. Steve Running and Beth Berlin from back in the States. I think it was a great call and it will be interesting to see how the media covers it - so be on the lookout and let me know if you see or hear anything!
It has been snowing all day today and has now begun to stick. The lit tree in the courtyard of my flat is now covered with the perfect amount of white snow that brings with it the reminder how the simple things in life can be so beautiful. In the waning days of this conference i can only hope that the simple things like the calm quiet of heavy white snow on pine trees serves as a reminder of just how beautiful our world is and how snow is just one of the millions of reasons to do everything we can to "save" this place we call our home. Speaking of, the snow also reminds me of my home and the friends and family i have there. Though i love Copenhagen, i miss my friends and family and look forward to being back home - hopefully with the triumph of a fair, ambitious and binding climate treaty!!!
To ensure that i can come home - head held high - PLEASE take just a few moments tomorrow and Friday to call the White House and urge Obama to action!! The number for the White House switchboard – 1-202-456-1111. - and simply say: “President Obama, please show real leadership on the climate issue, not just a greenwash deal. Deepen our cuts, put long-term funding on the table and stop waiting for other countries to go first. Prove that America is the world leader we always claim.” - or whatever you want to prompt climate action!
Then working off of the adrenaline rush you now gained from dialing the White House, use that energy to call up (and call out) your Senators and Reps. - piece of cake after conversing with the President! :)
these final days are so important and will make or break Friday's outcome. One of the questions in our press conference today and one that the media has been covering a lot is the notion that a treaty is hopeless. - that with the US, China and India playing the "no, you first" game of emission reductions and Africa, small island nations and other LDCs walking out in frustration at the lack of aggressive action, nothing is going to be accomplished.
My response is that you must expect obstacles - great obstacles - in this process, but that you have to believe that our world leaders care about the fate of the forests, glaciers, water, sky, people... I talked about the potential power of belief in an earlier post and i think we must. We must believe AND act. The sheer energy and momentum both from the gathering of activists to the gathering of world leaders at this conference is unprecedented and is cause for a type of hope that could not be found in negotiations past. So, fuel that momentum from wherever you are on this beautiful planet and tell those representing you that you want a FAB - fair, ambitious and binding - deal come Friday!!
well, it is way past my copenhagen bedtime - so until tomorrow!
god nat (goodnight)
Last night we went to the Rundetaarn (Roundtower) http://rundetaarn.dk/engelsk/index.html It was pretty amazing. Built in the 1600's, the tower now sits in the middle of shops, restaurants and the busy streets of Norrebro district in Copenhagen. To get to the top of the tower, you spiral up along a brick walkway. Halfway up is the library which is now an open gallery and area where concerts and other events are held. There was an exhibit called the Soul of Greenland which featured some amazingly beautiful photographs of Greenland. Up further are some of the original beams in the bell tower. At the top is an observatory built in the 1920's. The domed roof is wooden and weighs 4 tons, but is rigged on a pulley system so you can turn it and then open the roof to observe different parts of the night sky through a huge telescope. Sadly with the snow and rain we could not open the roof to look at any stars - but i get to move the roof which was pretty exciting! The man who conducts the celestial viewings was just the type of person you would expect to see at the top of a 17th century tower. :) i;m kidding - he was pretty great - a cute little old man who you can tell is very science-y and loves sharing the stars with visitors. we talked for a bit about light pollution and how that impacts the viewing from the observatory. He said his favorite thing to see out of the telescope are planets - especially Saturn with the moons! From the observatory you can also step outside onto a platform and walk along the outside of the tower and look out at all of Copenhagen! it was amazing - even in the rain/snow.
From there we headed over to Hopenhagen for the Gogol Bordello show. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLkFLtaOtIQ there were a lot of people despite the weather - the power of music - especially good music! They were a really entertaining band.
Most of the day today i worked on a paper for class but this evening we had a press conference with some Montana media. I think it went really well. Yaicha read a statement on behalf of her, Zach and me (which is posted on her blog, i believe) and then KC, Keegan and Payton were also on the call in Copenhagen as well Dr. Steve Running and Beth Berlin from back in the States. I think it was a great call and it will be interesting to see how the media covers it - so be on the lookout and let me know if you see or hear anything!
It has been snowing all day today and has now begun to stick. The lit tree in the courtyard of my flat is now covered with the perfect amount of white snow that brings with it the reminder how the simple things in life can be so beautiful. In the waning days of this conference i can only hope that the simple things like the calm quiet of heavy white snow on pine trees serves as a reminder of just how beautiful our world is and how snow is just one of the millions of reasons to do everything we can to "save" this place we call our home. Speaking of, the snow also reminds me of my home and the friends and family i have there. Though i love Copenhagen, i miss my friends and family and look forward to being back home - hopefully with the triumph of a fair, ambitious and binding climate treaty!!!
To ensure that i can come home - head held high - PLEASE take just a few moments tomorrow and Friday to call the White House and urge Obama to action!! The number for the White House switchboard – 1-202-456-1111. - and simply say: “President Obama, please show real leadership on the climate issue, not just a greenwash deal. Deepen our cuts, put long-term funding on the table and stop waiting for other countries to go first. Prove that America is the world leader we always claim.” - or whatever you want to prompt climate action!
Then working off of the adrenaline rush you now gained from dialing the White House, use that energy to call up (and call out) your Senators and Reps. - piece of cake after conversing with the President! :)
these final days are so important and will make or break Friday's outcome. One of the questions in our press conference today and one that the media has been covering a lot is the notion that a treaty is hopeless. - that with the US, China and India playing the "no, you first" game of emission reductions and Africa, small island nations and other LDCs walking out in frustration at the lack of aggressive action, nothing is going to be accomplished.
My response is that you must expect obstacles - great obstacles - in this process, but that you have to believe that our world leaders care about the fate of the forests, glaciers, water, sky, people... I talked about the potential power of belief in an earlier post and i think we must. We must believe AND act. The sheer energy and momentum both from the gathering of activists to the gathering of world leaders at this conference is unprecedented and is cause for a type of hope that could not be found in negotiations past. So, fuel that momentum from wherever you are on this beautiful planet and tell those representing you that you want a FAB - fair, ambitious and binding - deal come Friday!!
well, it is way past my copenhagen bedtime - so until tomorrow!
god nat (goodnight)
Monday, December 14, 2009
smile!
see photos of our adventures so far:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=130670&id=742307331&l=d4f9658e97
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=130670&id=742307331&l=d4f9658e97
Farvel Bella!
I am feeling that kind of pang of sadness you feel when something is coming to an end, that you don't want to end, but know is inevitable.
I am hanging out in the Bella Center - for no other reason than i know i won't be coming back again. I have no more sessions to attend. It's dark out. I've been here all day. I've already had two cups of strong coffee and my snacks are gone. i want to go home - but i don't want to leave...
I like the routine i have established - i like all that i have been able to see, learn, the people i have met, and the experiences i have had - and not that it is over (when one door closes and all that jazz...) - but this one part is. My routine of pastry shop, bus, Bella, security, coat check, coffee, plenary, side event...will be no more. It's not so much that i will miss the Bella Center itself (which is like any huge convention center anywhere) - but more so what it has represented - my ability to be a part of this historical and meaningful gathering- my ability to lend my voice in a way i would not have been able to, had i not been here. And i am so grateful and feel so lucky that i had the opportunity to be here. (I have decided that the COPs have not seen the last of me - i will be back for the next one and in a position to lend an even heavier, more vocal opinion. Watch out COP16!!)
We just received an e-mail that on thurs. they are only admitting 1,000 people representing NGOs and on Friday, only 90 people!! I feel bad for all of the side events planned for those days, as attendance will be sparse. But, given the communication we recieved late last week as well as the presence of so many heads of state, i can see why they are severly limiting attendance. Not to mention that the entourage that each official brings cuts out that many others from being able to attend. Over 110 officials with aids, security, etc. cuts a large chunk out of the 15,000 person capacity at Bella.
***
In the middle of writing this post, my internet totally cut out. Ok, Bella - i get the hint, i'll go. I may have a hard time letting go of things - but i also know how to bow out gracefully. :) So, now i am finishing my post at home, in my pj's, while watching a German program subtitled in Danish - hmm? I do have to say a warm house, no more heels and dresses and bare legs, a hot meal and my cozy bed is kind of lovely. Bella who? ah, love is so fleeting... :)
Anyway - before leaving Bella, I happened upon a briefing by the President of COP to civil society. She basically updated us on the status of the negotiations and took questions from the audience.
I really like her and i think she is a great President for this COP. In the times i have heard her speak, this evening being no exception, she seems adamant about ending this conference with something comprehensive and meaningful. She said that the events of today - with African nations walking out, was a normal thing for COPs. But - not in the sense that it was an unimportant event - but just that these are the obstacles that delegates go through in creating a treaty - it's part of the process and no matter how frustrated people seem now and how doubful we are that something comprehensive will result, in the end we always get something. (the hope of course is that the "something" we get is a comprehensive, binding, aggressive, and fair deal!).
She also emphasized her committment in creating a binding deal by Friday - because if not now, then when? In her words, there is no better time than now to create a treaty. Though the form of the treaty may take until next year to finalize, we need to come out of this conference with substance. There is no time like the present - Never will this many heads of state be together - never will there be so much momentum and pressure as there is now. And she is right. We need a deal now and there is no point in waiting - because at this point another year or two will not bring about a different situation and countries would not likely bring any different negotions or more ambitious cuts to the table a year from now. So, it's now or never.
what she did ask is that citizens keep up the momentum (even though we can't be in the Bella Center) and keep putting pressure on leaders and we need to show we believe in the ability of our world leaders to create a binding and aggressive deal. I found that statement to be an interesting twist and found myself wondering if i actually did have faith in the leaders of the world - and should i have faith? Should i change my attitude of skepticism? Maybe i should start saying "i believe" - i believe that the leaders of the world will do the right thing. I believe that the leaders of the world will negotiate and come out with an aggressive, fair and binding deal - aimed at reducing GHG emissions so as to avoid a more than 1-2 degree C rise in temperature and to find long-term funding to support the sustainable development of both developing and developed nations... and maybe if i say that enough times, i will begin to believe that i believe?
Being a stones throw from Sweden, I will quote a Swedish proverb that says, “Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things will be yours”
So, "I believe..."
I am hanging out in the Bella Center - for no other reason than i know i won't be coming back again. I have no more sessions to attend. It's dark out. I've been here all day. I've already had two cups of strong coffee and my snacks are gone. i want to go home - but i don't want to leave...
I like the routine i have established - i like all that i have been able to see, learn, the people i have met, and the experiences i have had - and not that it is over (when one door closes and all that jazz...) - but this one part is. My routine of pastry shop, bus, Bella, security, coat check, coffee, plenary, side event...will be no more. It's not so much that i will miss the Bella Center itself (which is like any huge convention center anywhere) - but more so what it has represented - my ability to be a part of this historical and meaningful gathering- my ability to lend my voice in a way i would not have been able to, had i not been here. And i am so grateful and feel so lucky that i had the opportunity to be here. (I have decided that the COPs have not seen the last of me - i will be back for the next one and in a position to lend an even heavier, more vocal opinion. Watch out COP16!!)
We just received an e-mail that on thurs. they are only admitting 1,000 people representing NGOs and on Friday, only 90 people!! I feel bad for all of the side events planned for those days, as attendance will be sparse. But, given the communication we recieved late last week as well as the presence of so many heads of state, i can see why they are severly limiting attendance. Not to mention that the entourage that each official brings cuts out that many others from being able to attend. Over 110 officials with aids, security, etc. cuts a large chunk out of the 15,000 person capacity at Bella.
***
In the middle of writing this post, my internet totally cut out. Ok, Bella - i get the hint, i'll go. I may have a hard time letting go of things - but i also know how to bow out gracefully. :) So, now i am finishing my post at home, in my pj's, while watching a German program subtitled in Danish - hmm? I do have to say a warm house, no more heels and dresses and bare legs, a hot meal and my cozy bed is kind of lovely. Bella who? ah, love is so fleeting... :)
Anyway - before leaving Bella, I happened upon a briefing by the President of COP to civil society. She basically updated us on the status of the negotiations and took questions from the audience.
I really like her and i think she is a great President for this COP. In the times i have heard her speak, this evening being no exception, she seems adamant about ending this conference with something comprehensive and meaningful. She said that the events of today - with African nations walking out, was a normal thing for COPs. But - not in the sense that it was an unimportant event - but just that these are the obstacles that delegates go through in creating a treaty - it's part of the process and no matter how frustrated people seem now and how doubful we are that something comprehensive will result, in the end we always get something. (the hope of course is that the "something" we get is a comprehensive, binding, aggressive, and fair deal!).
She also emphasized her committment in creating a binding deal by Friday - because if not now, then when? In her words, there is no better time than now to create a treaty. Though the form of the treaty may take until next year to finalize, we need to come out of this conference with substance. There is no time like the present - Never will this many heads of state be together - never will there be so much momentum and pressure as there is now. And she is right. We need a deal now and there is no point in waiting - because at this point another year or two will not bring about a different situation and countries would not likely bring any different negotions or more ambitious cuts to the table a year from now. So, it's now or never.
what she did ask is that citizens keep up the momentum (even though we can't be in the Bella Center) and keep putting pressure on leaders and we need to show we believe in the ability of our world leaders to create a binding and aggressive deal. I found that statement to be an interesting twist and found myself wondering if i actually did have faith in the leaders of the world - and should i have faith? Should i change my attitude of skepticism? Maybe i should start saying "i believe" - i believe that the leaders of the world will do the right thing. I believe that the leaders of the world will negotiate and come out with an aggressive, fair and binding deal - aimed at reducing GHG emissions so as to avoid a more than 1-2 degree C rise in temperature and to find long-term funding to support the sustainable development of both developing and developed nations... and maybe if i say that enough times, i will begin to believe that i believe?
Being a stones throw from Sweden, I will quote a Swedish proverb that says, “Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things will be yours”
So, "I believe..."
Read...Cry...ACT
Read this article by Bill McKibbon in Mother Jones. He really echoes the sentiment that i am feeling and what i conveyed (or hoped that i was able to convey) a few posts ago. you may want to have a handkerchief handy, glad i did. :)
http://motherjones.com/environment/2009/12/reason-and-faith-copenhagen
are we doing enough and if not, what else can we do?
http://motherjones.com/environment/2009/12/reason-and-faith-copenhagen
are we doing enough and if not, what else can we do?
today's theme: WAIT
I guess you could say the theme of this enire conference is waiting - waiting to see what what parties negotiate; waiting to see what kind of treaty comes out of this conference, but today was the manifestation of a different kind of waiting - the standing around kind.
We got to the Bella Center at our usual time - around 8:30 am and were met by a huge line or queue as it is called here. there was a queue for people who have not yet registered - which has been long every day - but then there were also 2 huge lines for those people with badges to get in. We stood in this line - outside - for almost and hour and a half! It was sooo freazing i could not even feel my toes any longer - and we had no idea what we were waiting for or for how long.
At one point, though, they were playing some pretty good music (dancing helped a bit to warm us up) - Bob Marley and James Brown - nothing like a little "sex machine" at 8 am in the cold.
But then, the music stopped and the people's climate action demonstration started. They had a pretty awesome painted mural/banner of world leaders from what i think might have been the G8 - Obama was in the middle and all the other leaders were pointing to him - except Canada who was for some reason drooling? weird. anyway, it got even weirder when they begun throwing shoes at the mural. no joke. they had a bucket of shoes that they pelted at the mural. At first i thought it might have been a mock of when Bush got the shoes thrown at him - but i think they were saying something about how we will all be walking barefoot because of climate change. I am not sure, but it was mildly entertaining for the moment and took my mind away from the on-set of frost bite to my toes. (of course this was the day i decided to wear a dress, heels and no tights).
At one point during the wait, some Britsh news station came over and interviewed me asking how long we had been waiting outside. At that point it had been over an hour - which means i was a frozen popsicle - i am sure my nose was red and running and then to top it off, they zoomed in on my badge - which if you read my previous entry - was not the most flattering photo. Great - my "15 minutes" of fame marked by wind-swept tresses, barely audible speech from my frozen lips, a red runny nose and a close-up of my mug shot-esque badge photo! All who read this are strictly banned from attempting to find said news tidbit on the internet.
After (FINALLY) being let into the Bella Center - and walking past throngs of people waiting to be registered, we got in and through security with hardly a wait. I still don't know why we had to wait outside for over an hour?
After picking up the daily programme, grabbing a cup of coffee and slowly dethawing - we realized to our disappointment - there were not many great sessions to attend. Usually there are are multiple panels and talks that i want to atend each day. This is most likely my last day in the Bella Center and there are no sessions i really want to see - or the ones i would have wanted to see started and ended as i watched people throwing shoes in subzero temperatures.
There was, however, a plenary session that i was excited about and decided i would just sit through that the whole day. It was a President's informal consultation inviting all parties to address major issues requiring political guidance. On the agenda were issues ranging from long-term emission reductions and sustainable development, mitigation, market-based approaches, financing, trade, etc. Perfect! what a great way to end my conference-attending experience. We got into the plenary an hour early (because that is the only way to ensure you won't be locked out) - and we waited. The hour went by - the room filled up, yet they did not start. Then they made all NGO's move to a certain part of the room (which has not happened to me yet. Usually you can sit anywhere in the back section). Wait. Wait. Wait. Announcement: the plenary ois delayed (really) but everyone please stay where you are. hmm? ok. wait. wait. wait. Annoucement: the plenary will start at 1:30 (it was supposed to start at 11:30 and we had been waiting in the room since 10:30.). By this time, it was 1:10 - so 20 more minutes is no big deal. snacks and more waiting. Until, 1:45 when security came around and announced that all NGOs had to leave the room. they were closing the session and only parties were permitted. No one knew why, but we had to pack up and leave immediately.
So, yaicha and i decided not to completely leave, but rather hang out in the lobby - incase they let us back in to the plenary. But outside of the lobby - they were turning away anyone that was not a party (not even press is allowed where i am right now). So, right now in the lobby we are covertly acting like "party" members and hoping not to get kicked out.
As a side note this is where the benefits of proper attire come into play. In preliminary meetings before coming here the youth delegation that we are with discussed how they did not want to dress up but would rather just dress in normal "street clothes" as a statement of non-confomity. And, i think that is fine. For me, i knew that i wanted to dress up and look professional - you never know who you will meet - or in this case where you get to be. I think because I "blend" in at the moment - and i am sitting quietly on my computer, no one is questioning me being in this room, where technically, i am not allowed to be. Had i been dressed differently, i think security would have singled me out and made me leave. Not that it means anything - it's just a very interesting aspect of society that i have been thinking about lately - presentation matters.
Anyway - the reason for being kicked out for closing the plenary is that there is a flury of activity. African nations have walked out of negotiations until the developed nations agree to step it up (YAY for them!). They have said they will not come to the table until an agreement is reached that developed nations will increase their emission reduction targets.
It has been awesome to sit in this lobby to the plenary! No one but parties are allowed in, so you can see the flury as they are rushing around! At one point i looked back and the President of COP15 was right behind me!!! She said something about the issue being resolved. I really really wish i could be in that plenary right now!! I imagine the discussions are so intense and contentious!
If i could be granted one wish right now, it would be to understand all languages - so i could hear what groups of people are saying as they furiously gather, chattering in the lobby.
Outside the lobby there is some sort of demonstration going on - i can hear the clapping and chanting - but i dare not move for fear that my covertly turned badge would betray me to reveal my yellow NGO badge status.
i am currently sitting in the middle of what i believe to be the entire India delegation. need a genie in a bottle - pronto!
So much going on in here, outside!!! but i have no idea what!!
check out these articles for more information:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121405009&ft=1&f=1025
here is an interesting twist? http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121352495&ft=1&f=1025
We got to the Bella Center at our usual time - around 8:30 am and were met by a huge line or queue as it is called here. there was a queue for people who have not yet registered - which has been long every day - but then there were also 2 huge lines for those people with badges to get in. We stood in this line - outside - for almost and hour and a half! It was sooo freazing i could not even feel my toes any longer - and we had no idea what we were waiting for or for how long.
At one point, though, they were playing some pretty good music (dancing helped a bit to warm us up) - Bob Marley and James Brown - nothing like a little "sex machine" at 8 am in the cold.
But then, the music stopped and the people's climate action demonstration started. They had a pretty awesome painted mural/banner of world leaders from what i think might have been the G8 - Obama was in the middle and all the other leaders were pointing to him - except Canada who was for some reason drooling? weird. anyway, it got even weirder when they begun throwing shoes at the mural. no joke. they had a bucket of shoes that they pelted at the mural. At first i thought it might have been a mock of when Bush got the shoes thrown at him - but i think they were saying something about how we will all be walking barefoot because of climate change. I am not sure, but it was mildly entertaining for the moment and took my mind away from the on-set of frost bite to my toes. (of course this was the day i decided to wear a dress, heels and no tights).
At one point during the wait, some Britsh news station came over and interviewed me asking how long we had been waiting outside. At that point it had been over an hour - which means i was a frozen popsicle - i am sure my nose was red and running and then to top it off, they zoomed in on my badge - which if you read my previous entry - was not the most flattering photo. Great - my "15 minutes" of fame marked by wind-swept tresses, barely audible speech from my frozen lips, a red runny nose and a close-up of my mug shot-esque badge photo! All who read this are strictly banned from attempting to find said news tidbit on the internet.
After (FINALLY) being let into the Bella Center - and walking past throngs of people waiting to be registered, we got in and through security with hardly a wait. I still don't know why we had to wait outside for over an hour?
After picking up the daily programme, grabbing a cup of coffee and slowly dethawing - we realized to our disappointment - there were not many great sessions to attend. Usually there are are multiple panels and talks that i want to atend each day. This is most likely my last day in the Bella Center and there are no sessions i really want to see - or the ones i would have wanted to see started and ended as i watched people throwing shoes in subzero temperatures.
There was, however, a plenary session that i was excited about and decided i would just sit through that the whole day. It was a President's informal consultation inviting all parties to address major issues requiring political guidance. On the agenda were issues ranging from long-term emission reductions and sustainable development, mitigation, market-based approaches, financing, trade, etc. Perfect! what a great way to end my conference-attending experience. We got into the plenary an hour early (because that is the only way to ensure you won't be locked out) - and we waited. The hour went by - the room filled up, yet they did not start. Then they made all NGO's move to a certain part of the room (which has not happened to me yet. Usually you can sit anywhere in the back section). Wait. Wait. Wait. Announcement: the plenary ois delayed (really) but everyone please stay where you are. hmm? ok. wait. wait. wait. Annoucement: the plenary will start at 1:30 (it was supposed to start at 11:30 and we had been waiting in the room since 10:30.). By this time, it was 1:10 - so 20 more minutes is no big deal. snacks and more waiting. Until, 1:45 when security came around and announced that all NGOs had to leave the room. they were closing the session and only parties were permitted. No one knew why, but we had to pack up and leave immediately.
So, yaicha and i decided not to completely leave, but rather hang out in the lobby - incase they let us back in to the plenary. But outside of the lobby - they were turning away anyone that was not a party (not even press is allowed where i am right now). So, right now in the lobby we are covertly acting like "party" members and hoping not to get kicked out.
As a side note this is where the benefits of proper attire come into play. In preliminary meetings before coming here the youth delegation that we are with discussed how they did not want to dress up but would rather just dress in normal "street clothes" as a statement of non-confomity. And, i think that is fine. For me, i knew that i wanted to dress up and look professional - you never know who you will meet - or in this case where you get to be. I think because I "blend" in at the moment - and i am sitting quietly on my computer, no one is questioning me being in this room, where technically, i am not allowed to be. Had i been dressed differently, i think security would have singled me out and made me leave. Not that it means anything - it's just a very interesting aspect of society that i have been thinking about lately - presentation matters.
Anyway - the reason for being kicked out for closing the plenary is that there is a flury of activity. African nations have walked out of negotiations until the developed nations agree to step it up (YAY for them!). They have said they will not come to the table until an agreement is reached that developed nations will increase their emission reduction targets.
It has been awesome to sit in this lobby to the plenary! No one but parties are allowed in, so you can see the flury as they are rushing around! At one point i looked back and the President of COP15 was right behind me!!! She said something about the issue being resolved. I really really wish i could be in that plenary right now!! I imagine the discussions are so intense and contentious!
If i could be granted one wish right now, it would be to understand all languages - so i could hear what groups of people are saying as they furiously gather, chattering in the lobby.
Outside the lobby there is some sort of demonstration going on - i can hear the clapping and chanting - but i dare not move for fear that my covertly turned badge would betray me to reveal my yellow NGO badge status.
i am currently sitting in the middle of what i believe to be the entire India delegation. need a genie in a bottle - pronto!
So much going on in here, outside!!! but i have no idea what!!
check out these articles for more information:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121405009&ft=1&f=1025
here is an interesting twist? http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121352495&ft=1&f=1025
Sunday, December 13, 2009
with frozen fingers, we stood in solidarity.
It's a beautiful thing to see a demonstration - to be a demonstration. There is an energy that cannot be described - but it courses through you and fills you with a sense of hope, peace, love and happiness. I know, pretty "crunchy" but it's true. There is nothing more inspirational than seeing people gather & mobilize in solidarity for a cause - the signs, the art, the slogans, the shouts. differences melt away and people come together - unified - because they all feel so strongly about an issue, they can't not act.
100,000 strong in Copenhagen alone.
Last night marked the largest climate demonstration in history!! Around the world people marched, held vigils, demonstrated and gathered in solidary for climate action - a call to Seal the Deal!!
I attended a candlelight vigil with the Archbishop Desmon Tutu (who on his way out brushed past me!!! and like a nerd i froze and could only smile - but could not get a peep out of my mouth). It was amazing to see him speak - so inspirational and so hilarious! watch the speech here (it's only a few minutes and will leave you smiling) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U-wxAonGPA (and by the way - notice the beautiful arrangement of flowers on the board behind him - Yaicha and i did that!! we were recruited to hang flowers and tape the signs. It felt so good to organize something in some small way - to help out. The freezing cold on my fingers as i arranged flowers and cut tape were not match for warmth i felt at lending a hand).
Also on Saturday, apparently the represenative from Tuvalu began crying during the plenary (Zach was there and might have more on his blog about this) because in his mind, the fate of his island, his culture, his home rests on the US passing a comprehensive climate bill. And, he probably is right, both that his fate may very well rest on US action and that he should be crying at that prosect.
I feel like i am in this very odd state right now - like the eye of a hurricane - but not in the sense that i feel calm - more like a suspended reality - all around me is chaos - and i am just waiting for it to hit. Swirling all around me are these emotions of hope, despair, anger, frustration, motivation - and i am suspended - not knowing which one i actually feel - and waiting for the outcome of these negotiations to decide.
What worries me and what i don't understand is this:
there are 100,000 people that took to the streets of copenhagen alone. There are 30,000 - 40,000 activists that have traveled from all corners of the globe to be at this conference. There are continuous demonstrations around the world - during this week and in weeks past which have varied from 3 people to 3,000 people - all speaking their mind about climate change - all shouting at the top of their lungs how important it is to them that we sign a FAB deal (Fair. Ambitious. Binding.).
but who is listening?
i fear that the people in those plenary sessions and closed meetings, those people who hold the decision-making power do not hear the cries of the masses. But, how is that possible? How is it possible to NOT create a treaty with this outburst of support from the world! But no matter how much we shout, no many how many gather, no matter how far we go or what we say or what we do, no matter how peaceful or how violent - it might not matter. and that is the most frustrating part of this for me. what if we don't get a binding agreement? what if what they decide is not enough? what if the US does not pass a comprehensive climate bill? what then? what more can we do to convince world leaders that we need them to lead us to reduced emissions, alternative energy, sustainable living, adaptation and mititgaion. And as world leaders, what more do you want than half of the world coming together to tell you the importance of a cause? what more do you need to take aggressive action?
i fear, almost, for this week to come. our fate and the fate of the biological/ecological system for which we are inextricably tied, hangs in the balance - in the hands of a chosen few whom we hope do the "right" thing - who we hope have heard our pleas. if they didn't hear and if they don't act - i don't know what to do?
so, what i would ask in this next week is to pressure your senators and reps relentlessly to pass an aggressive and comprehensive bill. i know we won't get a climate bill next week or even in many weeks - but they need to hear from you - to know that we will not sit idle by and allow the US to cut emissions by 14% or 17% - we will not allow the irresponsibility of the developed nations to continue. we want action and we want it now - we need it now! we need to SEAL the DEAL!!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
a cloud of uncertainty
The Daily Programme annouced today that beginning Tues., a set of "secondary" cards for IGOs and NGOs will be issued, and beginning Tues. of next week, you may not enter the conference without your original badge AND the secondary pass.
the reason for this is, i believe capacity as well as security. Next week many heads of state are set to arrive and the negotiations/possibility of a treaty will go into full swing. The Bella Center has a capacity for 15,000 but 30,000 have actually registered. The numbers attending this week have been closely moitored and i imagine as the week has gone on, we have been close to ro reached capacity. Since many more people will be ariving this weekend and next week, the Bella would be sure to reach and exceed capacity if unchecked.
As a security measure for the presence of so many heads of state, this secondary measure will limit the amount of people from each organization as well as limiting the overall NGO participation - thus preventing actions - especially those like the improptu Tuvalu demonstration.
What does this mean for us? Well, since we are accredited through SusutainUS, but are not actually a representative of that organization, it is doubtful that we will get a secondary badge - as they will most likely issue their alloted badges to their actual delegation.
So, i am not sure what this means? I don't know if there will be a lottery for extra passes, if there is a chance i can get in or no chance at all. So, although i was planning to be a "tourist" today and take a break - i came to the Bella incase it is one of the last days i am able to attend (though i really hope this is not the case).
I will keep you informed after we find out more about what will go on. I am upset at the prosepct of not being able to attend the negotiations after Tues. though i am so grateful that i have had this opportunity in the first place. And if i am not able to attend - all is not lost in the fight for climate justice! there are a multitude of other climate events taking place - especialy a very interesting and simultaneous conference called KlimaForum http://www.klimaforum09.org/?lang=en - which will present additional opportunitues to learn about climate issues and to network with key people in the climate arena.
So, all is not lost as enriching experiences abound - and i might even get a chance to take a break, be a tourist, and visit a castle or two - meet a charming prince - and be whisked away into the Happily Ever After? ok - maybe not all that - but whether or not i am reporting from inside the Bella Center or elsewhere in the greater Copenhagen area, my dedication to Climate Justice shall not falter and neither shall my reporting of the events!
“If you will call your troubles experiences, and remember that every experience develops some latent force within you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may seem to be.” ~John Heywood
the reason for this is, i believe capacity as well as security. Next week many heads of state are set to arrive and the negotiations/possibility of a treaty will go into full swing. The Bella Center has a capacity for 15,000 but 30,000 have actually registered. The numbers attending this week have been closely moitored and i imagine as the week has gone on, we have been close to ro reached capacity. Since many more people will be ariving this weekend and next week, the Bella would be sure to reach and exceed capacity if unchecked.
As a security measure for the presence of so many heads of state, this secondary measure will limit the amount of people from each organization as well as limiting the overall NGO participation - thus preventing actions - especially those like the improptu Tuvalu demonstration.
What does this mean for us? Well, since we are accredited through SusutainUS, but are not actually a representative of that organization, it is doubtful that we will get a secondary badge - as they will most likely issue their alloted badges to their actual delegation.
So, i am not sure what this means? I don't know if there will be a lottery for extra passes, if there is a chance i can get in or no chance at all. So, although i was planning to be a "tourist" today and take a break - i came to the Bella incase it is one of the last days i am able to attend (though i really hope this is not the case).
I will keep you informed after we find out more about what will go on. I am upset at the prosepct of not being able to attend the negotiations after Tues. though i am so grateful that i have had this opportunity in the first place. And if i am not able to attend - all is not lost in the fight for climate justice! there are a multitude of other climate events taking place - especialy a very interesting and simultaneous conference called KlimaForum http://www.klimaforum09.org/?lang=en - which will present additional opportunitues to learn about climate issues and to network with key people in the climate arena.
So, all is not lost as enriching experiences abound - and i might even get a chance to take a break, be a tourist, and visit a castle or two - meet a charming prince - and be whisked away into the Happily Ever After? ok - maybe not all that - but whether or not i am reporting from inside the Bella Center or elsewhere in the greater Copenhagen area, my dedication to Climate Justice shall not falter and neither shall my reporting of the events!
“If you will call your troubles experiences, and remember that every experience develops some latent force within you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may seem to be.” ~John Heywood
Friday, December 11, 2009
FYI
this may not be news to you - but it is to me, so i thought i would share. As i go to each event, i start a draft blog entry - basically just creating a heading so that i don't forget what topics i wanted to write about later on. But, as i said, i was backed up in my reporting because so much is going on, and i don't get to some entries until days later. Well, i just posted by Lisa Jackson piece and it seems that it went under Dec. 9 which is when i saw her speak and made the draft blog. So, essentially, new entries will be interspersed throughout the blog based on the day i started them, not ended them. SO, if you, like many of my followers are inextricably enthralled with my blogs and don't want to miss a moment, scroll through for titles and topics that have not yet ticked your fancy. :)
Thursday, December 10, 2009
A day in the life...
So, I realized it may be beneficial (or interesting?) to tell you about my day so you can get a picture of what goes on here and what i actually do day to day. And now that i have been here a few days, I have established a "pattern" of sorts.
I usually wake up about 7am and leave the house by 7:30 or 8.
On the way we make a pit stop at the most delicious pastry shop ever - 2 blocks from my flat. :) bad idea whoever put that there, but oh so good! Goal: try every pastry! (but avoid coming home 700lbs heavier...?)
Catch the 4A bus (but not the 4A to Mozart Plads - the other 4A).
Arrive at Bella around 8 - 8:30
Go through security - making sure to have empty water bottles and coffee mug so that they don't make me drink the contents. Yes, the other day i forgot to empty my bottle, and i was watched by 3 guards as i took a sip. lesson learned. Now i empty and take the lids off for a much happier security experience.
Next is a badge scan at the entrance - where my lovely pictutre pops up on the screen. I find it a little disconcerting that every day the scanners do a double-take when they verify the picture on the screen is actually me, the person standing before them. Ok, I was exhausted and had no make-up on and my hair was a disaster when i took the picture ( i mean i had benn traveling for 27 hours after all - and then immediately stood in a 3 hour long line to get my badge - what do you expect!) - but it's really not that bad.
Coat check is the next stop. (and promptly putting my coat check ticket in my wallet - as you do not want to lose it. yes, this happened day 2).
Then on to the Daily Programme counter where we are handed an increasingly thick packet describing all of the plenary sessions, side events, actions, and other items of interest for the day. They have also begun to list the dignitaries and world leaders that are arriving.
From there, i usually get a cup of coffee for 10dkk (about $2) - so glad it is both good and strong! and enjoy my pastry while looking through the daily programme for the sessions i will attend and plan out my strategy for the day.
I have been doing the 10am plenary session which means that i try to get into the room at 9:30 at the latest to avoid the security restrictions and ensure that i can get in. hopefully that plan continues to work.
I sit in the plenary until it is time to go to the next session.
Plenary sessions:
usually start about 10 minutes late.
they begin by the President opening the session and she goes through the agenda as well as other annoucements about items from the day before that need to be covered, etc. Like most meetings - the agenda is more ambitious than what can realistically be accomplished in the time alloted, so items get pushed back or around.
From there, the Chair of the committee of a particualar item gives an update, and then comments from the floor are addressed. Each country that wishes to speak is given 3 minutes (about 1 in 3 countries actually stay within that time limit - and when a country in concise - such as only taking 2 minutes, the President makes a big deal about their efficiency).
These comments can go on for a long time - and i have never really seen any of the questions or comments answered. Either all comments are taken and noted and then that agenda item goes to a contact group (a smaller group designed to deal with the specifics) or the comments far outlast my ability to sit there - because i have to get to a different session or just can't sit there for more than 2 hours at a time.
Contact Group:
I plan to attend one of the contact group open sessions today - so i will be able to report more on these later.
Side Events:
Along with all of the open and closed sessions and press briefings, there are a multitude of "side events" throughout the day. These are usually panel discussions hosted by an organization. So, the science panel by the Bellona Foundation was a side event, as was the REDD panel. There are so many of these going on - often at the same time - it is sometimes hard to choose what you want to go to!!
Somewhere in there i eat some lunch, sometimes get more coffee, usually get a little lost in the Bella Center (though by now i think i can find all the rooms) and endlessly search for the combination of plug & seat inbetween sessions.
Around 5,6,7 pm (or should i say: 17:00, 18:00, 19:00), i leave the Bella, catch the 4A and head back home to make some dinner, blog and usually crash!
I always have the intentions of going out and about - but i am so exhausted that i usually just crawl into bed - lame, i know - but i think we are going to switch from UN delegates to tourists this weekend - so i won't totally miss out on exploring this amazing city. And, it will be a refreashing and needed break - to get ready for next week - which i imagine will be even more intense, crazy and exhausting than this one!
I usually wake up about 7am and leave the house by 7:30 or 8.
On the way we make a pit stop at the most delicious pastry shop ever - 2 blocks from my flat. :) bad idea whoever put that there, but oh so good! Goal: try every pastry! (but avoid coming home 700lbs heavier...?)
Catch the 4A bus (but not the 4A to Mozart Plads - the other 4A).
Arrive at Bella around 8 - 8:30
Go through security - making sure to have empty water bottles and coffee mug so that they don't make me drink the contents. Yes, the other day i forgot to empty my bottle, and i was watched by 3 guards as i took a sip. lesson learned. Now i empty and take the lids off for a much happier security experience.
Next is a badge scan at the entrance - where my lovely pictutre pops up on the screen. I find it a little disconcerting that every day the scanners do a double-take when they verify the picture on the screen is actually me, the person standing before them. Ok, I was exhausted and had no make-up on and my hair was a disaster when i took the picture ( i mean i had benn traveling for 27 hours after all - and then immediately stood in a 3 hour long line to get my badge - what do you expect!) - but it's really not that bad.
Coat check is the next stop. (and promptly putting my coat check ticket in my wallet - as you do not want to lose it. yes, this happened day 2).
Then on to the Daily Programme counter where we are handed an increasingly thick packet describing all of the plenary sessions, side events, actions, and other items of interest for the day. They have also begun to list the dignitaries and world leaders that are arriving.
From there, i usually get a cup of coffee for 10dkk (about $2) - so glad it is both good and strong! and enjoy my pastry while looking through the daily programme for the sessions i will attend and plan out my strategy for the day.
I have been doing the 10am plenary session which means that i try to get into the room at 9:30 at the latest to avoid the security restrictions and ensure that i can get in. hopefully that plan continues to work.
I sit in the plenary until it is time to go to the next session.
Plenary sessions:
usually start about 10 minutes late.
they begin by the President opening the session and she goes through the agenda as well as other annoucements about items from the day before that need to be covered, etc. Like most meetings - the agenda is more ambitious than what can realistically be accomplished in the time alloted, so items get pushed back or around.
From there, the Chair of the committee of a particualar item gives an update, and then comments from the floor are addressed. Each country that wishes to speak is given 3 minutes (about 1 in 3 countries actually stay within that time limit - and when a country in concise - such as only taking 2 minutes, the President makes a big deal about their efficiency).
These comments can go on for a long time - and i have never really seen any of the questions or comments answered. Either all comments are taken and noted and then that agenda item goes to a contact group (a smaller group designed to deal with the specifics) or the comments far outlast my ability to sit there - because i have to get to a different session or just can't sit there for more than 2 hours at a time.
Contact Group:
I plan to attend one of the contact group open sessions today - so i will be able to report more on these later.
Side Events:
Along with all of the open and closed sessions and press briefings, there are a multitude of "side events" throughout the day. These are usually panel discussions hosted by an organization. So, the science panel by the Bellona Foundation was a side event, as was the REDD panel. There are so many of these going on - often at the same time - it is sometimes hard to choose what you want to go to!!
Somewhere in there i eat some lunch, sometimes get more coffee, usually get a little lost in the Bella Center (though by now i think i can find all the rooms) and endlessly search for the combination of plug & seat inbetween sessions.
Around 5,6,7 pm (or should i say: 17:00, 18:00, 19:00), i leave the Bella, catch the 4A and head back home to make some dinner, blog and usually crash!
I always have the intentions of going out and about - but i am so exhausted that i usually just crawl into bed - lame, i know - but i think we are going to switch from UN delegates to tourists this weekend - so i won't totally miss out on exploring this amazing city. And, it will be a refreashing and needed break - to get ready for next week - which i imagine will be even more intense, crazy and exhausting than this one!
...and we clapped
exactly.
As i said earlier i did get into the plenary session from about 9:30-noon and then left to make it to Ken Salazar's speech. Only one way in and one way out and no one was coming in. Security was tight and there was a line of people waiting to get into the session - but no one was allowed through.
During the plenary session, Equatorial Guinea made the comment that these negotiations are so important for the fact that even though most of us will not be around to see it, our chidren will. He talked about the youth voice at the conference (which is so strong - there are over 500 US youth here alone) as today is International Youth Day at the conference. He made very wonderful points and at the end applause erupted from the observers in the back as well as from some of the country representatives in the front of the room. This is an appropriate response and an important show of support during the negotiations. The fear that this small but poignant action would be lost is one that i hope will not be realized, but would be if observers are kept from the plenary.
As i said earlier i did get into the plenary session from about 9:30-noon and then left to make it to Ken Salazar's speech. Only one way in and one way out and no one was coming in. Security was tight and there was a line of people waiting to get into the session - but no one was allowed through.
During the plenary session, Equatorial Guinea made the comment that these negotiations are so important for the fact that even though most of us will not be around to see it, our chidren will. He talked about the youth voice at the conference (which is so strong - there are over 500 US youth here alone) as today is International Youth Day at the conference. He made very wonderful points and at the end applause erupted from the observers in the back as well as from some of the country representatives in the front of the room. This is an appropriate response and an important show of support during the negotiations. The fear that this small but poignant action would be lost is one that i hope will not be realized, but would be if observers are kept from the plenary.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
to protest or not to protest...
So, this is going to be a little out of order as i have about 5 "draft" blogs waiting in the wings - and i promise to get to them - (it is my over-involvement and intetrest that has caused the delay - not a lack of motivation by any means). Anyway, in some ways I have been contemplating this entry since i arrived - or even before - but certain events yesterday have brought it even more into perspective.
those who know me well know that once upon a time i was a "radical" protestor or activist in the environmental movement. And though i have not engaged in any protests for a while, that part of me is not gone - it lays in wait - like a calm volcano ready to errupt. Or, you could also say that i am still just as active as ever - i have just changed my approach.
Either way, i wondered what it would be like and how i would feel to come to an event, not as an "activist" but as a "professional" in some sense. I hope this is making sense.
My decision to come to law school was a sea change - and my acknowledgment that although i appreciate the value of direct action in the environmental movement and i think it has a valuable place, i no longer belonged in that part of the movement (at least as a permanent career) - and wanted to focus on a different aspect - law and policy as the avenue for change.
So, here i am in heels and suits walking by people making signs, planning actions - and i can feel that energy that comes from organizing an action; mobilizing around an issue -and my heart begins to beat - i can feel the molten lava of my activist soul begin to rumble. Part of me wanted to shed the suit and join the struggle. I found myself asking if i was a sell-out? if i would be judged by my fellow "granola-crunching " "hippy" constituency? would they write me off, or would they see that i was an ally - an activist "wolf" dressed in suited sheeps clothing?
But then yesterday, i was in a plenary session meeting of the parties to Kyoto (blog on that forthcoming...). This meeting involved delegates from around the world discussing CDM (clean development mechanisms) and whether CCS (carbon capture & storage) should be incuded under the CDM. This is a very important debate and it was an interesting session.
But at the begining part of the session, there was a protest in the lobby to the plenary hall. People were yelling "survival" and Tuvalu. Tuvalu is a small island state that would be inundated by sea level rise and would most likely disappear underwater. This island is also aiming for carbon neutrality in the next decade or so. So, of course it is legitimate that they would be holding an visual awareness action - but it was entirely inappropriate to hold this action outside of the plenary.
In the Bella Center there is an entire area for NGOs as well as places around the conference to hold demonstrations and actions. And these areas are high traffic where delegates and leaders pass. Nevertheless, this organization decided to move their action outside of the plenary doors. And it was loud and disruptive to the session. As a result, secutiry was heightened and observers were denied access. I did not know what was going on outside the doors until i went outside of the room. I was looking for the bathroom and security told me if i left i would not be permitted back in. There was a line of people waiting at the doors, being kept out and the lobby outside the session was empty. Further, there is talk that the secretariat will ban observers from future plenary sessions - especially next week when leaders begin to arrive.
I am all for direct actions and awareness - but the choice of this organization to go against the rules and bring an action outside the designated areas has jeopardized the ability for the rest of us to participate in these sessions - and with that i cannot agree. There are few meeting that are open to observers - and the ability to be in these meetings are very important. They give valuable insight to the debate between countries and also allows for observers to support the positions of small island countries and LCD countries by clapping after they speak, etc. There are also opportunities for observer organizations to speak at the end of the sessions. Having observers keepsthe process open and accountable. Without allowing outsiders in, the meetings lose their transparency and take away the important aspect of open public participation in this process.
So, although i will always remain an activist at heart - i do not think i am any less legitimate by donning a suit and heels. Though i may look longingly at the signs, slogans and actions of my protesting friends, i will stand tall (in my 3" heels) and proud at my decision to take my skills, knowledge and passion down a different (but no less legitimate) road.
Although i respect the actions that were taken yesterday, i think that these actions should consider the broader implications before going forward. Though we may all be more aware of the plight of Tuvalu after the action (and it is an important issue!) - at what expense did we learn? It may have done more harm than good, if a few signs and shouts limit the participation of hundreds of others in this process.
I am writing this in a plenary session this morning (which means we are still allowed in for now) - but made a conscious effort to get here 1/2 hour early in hopes that not many observers would be in there yet and security would still be amiable. As i was finishing my coffee in the lobby (was not allowed to bring it in) - i saw the security locking doors to the plenary and only allowing one entrance in and out of the plenary with tight securtity around. This is very different than past days where the flow of people in and out was much more free.
I don't know what will happen in the days to come - but if we are kept out of plenary, i can imagine a shift that i don't think would be a positive one. Negotiations are beginning to get more intense as the week goes on - only to increase next week. You can feel it and see it - there are more people - and increasingly more important people arriving from countries (as in the Presidents and Prime Ministers are beginning to arrive). Being kept out of plenary would cause more observers to turn to direct actions to show their disapproval - which would cause security to be stepped up even greater and would probably push observers further into the conference perifery - causing more and more intense actions - an unhealthy and unproductive cycle.
My hope is that organizations understand the implications of yesterday's actions - and continue to be direct and active, but in the approriate way - to ensure that activists can continue to "infiltrate" all parts of the meetings - like me in a suit - sitting in the meetings - taking notes and reporting to the outside - while in other parts of the conference there are actions and protests.
this is hard for me to say - to disagree with the actions of yesterday because i so much understand that desire to speak up - to speak out - to yell at the top of your lungs for change - action - awareness - an end to the injustice! But, it's a matter of diversity - we need people involved in all parts of the process for real change to occur. For now we do - and i hope it is allowed to continue.
those who know me well know that once upon a time i was a "radical" protestor or activist in the environmental movement. And though i have not engaged in any protests for a while, that part of me is not gone - it lays in wait - like a calm volcano ready to errupt. Or, you could also say that i am still just as active as ever - i have just changed my approach.
Either way, i wondered what it would be like and how i would feel to come to an event, not as an "activist" but as a "professional" in some sense. I hope this is making sense.
My decision to come to law school was a sea change - and my acknowledgment that although i appreciate the value of direct action in the environmental movement and i think it has a valuable place, i no longer belonged in that part of the movement (at least as a permanent career) - and wanted to focus on a different aspect - law and policy as the avenue for change.
So, here i am in heels and suits walking by people making signs, planning actions - and i can feel that energy that comes from organizing an action; mobilizing around an issue -and my heart begins to beat - i can feel the molten lava of my activist soul begin to rumble. Part of me wanted to shed the suit and join the struggle. I found myself asking if i was a sell-out? if i would be judged by my fellow "granola-crunching " "hippy" constituency? would they write me off, or would they see that i was an ally - an activist "wolf" dressed in suited sheeps clothing?
But then yesterday, i was in a plenary session meeting of the parties to Kyoto (blog on that forthcoming...). This meeting involved delegates from around the world discussing CDM (clean development mechanisms) and whether CCS (carbon capture & storage) should be incuded under the CDM. This is a very important debate and it was an interesting session.
But at the begining part of the session, there was a protest in the lobby to the plenary hall. People were yelling "survival" and Tuvalu. Tuvalu is a small island state that would be inundated by sea level rise and would most likely disappear underwater. This island is also aiming for carbon neutrality in the next decade or so. So, of course it is legitimate that they would be holding an visual awareness action - but it was entirely inappropriate to hold this action outside of the plenary.
In the Bella Center there is an entire area for NGOs as well as places around the conference to hold demonstrations and actions. And these areas are high traffic where delegates and leaders pass. Nevertheless, this organization decided to move their action outside of the plenary doors. And it was loud and disruptive to the session. As a result, secutiry was heightened and observers were denied access. I did not know what was going on outside the doors until i went outside of the room. I was looking for the bathroom and security told me if i left i would not be permitted back in. There was a line of people waiting at the doors, being kept out and the lobby outside the session was empty. Further, there is talk that the secretariat will ban observers from future plenary sessions - especially next week when leaders begin to arrive.
I am all for direct actions and awareness - but the choice of this organization to go against the rules and bring an action outside the designated areas has jeopardized the ability for the rest of us to participate in these sessions - and with that i cannot agree. There are few meeting that are open to observers - and the ability to be in these meetings are very important. They give valuable insight to the debate between countries and also allows for observers to support the positions of small island countries and LCD countries by clapping after they speak, etc. There are also opportunities for observer organizations to speak at the end of the sessions. Having observers keepsthe process open and accountable. Without allowing outsiders in, the meetings lose their transparency and take away the important aspect of open public participation in this process.
So, although i will always remain an activist at heart - i do not think i am any less legitimate by donning a suit and heels. Though i may look longingly at the signs, slogans and actions of my protesting friends, i will stand tall (in my 3" heels) and proud at my decision to take my skills, knowledge and passion down a different (but no less legitimate) road.
Although i respect the actions that were taken yesterday, i think that these actions should consider the broader implications before going forward. Though we may all be more aware of the plight of Tuvalu after the action (and it is an important issue!) - at what expense did we learn? It may have done more harm than good, if a few signs and shouts limit the participation of hundreds of others in this process.
I am writing this in a plenary session this morning (which means we are still allowed in for now) - but made a conscious effort to get here 1/2 hour early in hopes that not many observers would be in there yet and security would still be amiable. As i was finishing my coffee in the lobby (was not allowed to bring it in) - i saw the security locking doors to the plenary and only allowing one entrance in and out of the plenary with tight securtity around. This is very different than past days where the flow of people in and out was much more free.
I don't know what will happen in the days to come - but if we are kept out of plenary, i can imagine a shift that i don't think would be a positive one. Negotiations are beginning to get more intense as the week goes on - only to increase next week. You can feel it and see it - there are more people - and increasingly more important people arriving from countries (as in the Presidents and Prime Ministers are beginning to arrive). Being kept out of plenary would cause more observers to turn to direct actions to show their disapproval - which would cause security to be stepped up even greater and would probably push observers further into the conference perifery - causing more and more intense actions - an unhealthy and unproductive cycle.
My hope is that organizations understand the implications of yesterday's actions - and continue to be direct and active, but in the approriate way - to ensure that activists can continue to "infiltrate" all parts of the meetings - like me in a suit - sitting in the meetings - taking notes and reporting to the outside - while in other parts of the conference there are actions and protests.
this is hard for me to say - to disagree with the actions of yesterday because i so much understand that desire to speak up - to speak out - to yell at the top of your lungs for change - action - awareness - an end to the injustice! But, it's a matter of diversity - we need people involved in all parts of the process for real change to occur. For now we do - and i hope it is allowed to continue.
Lisa Jackson...
Rocks!
I got to see Lisa Jackson, EPA Administrator, speak this morning.
you would have thought that a million dollars was sitting in that room waiting to be claimed or that it was Black Friday at Wal-Mart the way people pushed to get in! It was actually pretty crazy! All of these suits calmly talking and chatting until they opened the doors - then they all turned to raging beasts to get in! ahh, human nature. Anyway, being that i savagly squished to the sidelines - i stood by the door to watch the speech. It was a pretty good view, actually and i got some good pics, though i did not take many notes.
Basically, she highlighted the different efforts that the President and EPA are taking to combat climate change domestically. She also hightlighted the endangerment report which she signed hours before getting on the plane. As i stated in a previous entry - finally we are recognizing that GHGs are harmful.
What I am left with wondering is whether this action by the US is a peace offering or a scrap to temporarily soothe the riotous masses? Because we don't yet have a climate bill (argh) was this endangerment finding (and the coincidence that it was signed hours before coming to Copenhagen) a good-faith gesture that yes, the US is in fact committed to drastically reducing our emissions and this is just one small step we are taking as part of sweeping, comprehensive changes to come or is it more like a mini diversion so that we don't look worse than we already do? I hope it is the previous! ...only time and negotiations will tell.
Meanwhile back at home...
CALL your Senator and DEMAND comprehensive climate legislation! Demand that the US commit to Kyoto (even if we don't sign, we can still commit to making comparable efforts and other actions under Kyoto) and DEMAND aggressive action in Copenhagen!
As French politician Alexandre Ledru-Rollin said:
"There go the people. I must follow them, for i am their leader"
I got to see Lisa Jackson, EPA Administrator, speak this morning.
you would have thought that a million dollars was sitting in that room waiting to be claimed or that it was Black Friday at Wal-Mart the way people pushed to get in! It was actually pretty crazy! All of these suits calmly talking and chatting until they opened the doors - then they all turned to raging beasts to get in! ahh, human nature. Anyway, being that i savagly squished to the sidelines - i stood by the door to watch the speech. It was a pretty good view, actually and i got some good pics, though i did not take many notes.
Basically, she highlighted the different efforts that the President and EPA are taking to combat climate change domestically. She also hightlighted the endangerment report which she signed hours before getting on the plane. As i stated in a previous entry - finally we are recognizing that GHGs are harmful.
What I am left with wondering is whether this action by the US is a peace offering or a scrap to temporarily soothe the riotous masses? Because we don't yet have a climate bill (argh) was this endangerment finding (and the coincidence that it was signed hours before coming to Copenhagen) a good-faith gesture that yes, the US is in fact committed to drastically reducing our emissions and this is just one small step we are taking as part of sweeping, comprehensive changes to come or is it more like a mini diversion so that we don't look worse than we already do? I hope it is the previous! ...only time and negotiations will tell.
Meanwhile back at home...
CALL your Senator and DEMAND comprehensive climate legislation! Demand that the US commit to Kyoto (even if we don't sign, we can still commit to making comparable efforts and other actions under Kyoto) and DEMAND aggressive action in Copenhagen!
As French politician Alexandre Ledru-Rollin said:
"There go the people. I must follow them, for i am their leader"
fairness. consistency. transparency.
Meeting of the Parties to Kyoto - Plenary Session.
Wed. Dec. 9, 2009 * 3pm
I only stayed for agenda item 6 at this session, which was issues relating to the CDM status. The CDM (clean development mechanisms) has been a controversial part of the negotiations form what i have seen. There are challenges to its implementation - particularly finance issues as well as whether to include CCS (carbon capture & storage) as a mechanism under the CDM.
Here are some of the issues and comments brought up under this agenda item with the caveat that i am making broad generalizations about what the countries stated and i only have the benefit of a small part of this session - so i am sure more breadth and depth are given to these issues than what i have heard. With that...
CCS:
Oil producing countries favor the addition of CCS under the CDM (of course, because that = enhanced oil recovery and the ability to continue producing and exporting oil).
Zambia was reluctant to endorse CCS because the environmental impacts are unknown.
Brazil supports CCS, but not as a CDM mechanism.
Republic of Korea was also concerned about endorsing CCS under the CDM - though they felt it had great potential to address climate change.
Revision of the CDM process:
African nations and other LDCs (Least Developed Countries) feel the CDM implementation process is not transparent and not easy to implement. Additionally, of the over 1,000 projects around the world, only about 1.8% of them are located in African nations and about 70% of the projects are concentrated in 3 countries (which the Democratic Republic of Congo did not want to name names). Mali for example has prepared 30 projects, but only 2 have been implemented.
The African nations support a process of regional distribution of projects or sector projects as well as limiting the amount of credits allowed for each project.
China agreed that the CDM process needed to be more open and transparent. In fact, the title of this blog - fairness. consistency. transparency comes from the extreme overuse of these 3 words by the China delegation in there more than 6 min. rant (remember the max is 3). If i would have known, i would have begun counting - but it was a lot.
India supported the view of China but did not agree with African nations about distributing porjects by sector because that would, in their view, limit the flow of technology and economy.
Equador supports the African nations requests for equitable distribution of CDM projects.
So, this gives a small example not only of the diverse discussions in the plenary - but of the debate that goes on. Though CDM is a large part of Kyoto and the question of what Kyoto will look like after 2012, it is only one part of the debate - but as these few comments allude, there is definite disconnect between nations - and the views are valid for the interests of those countries.
I can't even imagine how any work gets done or compromise made with so much friction on the issues - it really is an amazing process - but no wonder it takes so long!
Wed. Dec. 9, 2009 * 3pm
I only stayed for agenda item 6 at this session, which was issues relating to the CDM status. The CDM (clean development mechanisms) has been a controversial part of the negotiations form what i have seen. There are challenges to its implementation - particularly finance issues as well as whether to include CCS (carbon capture & storage) as a mechanism under the CDM.
Here are some of the issues and comments brought up under this agenda item with the caveat that i am making broad generalizations about what the countries stated and i only have the benefit of a small part of this session - so i am sure more breadth and depth are given to these issues than what i have heard. With that...
CCS:
Oil producing countries favor the addition of CCS under the CDM (of course, because that = enhanced oil recovery and the ability to continue producing and exporting oil).
Zambia was reluctant to endorse CCS because the environmental impacts are unknown.
Brazil supports CCS, but not as a CDM mechanism.
Republic of Korea was also concerned about endorsing CCS under the CDM - though they felt it had great potential to address climate change.
Revision of the CDM process:
African nations and other LDCs (Least Developed Countries) feel the CDM implementation process is not transparent and not easy to implement. Additionally, of the over 1,000 projects around the world, only about 1.8% of them are located in African nations and about 70% of the projects are concentrated in 3 countries (which the Democratic Republic of Congo did not want to name names). Mali for example has prepared 30 projects, but only 2 have been implemented.
The African nations support a process of regional distribution of projects or sector projects as well as limiting the amount of credits allowed for each project.
China agreed that the CDM process needed to be more open and transparent. In fact, the title of this blog - fairness. consistency. transparency comes from the extreme overuse of these 3 words by the China delegation in there more than 6 min. rant (remember the max is 3). If i would have known, i would have begun counting - but it was a lot.
India supported the view of China but did not agree with African nations about distributing porjects by sector because that would, in their view, limit the flow of technology and economy.
Equador supports the African nations requests for equitable distribution of CDM projects.
So, this gives a small example not only of the diverse discussions in the plenary - but of the debate that goes on. Though CDM is a large part of Kyoto and the question of what Kyoto will look like after 2012, it is only one part of the debate - but as these few comments allude, there is definite disconnect between nations - and the views are valid for the interests of those countries.
I can't even imagine how any work gets done or compromise made with so much friction on the issues - it really is an amazing process - but no wonder it takes so long!
They blinded me with science...
Most Recent Climate Research
Bellona Foundation http://www.bellona.no/
Dec. 8, 2009 * 13:00-14:30
The Bellona Foundation hosted a panel of 3 scientists to update the climate science since the 4th IPCC report (2007). This was a very informative and kind of intense panel. I wanted to know the current science, but at the same time it was kind of scary and disconcerting. Have we already passed the point of no return?
As I stated in an earlier entry, I feel i am on a constant see-saw - and this panel was one of those times i was headed down. Jumping from plenary session to side event to NGO table there is so much discrepancy in the numbers and science being thrown around in terms of what we need to cut, how much, and by when.
But one important comment that the scientist from CICERO made was the lack on good reporting to the public. Because there are natural variations in warming trends, there have been and are going to be periods of cooling as the earth warms - but overall the trend is undoubtedly warming over the long-term - with 2009 being one of the warmest years on record. Relaying this information about the natural trends to the public might dispel some of the skepticism and allow for more understanding as to the science of our warming planet.
Also, climate variability create uncertainties in the exact numbers due to positive feedback loops and variability in clouds and water vapor. But, the science does show that the ocean uptake of CO2 has steadily lowered (meaning the ocean is not absorbing as much CO2 as it previously had - and leading to increased ocean acidification).
Another significant issue to consider is that even as the emissions are reduced to zero, there will still be a significant amount of CO2 and GHGs in the atmosphere - so there will be a lag time from when we stop emitting and when we see the effects - the temperature of the earth will be very slow to lower.
Much of the actions and campaigns have focused on the number "350" - which equates to 350ppm as the target level CO2 in the atmosphere and would prevent many of the more significant impacts we would expect to see from temperature rise. Right now we are at around 380ppm.
The disconcerting part of this panel - though the reality of it is - we probably won't get to 350 according to the science. Policy makers are adopting a 450 scenario. More than likely, though, 550 is the realistic figure. This represents a doubling of the current CO2 levels and at least a 3 degree rise in temperature. Given this scientific prediction, adaptive measures should be the focus - in essence we should be prepping for the extremes.
Adaptation and Mitigation have been 2 keys words thrown around in these sessions - both plenary meetings and side events. Both are important tactics that should be simultaneously employed to embrace the realities that we are likely to face. We should continue to mitigate to slow and potentially prevent as much of the catastrophic changes that may result from a rise in temperature, while preparing for the 'worst case scenario' of up to a 6 degree C rise in temp. Holland, for example is currently preparing for a 3M rise in sea level over the next 100 years.
Given our current activities, even if we halted everything now, there would still be a 1 degree rise in temp. - pretty much unavoidable at this point. The proposed emissions reductions and numbers being thrown around currently only get 2/3 of the way to 2020 target numbers and 6% of the way to our 2050 numbers.
On the way to the Bella Center each morning we walk down a pathway next to a canal. There are some creepy emaciated statutes that stand in the water - representing people that will be displaced by sea level rise - but the more eye-opening part of this walk are the bright red lights that are hung on the beams of the bridge over the canal as you walk down the path (I will get a picture of this so it is easier to visualize). These lights at the top of the beams/base of the bridge represent where the sea will be if we experience a 7m rise (which is not unlikely if our activities continue business as usual).
Although these scenarios (both science and visual) are scary - they should not immobilize us into a state of inaction - but rather propel us into an even more aggressive push to reduce emissions and prevent or limit as much of the potential effects as possible - mitigation AND adaptation.
Bellona Foundation http://www.bellona.no/
Dec. 8, 2009 * 13:00-14:30
The Bellona Foundation hosted a panel of 3 scientists to update the climate science since the 4th IPCC report (2007). This was a very informative and kind of intense panel. I wanted to know the current science, but at the same time it was kind of scary and disconcerting. Have we already passed the point of no return?
As I stated in an earlier entry, I feel i am on a constant see-saw - and this panel was one of those times i was headed down. Jumping from plenary session to side event to NGO table there is so much discrepancy in the numbers and science being thrown around in terms of what we need to cut, how much, and by when.
But one important comment that the scientist from CICERO made was the lack on good reporting to the public. Because there are natural variations in warming trends, there have been and are going to be periods of cooling as the earth warms - but overall the trend is undoubtedly warming over the long-term - with 2009 being one of the warmest years on record. Relaying this information about the natural trends to the public might dispel some of the skepticism and allow for more understanding as to the science of our warming planet.
Also, climate variability create uncertainties in the exact numbers due to positive feedback loops and variability in clouds and water vapor. But, the science does show that the ocean uptake of CO2 has steadily lowered (meaning the ocean is not absorbing as much CO2 as it previously had - and leading to increased ocean acidification).
Another significant issue to consider is that even as the emissions are reduced to zero, there will still be a significant amount of CO2 and GHGs in the atmosphere - so there will be a lag time from when we stop emitting and when we see the effects - the temperature of the earth will be very slow to lower.
Much of the actions and campaigns have focused on the number "350" - which equates to 350ppm as the target level CO2 in the atmosphere and would prevent many of the more significant impacts we would expect to see from temperature rise. Right now we are at around 380ppm.
The disconcerting part of this panel - though the reality of it is - we probably won't get to 350 according to the science. Policy makers are adopting a 450 scenario. More than likely, though, 550 is the realistic figure. This represents a doubling of the current CO2 levels and at least a 3 degree rise in temperature. Given this scientific prediction, adaptive measures should be the focus - in essence we should be prepping for the extremes.
Adaptation and Mitigation have been 2 keys words thrown around in these sessions - both plenary meetings and side events. Both are important tactics that should be simultaneously employed to embrace the realities that we are likely to face. We should continue to mitigate to slow and potentially prevent as much of the catastrophic changes that may result from a rise in temperature, while preparing for the 'worst case scenario' of up to a 6 degree C rise in temp. Holland, for example is currently preparing for a 3M rise in sea level over the next 100 years.
Given our current activities, even if we halted everything now, there would still be a 1 degree rise in temp. - pretty much unavoidable at this point. The proposed emissions reductions and numbers being thrown around currently only get 2/3 of the way to 2020 target numbers and 6% of the way to our 2050 numbers.
On the way to the Bella Center each morning we walk down a pathway next to a canal. There are some creepy emaciated statutes that stand in the water - representing people that will be displaced by sea level rise - but the more eye-opening part of this walk are the bright red lights that are hung on the beams of the bridge over the canal as you walk down the path (I will get a picture of this so it is easier to visualize). These lights at the top of the beams/base of the bridge represent where the sea will be if we experience a 7m rise (which is not unlikely if our activities continue business as usual).
Although these scenarios (both science and visual) are scary - they should not immobilize us into a state of inaction - but rather propel us into an even more aggressive push to reduce emissions and prevent or limit as much of the potential effects as possible - mitigation AND adaptation.
Plenary
Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-Term Cooperative Action under convention (AWG-LCA).
8th session * Dec. 7, 2009 * 15:00-16:30
The Chair of this working group stated 3 parameters of success:
1.ambition
2. transformation
3. vision
combined with immediate action that also addressed the long-term.
This was a good panel to introduce me to the world of UN plenary sessions. There were a lot of administrative details in the beginning and then countries on the working group who were speaking in a representaive capacity for larger groups stated their goals and desired outcomes for the working group session as well as the conference as a whole.
not too much more exciting to report on this panel.
8th session * Dec. 7, 2009 * 15:00-16:30
The Chair of this working group stated 3 parameters of success:
1.ambition
2. transformation
3. vision
combined with immediate action that also addressed the long-term.
This was a good panel to introduce me to the world of UN plenary sessions. There were a lot of administrative details in the beginning and then countries on the working group who were speaking in a representaive capacity for larger groups stated their goals and desired outcomes for the working group session as well as the conference as a whole.
not too much more exciting to report on this panel.
see-saw
I was blushing with hope coming out of the opening ceremonies - only to see the realities past the pomp and circumstance in these last few days. I had no idea that nixing Kyoto was even on the table - or worse that negotiations were trying to remove all legally-binding language out of a new treaty. I have been on a see-saw of hope and dispair this entire conference - and i still don't know what to think - i have no idea what is going to happen. It's frustrating and i can only hope that radical negotiations are going on behind the doors that my little NGO pass will not allow me to access - and that come Friday, Dec. 18, world leaders will burst forth from said sealed doors holding high a treaty signed by 190 countries implementing legally-binding reductions in GHGs that will bring the total levels of CO2 to 350 ppm and curb the rise in temperature to less than 2 degrees...
no, i did not just doze off there. I am awake. let's just hope i am not dreaming...
no, i did not just doze off there. I am awake. let's just hope i am not dreaming...
Climate Justice
Monday*Dec. 7, 2009
My first side event of the day (monday) was sponsored by the Third World Network and discussed what Copenhagen must deliver from a climate justice perspective. One of the speakers contradicted the statement by the Prime Minster that climate change does not discriminate. It does. Most developed nations look at climate change in terms of what "can" happen or what "may" happen as a result of temperature rise - where in Africa and other developing and poor nations, they are experiencing these impacts now - in the present.
It has been suggested by some of the developed and Annex I nations that Kyoto be abandoned - as was also seen in the leaked "Danish" text. But this would have broad implications for the developing nations. So, there is confusion about what protocols would be followed if Kyoto is abandoned. Under 1B1 of Kyoto, comparable efforts are required by Annex I (developed)countries - and even non-signers (ahem - U.S.) can decide to implement aspects of Kyoto like comparable reductions, but where would an abandonment of Kyoto leave developing nations under 1B2? Additional obligations were added to developing nations under the Bali Framework to measure, report and verify. But, if the US and other Annex I countries are looking for voluntary, non-legally binding agreements - what happens to the increased obligations to developing nations. As one speaker suggested - the Annex I countries want to become developing nations - in that they don't want the strict requirements imposed on developed nations.
One of the issues that developing nations face is where to cut emissions? For developed nations, it is a matter of reducing consumption or a consumptive lifestyle. But, for a developing nation, cutting emissions would require a cut in agriculture or other apsects that are necessary for the lives and livelihoods of the people of that nation.
If it is understood that in 2012 (or even sooner pending the outcome of the negotiations) Kyoto will end its useful life, would the Bali Understanding or Bali Roadmap contiune? One speaker commented that expectations are so low at this point - the only hope is to retain Bali without total anarchy.
the take-home message of this panel is that developed nations must make vast reductions in order for developing nations to contiune in a survival capacity. Also, the Bali Roadmap needs to be followed. Finance and technology are the 2 huge barriers to effective emission reductions.
My first side event of the day (monday) was sponsored by the Third World Network and discussed what Copenhagen must deliver from a climate justice perspective. One of the speakers contradicted the statement by the Prime Minster that climate change does not discriminate. It does. Most developed nations look at climate change in terms of what "can" happen or what "may" happen as a result of temperature rise - where in Africa and other developing and poor nations, they are experiencing these impacts now - in the present.
It has been suggested by some of the developed and Annex I nations that Kyoto be abandoned - as was also seen in the leaked "Danish" text. But this would have broad implications for the developing nations. So, there is confusion about what protocols would be followed if Kyoto is abandoned. Under 1B1 of Kyoto, comparable efforts are required by Annex I (developed)countries - and even non-signers (ahem - U.S.) can decide to implement aspects of Kyoto like comparable reductions, but where would an abandonment of Kyoto leave developing nations under 1B2? Additional obligations were added to developing nations under the Bali Framework to measure, report and verify. But, if the US and other Annex I countries are looking for voluntary, non-legally binding agreements - what happens to the increased obligations to developing nations. As one speaker suggested - the Annex I countries want to become developing nations - in that they don't want the strict requirements imposed on developed nations.
One of the issues that developing nations face is where to cut emissions? For developed nations, it is a matter of reducing consumption or a consumptive lifestyle. But, for a developing nation, cutting emissions would require a cut in agriculture or other apsects that are necessary for the lives and livelihoods of the people of that nation.
If it is understood that in 2012 (or even sooner pending the outcome of the negotiations) Kyoto will end its useful life, would the Bali Understanding or Bali Roadmap contiune? One speaker commented that expectations are so low at this point - the only hope is to retain Bali without total anarchy.
the take-home message of this panel is that developed nations must make vast reductions in order for developing nations to contiune in a survival capacity. Also, the Bali Roadmap needs to be followed. Finance and technology are the 2 huge barriers to effective emission reductions.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
EPA & GHG
EPA finds that Greenhouse gases are a threat to human health & the environment:
EPA Press Conference:
http://www.epa.gov/
EPA Endengerment Findings:
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/endangerment.html
who knew?! well probably a lot of people. I did. But, my opinions don't carry as much weight as the EPA's (yet...). Really, though, this is a very important announcement and an important step in the US taking a firm stance on climate change.
EPA Press Conference:
http://www.epa.gov/
EPA Endengerment Findings:
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/endangerment.html
who knew?! well probably a lot of people. I did. But, my opinions don't carry as much weight as the EPA's (yet...). Really, though, this is a very important announcement and an important step in the US taking a firm stance on climate change.
REDD
Policy Options & Mitigation Potential of REDD
Dec. 8, 2009 * 10:30-12:30
This program was sponsored by VITO www.vito.be a Belgium research organization conducting spatial mapping and other analysis of REDD in St. Lucia.
REDD stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation. http://www.undp.org/mdtf/un-redd/overview.shtml
REDD is what you might call the "hot" issue (no pun intended) at the conference. It is everywhere - and is heavily considered as an implementation mechanism for developing nations to capture carbon. The multi-purpose of te REDD is that it ould keep areas of developing nations forested while enabing developed nations to capture carbon as a result of these areas remianing forested - though there has been great debate whether REDD should be included as CDMs (clean development mechanisms) under Kyoto.
I didn't realize that this panel was specific to REDD in St. Lucia. The St. Lucia part fell off of the program listing. Still, it was an informative panel - but i think i will reserve an in-depth discussion until I have gone to more REDD panels - then i can lump it all together.
But, since this is such a big and important issue, i will be sure to address it later.
Article on Native Peoples, Forest Stewardship & Climate:
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/dec2009/2009-12-08-01.asp
we're newsworthy!
http://www.kpax.com/global/story.asp?s=11634240
maybe i should have thought harder about that picture i used for the blog? If i had the forethought that it might be distributed, i would have gone to glamour shots or something. :)
maybe i should have thought harder about that picture i used for the blog? If i had the forethought that it might be distributed, i would have gone to glamour shots or something. :)
Monday, December 7, 2009
Opening Ceremony
Stong language representing the urgency of this conference to produce a legal-binding, progressive, visionary and comprehenisve treaty were repleat throughout the statements made at the opening ceremonies. At this conference, Copenhagen has done a lot to ensure that it is as green as it can be. One of the great things is there is no bottled water - just water fountains from the tap. There are bins to compost and any cups, plates, etc. used are compostable. 2/3 of the food served here is organic and they cut back on the gifts that i guess they usually give delegates in order to fund 11 students to come to the conference as climate scholars.
The Prime Minister of Denmark, Lars Lokke Rasmussen discussed how climate change knows no boundaries - and is a world problem needing a world solution. He emphasized the need for a strong & ambitious agreement with long-term solutiuons. He also talked of the importance of civil society in this process. The delegates will ultimately make the decisions, but it is the citizens of the world which will be affected by and are responsible for implementing them. He urged the delgates and other pariticipants to focus on what unites us rather than what divides in order to reach agreement during the difficult negotiation period.
the Mayor of Copenhagen - Ms. Ritt Bjerregaard discussed the transformation of City Center into Hopenhagen - the City of Hope. Copenhagen is looking to be the first carbon neutral capital by 2025, i believe.
The Chair of the IPCC (Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change), Dr. Rajendra Kumar Pachauri reinterated that this is a historic meeting which must lead to action and discussed the science of climate change since the issuance of the 4th IPCC report before COP13 Bali.
The Executive Dir. of Climate Change for the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention in Climate Change), Mr. Yvo de Boer spoke in an analogy of a "layer cake" of action where the bottom layer is implementation, the next layer is ambitious reductions and the last - the icing - is the shared vision and long-term goals (that analogy has be referenced and satatized since). He also spoke with the urgency and timing to come up with a "package" for this treaty - there are basically 6 days before ministers arrive for negotiators to come up with language. Then the Ministers have 2 days. So, 8 days to create a treaty before world leaders come to sign. His take-home message though, was solidarity.
Lastly Ms. Connie Hedegaard, the newly elected President of COP15 (yay for the ladies!) made the poignant statement that "political will has never been stronger"
with that the 15th Conference of the Parties commenced...
The Prime Minister of Denmark, Lars Lokke Rasmussen discussed how climate change knows no boundaries - and is a world problem needing a world solution. He emphasized the need for a strong & ambitious agreement with long-term solutiuons. He also talked of the importance of civil society in this process. The delegates will ultimately make the decisions, but it is the citizens of the world which will be affected by and are responsible for implementing them. He urged the delgates and other pariticipants to focus on what unites us rather than what divides in order to reach agreement during the difficult negotiation period.
the Mayor of Copenhagen - Ms. Ritt Bjerregaard discussed the transformation of City Center into Hopenhagen - the City of Hope. Copenhagen is looking to be the first carbon neutral capital by 2025, i believe.
The Chair of the IPCC (Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change), Dr. Rajendra Kumar Pachauri reinterated that this is a historic meeting which must lead to action and discussed the science of climate change since the issuance of the 4th IPCC report before COP13 Bali.
The Executive Dir. of Climate Change for the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention in Climate Change), Mr. Yvo de Boer spoke in an analogy of a "layer cake" of action where the bottom layer is implementation, the next layer is ambitious reductions and the last - the icing - is the shared vision and long-term goals (that analogy has be referenced and satatized since). He also spoke with the urgency and timing to come up with a "package" for this treaty - there are basically 6 days before ministers arrive for negotiators to come up with language. Then the Ministers have 2 days. So, 8 days to create a treaty before world leaders come to sign. His take-home message though, was solidarity.
Lastly Ms. Connie Hedegaard, the newly elected President of COP15 (yay for the ladies!) made the poignant statement that "political will has never been stronger"
with that the 15th Conference of the Parties commenced...
Day one
After a much needed rest, we woke up at 6:30 this morning so that we could get to the Bella Center early. After the craziness of lines and security we experienced last night - we did not know what we would find.
The bus stop is about a 5 minute walk from our flat - and along the way might be the most amazing pastry shop ever. Yaincha and I stopped in there for breakfast and were overwhelmed by multitude of delicious options! For better or worse, our goal is to try every pastry before we leave. :)
the bus ride was great - very easy to get around and about a 10 minute commute to the Bella. On our bus we were sitting by party delegates from Nigeria and met delegtes from the Swedish Green Party. So, i think there are going to many opportunuties to interact with officials!
To our surprise, the Bella Center was quite this morning. Hardly anyone was here yet when we arrived, so we were able to walk around and check it out without the hasslte of a crowd. It is such an awesome venue - and very huge!!
There is a documents center where you pick up a daily schedule of events, sessions and meetings, then there is another center with so many brochures, pamphlets and other information - it's insane - i am carrying around about 10 lbs. of information in my bag! There are so many different sitting areas and a huge interenet station. There is an area to Skype with a web cam as well as a lounge area with couches.
It is going to be a full day today - there are so many sessions and meetings that i want to go to - i am already having to choose between conflicting events. I think that i will write a separate post for each meeting that i attend - so stay tuned!
The bus stop is about a 5 minute walk from our flat - and along the way might be the most amazing pastry shop ever. Yaincha and I stopped in there for breakfast and were overwhelmed by multitude of delicious options! For better or worse, our goal is to try every pastry before we leave. :)
the bus ride was great - very easy to get around and about a 10 minute commute to the Bella. On our bus we were sitting by party delegates from Nigeria and met delegtes from the Swedish Green Party. So, i think there are going to many opportunuties to interact with officials!
To our surprise, the Bella Center was quite this morning. Hardly anyone was here yet when we arrived, so we were able to walk around and check it out without the hasslte of a crowd. It is such an awesome venue - and very huge!!
There is a documents center where you pick up a daily schedule of events, sessions and meetings, then there is another center with so many brochures, pamphlets and other information - it's insane - i am carrying around about 10 lbs. of information in my bag! There are so many different sitting areas and a huge interenet station. There is an area to Skype with a web cam as well as a lounge area with couches.
It is going to be a full day today - there are so many sessions and meetings that i want to go to - i am already having to choose between conflicting events. I think that i will write a separate post for each meeting that i attend - so stay tuned!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Arrived!
After 27 hours of travel, missed flights, long layovers and confusing airports (yes, that's you Charles du Gaulle), we finally made it to Copenhagen!
we stepped off of the plane and went directly to the Bella Center where the conference is being held - and were met with an enormous line that just seemed to keep growing each time we thought we were getting closer. There were thousands of people already waiting to register for the start of the conference tomorrow - yet there were a staff of 7 registering and 5 taking pictures. So, we ended up waiting in the line for 3+ hours - otherwise we not have been able to register again until noon tomorrow - and you cannot get into the conference without a UN badge.
So, after a long wait and horrible travel-weary phtotgraph, I have my UN badge and am ready to go for tomorrow.
I am getting very excited as the reality of what we are doing and where we are has begun to set in! It was so amazing to be in a room full of people - waiting in the registration line - knowing that the world was basically represented by those surrounding me. Even in that small time frame, under the simple act of waiting in a line for registration, you could feel the energy in the room - quite a feat as most of the people, like us, had been travelling all day from remote destinations. I am anxious to see what tomorrow brings.
For now, i am off to catch up on some missing sleep and be well-rested for the days ahead!
good night!
we stepped off of the plane and went directly to the Bella Center where the conference is being held - and were met with an enormous line that just seemed to keep growing each time we thought we were getting closer. There were thousands of people already waiting to register for the start of the conference tomorrow - yet there were a staff of 7 registering and 5 taking pictures. So, we ended up waiting in the line for 3+ hours - otherwise we not have been able to register again until noon tomorrow - and you cannot get into the conference without a UN badge.
So, after a long wait and horrible travel-weary phtotgraph, I have my UN badge and am ready to go for tomorrow.
I am getting very excited as the reality of what we are doing and where we are has begun to set in! It was so amazing to be in a room full of people - waiting in the registration line - knowing that the world was basically represented by those surrounding me. Even in that small time frame, under the simple act of waiting in a line for registration, you could feel the energy in the room - quite a feat as most of the people, like us, had been travelling all day from remote destinations. I am anxious to see what tomorrow brings.
For now, i am off to catch up on some missing sleep and be well-rested for the days ahead!
good night!
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