Inside COP 15 with Bill and Elaine -- Copenhagen Day 1
The COP 15 opened today! NGO delegates who had not registered on the weekend were greeted with a surprise when they arrived Monday morning. No NGO registrations would be processed until after noon, to give time to process all the parties and the press prior to the opening. Fortunately, we had been able to register on Sunday, so we got in. Another surprise. The opening ceremonies plenary session was limited, and NGO’s were supposed to have been issued tickets a month ago. Being new and inexperienced, MBB had not gotten any. At least one of our team got in by waiting for the overflow, then running back to deliver her briefcase to us, as they would not let anyone take anything in.
What a difference from Barcelona. The size and the security are overwhelming. I went into the overflow plenary room, which still had limited seating for NGO’s (two-thirds of the room was reserved for delegates) and watched it on the large screen TV’s. It was a powerful and inspiring opening. The host city always opens with an artistic or right brain experience. Copenhagen had done a film with children experiencing the devastation of climate change caused catastrophes and asking us to save their world, followed by a beautiful performance by the Danish Girls’ Choir accompanied by a trumpet and harp that were haunting. Then the Prime Minister of Denmark and the Mayor of the City of Copenhagen welcomed everyone with powerful talks charging the delegates to act now. See all the pictures and webcast at http://unfccc.int/2860.php.
We spent the day trying to get our teams oriented, and just getting a flavor for what goes on. It is overwhelming and also challenging. Demonstrators greet us each day as we go to or from the Metro with different messages. Everyone is keeping the pressure on for the delegates to reach an agreement.
Agreements here have to be reached by consensus. There was a proposal to reduce that to 75%, but it is not getting any traction. This is a perfect example of diverse groups needing to reach agreement to go forward.
We are just beginning. Opening statements have been made. We are looking for collaboration to reach solutions. We are all learning about how to work together to address the climate change issues.
The day was capped with a wonderful reception put on by the City of Copenhagen in their City Hall and Square. They turned the lights on the giant globe they've installed in the square, and they had exhibits around of the "City of the Future" with hybrid police cars, bicycles, geothermal steam heated homes, and many more.
More tomorrow.