Latest Notes from COP 15

Wednesday 12/16/09
Nice suit! Everyone in his company has this special suit; a special order from Singapore. Turns out he, Paul Vaiagafa of Recharge, had a beer with Governor Baldacci in Spain during the trade trip a few months ago. “ Say hi to John,” he said! Recharge is “The Global Source for Renewable Energy News.”

Still hoping for a FAB – Fair, Ambitious and Binding agreement here but…

Lots of criticism of UN due to poor planning to manage the thousands of people here. Yesterday, I waited in line for 2 hours – freezing cold - they even sent out the “national guard” to serve free coffee and tea – through the fence. They even managed to put up signs “Free Coffee Courtesy of the Danish Government” - totally limiting access to the event - even the subway station is closed at the Center.

Lots of back room negotiations going on prior to heads of states arrivals. “Civil Society” is being cut off due to security and capacity reasons. Fewer and fewer NGOs will be allowed in the finals days. I managed to see the opening meeting of the high level session, more ceremonial than substantive. Al Gore was in the audience and Prince Charles spoke. I will catch Gore tonight off site at a venue near our flat, the old Carlsberg Brewery.

I caught NY Times, Tom Friedman in a discussion with Danish Minister of Economics and the CEO of the largest shipping company in the world. What is the role of government, business and the people in transiting to a green economy? TF – “Green is the new Red, White and Blue” America is the problem and we need to push our leaders. Nothing new but his sound bites pleased the audience. Shipping i.e. bunkers, is a huge issue re the negotiations.

Ran into DEP Commissioner Littel – He has been very busy here at different side events. Missed his talks so far but he did offer to come and repeat them in Maine

CAN I (Climate Action Network International) have over 500 NGO’s as members – Sierra is one – and leads the groups in their advocacy efforts. Also collectively, awards the Fossil of the Day Award – US has managed to receive two so far: No commitment on long term financing and low target on emissions reductions.
Fossil press releases and videos can ALWAYS be found here:
http://www.fossiloftheday.com/

Inside the Bella Center:
http://connect.sierraclub.org/post/Groups/Copenhagen_Climate_2009/blog/videos_sierra_club_voices_from_copenhagenpart_2.html

http://connect.sierraclub.org/Groups/Copenhagen_Climate_2009/blog

http://tweetphoto.com/6416430