The Kyoto 2 Copenhagen group started out our interviewing process with a bang on Saturday. While waiting for a temporary lockdown to lift, we found ourselves stuck in a crowd with John Pershing, the Head of the US Delegation! The group all crowded around as Dickinson student Kelly Rogers asked Mr. Pershing what differentiations should be made between the responsibilities of developed and developing countries, and how the debate over responsibilities is affecting the negotiations.
John Pershing is now the Head of the US Delegation at Copenhagen
Mr. Pershing was also friendly enough to answer a few questions about his background, as a geologist, researching prehistoric climates in Svalbard. He explained that his education and career have always been focused on environmental law and science, and he debated whether to seek his PhD or to become an environmental lawyer. Today, he holds a PhD and works on the most pressing environmental policy issues of the times, leading the US Delegation here in Copenhagen. This interaction of science and policy will be one of the most important relationships influencing the negotiations, and bridging that gap is essential in order for delegates, scientists, and other parties to cooperate successfully at Copenhagen.
