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Why I hope Copenhagen fails

December 17th, 2009

OK, call me a pessimist, but I really hope this summit doesn’t reach an agreement and they have to start again in 2010 in Mexico. Why? Well, there’s a few reasons…

Firstly, and most obviously, the deal being put across is half assed. Not only are the reductions proposed by countries like Australia and the US not enough to reach what the Science recommends. The ways to achieve them, such as Carbon Trading, are flawed.

I’ve seen talks by George Monbiot over the last few days, who made a really important point. A selection of science papers published last year stated that we can only use 60% of the current reserves of fossil fuels to avoid the detrimental 2 degree temperature rise. The COP15 talks have never been about curbing supply of fossil fuels – they are all about curbing the demand, by putting reduction targets on the companies burning them. The pollution starts at the source, which is where we should be focusing.

There has been no transparency at COP15. We should be able to see what is being discussed and negotiated on our behalves. I’d also like to see a list of every single person attending and the company they represent. There should be a referendum on this around the world. A majority of people in pretty much every country want strong action on Climate Change and the reduction of Fossil Fuel dependence. These are decisions that affect our lives greatly and currently the lobbyists for a few fossil fuel companies have a disproportionate amount of influence. That’s not democracy.

Copenhagen has built connections. There have been people from every corner of the globe talking at Klimaforum. There have been debates and discussions of people from all different backgrounds; from the developed and developing worlds. A lot of NGOs and activists have connected here too. There has never been a forum like this where everyone has been in the one place, sharing information. The movement is much stronger now and will be even better prepared for COP16 in Mexico. I believe there will be stronger demand across the world for the right decisions to be made next time.

As many people have said, (including Desmond Tutu apparently!), no deal is better than a bad deal.

One Response to “Why I hope Copenhagen fails”

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