We are all stakeholders of global climate change, albeit to varying degrees.
And, for the most part, this conference has been open to incorporating a host of different peoples. In addition to the official country delegates and party members, individuals and organizations from business and civil society have influenced the negotiations through their indirect participation. Side events, demonstrations, media outreach, and informative dialogues have provided a means by which these constituencies can work to make changes they so seek. And they have done so in unique and meaningful ways. People have walked to Copenhagen from Greece, protested peacefully, and fasted for days to urge action by representing those stricken by hunger due to climate change (some of us will be doing this for a day or two, as well). Clearly we have an interest and stake at what is being negotiated…
And yet our access as observers has been limited (only 8 passes Tues/Weds and perhaps only 1 Thurs/Friday compared to 17 last week). Further, we are required to have secondary badges in order to attend the official plenary sessions for the rest of the week due to “security concerns” stemming from planned demonstrations. Certain side events require separate tickets for entrance. What is even more frustrating is keeping track of which plenary meetings are postponed and when/where they will be resumed. While I understand that COP15 — with 119 heads of State attending by the end of this week — has been the largest yet, I hope a trend is not being developed. I hope (and for the most part believe), delegates both appreciate the work civil society is doing as well as understand our interest in actually hearing what is being discussed. This is my hope. On Thursday and Friday, however, I will most likely be looking on from a computer screen.
Turned away at the door of this mornings Plenary
Tags: civil society, COP15 Resources, transparency
