The accord that many world leaders finally embraced here in the wee early hours last Saturday morning, following a marathon of late-night meetings, negotiations, and political wrangling, amounts to nothing more than a handshake agreement to “keep trying” to reduce carbon emissions around the world.
For weeks there was a sense of hope that President Barack Obama’s visit to Copenhagen on the last day of climate negotiations would bring with it enough financial backing, political will, and international fanfare to strike a binding deal that matches up with the known science of global warming.
One of the most inspiring developments this week is the way the small, underdeveloped island nations now stand up for themselves in the global climate talks.
The adage, “think globally, act locally” comes to mind, especially as negotiations reach a grinding halt and conference-goers are left looking for ways to start taking the climate challenge into their own hands.
Wherever one goes in Copenhagen’s Bella Center there are young people gathered, sharing their stories and concerns and making plans to keep in touch once this conference is over.
Today I’m busy connecting with the team from 350.org, who all know Traverse City by name and are so happy to finally meet someone from a city that they have been hearing about for over a year, thanks to the good work of so many people who helped put TC350 on the map.