Updates From Copenhagen’s Bella Center
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
It’s not everyday there is an international meeting to discuss climate change in a building that shares the same name as your company. (Bella) Needless to say we are following the climate talks in Copenhagen and have been twittering little tidbits as we hear about them.
As previously posted, Alison Brown, a former Bella Energy employee is in Copenhagen reporting on the talks.
Here is the latest post from her experience there:
The Bella Center is filled to capacity with people, hopes, and excitement. Rumors are flying, and the excitement is growing. Today is the last day that all accredited people are allowed into the center, tomorrow only a third of civil society can enter, and the numbers will continue to shrink until Friday when no civil society will be allowed in. With little time left in the center, a certain level of frenzy is taking over the centers. At the same time, negotiators are ramping up for constant negotiations through Wednesday night.
At 1:30 youth lined the halls of the center carrying flags from every nation representing youth solidarity in our demands. We stand with the small island states. We stand with Bangladesh’s demands. We stand with Scotland. etc. I was holding Bahrain’s flag right standing between a Chinese guy holding Ecuador’s flag and an Australian guy holding a flag I couldn’t identify. The message was clear — we are all in this together regardless of nationality, age or political beliefs.
Impressively, this action was designed only 15 hours ago, the flags and signs were only finished printing minutes before the action began. It is this unity that is giving the youth movement its power. Faced with the promises of stalled talks, and unambitious resolutions at best, the youth has resolved to only grow their presence and influence in the coming months.While contagious and powerful, this incredible drive to push the negotiators into a deal is also prompting confusion and rumors. Just over an hour ago cheers filled the hall saluting Canada for announcing emissions targets matching the IPCCs recommendations . A half hour later, the promise was proved to be a hoax.
But now, I must go attend the US youth planning meeting.
