COP 15 - What now post-Copenhagen climate summit?
Last updated 30/12/2009 11:24:37
COP 15 - What now post-Copenhagen climate summit
The aftermath of the UN climate summit has presented the same split thought of the talks as before: pointless and hopeful.
For the thousands that shared their voices and actions have returned home. For those who took the longest journeys from the remotest places, what will they tell?
Two weeks ago they arrived with the responsibility to speak for their communities, family and friends; to make it known how the soil is dry, how the young do not see a future to pass on the traditions taught to them ... how vegetation is diseased.
There were others who came campaigning for the livelihood of others unknown and far-reaching to them.
One-hundred and ninety-two nations' representatives met. World leaders gathered. The cost to accommodate, organise and entertain this event ... Who knows? Much was talked and much was anticipated for something substantial, fair and progressive action be agreed upon, to what can only be described as our humanity's greatest challenge: to save our planet.
Over the weekend, without mentioning any names, several countries have been accused of "trying to hijack the UN climate summit ..." and even "holding the world to ransom".
President Obama described the talks as an "important breakthrough ... [and] a great step forward", whilst the general consensus has been the very opposite.
Global expectations have been dashed and reading the media reports should we be crushed more?
Usually I write about the social responsibilities of the world's leading companies. Since my experience of Copenhagen I have discovered something else, and this is what I consider the most phenomenal aspect of this historic event: the strength of humanity.
On my first day in Copenhagen two weeks ago I was welcomed into the home of a Danish family who like myself knew very little of each other beyond our names before I turned up at their doorstep. For the several days as they hosted me, we ate hearty meals together, shared life experiences and reflected on ‘Copenhagen' and the world.
An art and hospitality project ‘New Life Copenhagen', who organised my stay, gave me the most enlightening experience. In a small cosy corner of an empty floor in Carlsberg's brewery Danish hosts and their guests shared a generous feast – here there were members of several different indigenous tribes, writers, documentary film- makers and campaigners and many more. Together, all walks of life, sharing stories, and committed to making a change.
That evening, and what I am still absorbing is ... that agreement or no agreement, what can we do?
In that same week 10 minutes with Michael Eavis, farmer and founder of Glastonbury up-lifted me. An hour with Sister Jayanti, of the Brahma Kumaris, gave me great kindness and restored belief. Three minutes with Clemmie from Hackney, London, who has been campaigning for the island of Tuvalu, inspired me beyond on the principles of action versus non-action. And there is Moser, from the Masai Mara, Kenya – where the earth is dry, carcases of cattle are spread across the land, and where rain has been absent for some time, meeting him again from the evening meal before, he greeted me with a brotherly smile.
I understand that from this event forward what will be historic is ‘we' together can and will ‘do' to make that change, this is, what I believe the strength of our humanity. If politicians can gather to talk, we can gather to take action.
Optimism goes further than we can walk and talk.
Like for those I have written about this year, I have realised my social responsibility.
I hope that wherever you are reading this from you will be hopeful and be part of ‘we' and ‘do' in 2010 and thereafter.
Heart-felt New Year wishes to you all.
Read also COP 15 Conference - Hopenhagen