The end is in sight! Not the end of the world, we hope, but of the
COP15 negotiations. As we enter the second half of the last week,
tensions are growing. The limit on the number of delegates allowed
into the Bella Centre has caused much confusion, frustration and
frostbite; and has been disappointing given the level of organisation
usually evident in Scandinavia. One can’t help but wonder what we
came all this way for, only to be turned away at the door…
But there is another side to the story: being unable to get into the
Bella Centre has let us explore the events occurring elsewhere in the
city. Every advertisement has something to do with climate change,
every square has an exhibition on, and there is such a range of events
that I hardly know where to start!
Yesterday, I spent the morning in IETA (International Emissions
Trading Association), mingling with smartly dressed businessmen
engaged in discussions about the structure of various voluntary
emissions trading schemes, and the effects of climate change on their
business activities and stakeholder values.
The afternoon was then spent at the Klimaforum09, the largest
exhibition space out with the official UN conference. Here, there is a
focus on the humanitarian issues associated with climate change, and
open spaces encourage the discussion of mitigation and adaptation to
climate change through art and intimate brainstorming sessions.
The beauty of this conference is in its diversity: climate change is
something that will affect us all, and no matter what your interest
you will almost certainly find a way to get involved. Although it is
a shame that not all of us can make it into the Bella Centre, I am
glad that it gives us the chance to explore the plethora of activities
occurring elsewhere throughout the city.
Hilda Galt