The Climate Conversation

Following a dismal first week where few tangible results were achieved, the Climate Conversation became an increasingly fraught and desperate affair during the second week and as the conference drew to a close.

Using the 1,000 most active print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts (3,000 in total), we analyse who the key influencers were, the topics that shaped the conversation, and ultimately, what was achieved by the largest gathering of political leaders, NGOs, Corporate Representatives, academics, media and other parties interested in combating climate change, the world has ever seen.

• Previously referred to as ‘Hopenhagen’, the lack of progress prompted one commentator to name the summit ‘Constipagen’ and another to write about the ‘rotting in Copenhagen’. Political leaders also added to the feeling of disappointment and low expectations surrounding a successful outcome, while leaders of developing nations who are most gravely affected by climate change, were forced to walk out in an effort to protest at what was seemingly a ‘small exclusive group’ of negotiators imposing their regulations on other countries.
• China, who had previously instilled optimism with an announcement that it would cut emissions by 40 – 45% of GDP by 2020, appeared to do a U-turn on its promise, following the realisation that as the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter it would soon be classified as an industrialised nation subject to tougher greenhouse gas restrictions under a new treaty.
• The division between developed and developing nations increased as debate around the support wealthy countries should commit to and what they should offer developing countries in terms of funding. The offer from developed countries of a 10 million US dollar fund was rejected. Developing nations requested binding emissions cuts and hundreds of millions of US dollar funding to enable them to tackle climate change.
• The role of the US at COP15 and beyond, though still prominent in the Climate Conversation, dropped from the top five topics as it became clear China’s involvement was a key factor in a successful outcome to COP15. Chinese PM Wen Jiabao rose in prominence in the influencer tables, though with a less favourable tone than previously.
• Not entirely politically focused, reports of protests continued apace as the conclusion of the COP15 summit drew near. Criticism of the Danish police reaction to the protests taking place in the city was a prominent topic, particularly around the 1000 arrests that took place, as well as the legal adjustment that was made in the time that Danish police were allowed to detain climate activists without being charged.
• The resignation of Connie Hedegaard, President of the COP15 summit, was one of the more controversial events of the second week at COP15, and speculation over why she resigned was a popular topic in both print and the blogosphere.
• US politician and climate expert Al Gore released new scientific findings which received a mixed reception. The data, which suggested that the ice caps in the Arctic will have melted in five to seven years time if action on climate change isn’t taken, was given substantial attention (though not all of it favourable), and also brought US academic Dr Wieslaw Maslowski into prominence in the influencer rankings.
• The outcome of COP15 was described by NGOs and environmentalists as ‘weak’, but recognised by others as historic, as it was the first time that developed and developing nations have agreed to deal with emissions and climate finance together, despite not reaching a legally binding agreement. UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Climate Secretary Ed Miliband both rose in prominence following their 11^th hour efforts to resurrect what appeared to be dwindling chances of an agreement being made.

The COP15 top-15

UK boosts prominence as efforts are recognised

• Throughout COP15, US President Barack Obama has been the most prominent figure in the Climate Conversation, securing over four times the number of mentions across the most active print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts, than any other figure. UK PM Gordon Brown’s early arrival at the summit garnered attention, moving him from third most prominent person in the Climate Conversation to second place. A new entrant to the top 15 was the UK’s minister for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband (number 13 most prominent figure overall in the Climate Conversation), who received recognition for his efforts to repair relationships between developed and developing nations on the last day of he summit.

Academic rises in prominence following Gore’s glacier gaffe

• A new entrant to the most prominent academics in the Climate Conversation was oceanographer Dr Wieslaw Maslowski of the Naval Postgraduate School in the US. Dr Maslowski rose to prominence (joint 11^th place with climate expert from the London School of Economics, Bob Ward) following unsubstantiated revelations from the former US Vice-President, Al Gore, that Artic glaciers are melting faster than previously thought.

Celebrities make right royal effort

• It appears that climate change is a popular subject with royalty. Of the top six celebrity influencers in the Climate Conversation, royals make up half. England’s heir to the throne, HRH Prince of Wales, is the most prominent celebrity, with more than double the number of mentions across the most active print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts. England’s Queen Elizabeth II sits in fourth place, and the Danish royal Queen Margrethe II in sixth when looking at the same data set.

Topics by media type

Chinese stance increases legislative discussions

• As speculation around whether China would agree to a treaty increased, so too did discussion around the ‘legislative implications of COP15′, from 18% to 34% of discussion in the most active print publications, and 8% to 23% of the most active blogs. Tweets were also up – from 19% to 25% of the most active Twitter accounts, moving the topic into the top five conversations in the last week of the COP15 summit.

Speculation as outcome remains unclear

• The favourite topic across print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts during the period were around ‘expectations of COP15 outcomes’ which increased in prominence across print and blogs thanks to ongoing speculation around what – if anything – would be achieved in the final fraught week of climate negotiations. This topic dominated 69% of the most active print publications (up from 61% last week) and 65% of blogs (up from 61%). Although the number of Tweets dropped from 56% to 51%, this still remained the most prominent conversation concerning COP15 in the Twittersphere too.

Influencer groups by topic

• Of the top five topics in the Climate Conversation, three continued to dominate over the period of the analysis, but last week saw two new topics emerge.

Scientific data moves ‘consequences’ debate back onto centre stage

• The ‘Consequences of Climate Change’ rose into prominence following the revelation from US politician and climate change expert Al Gore on the speed at which the ice caps in the Arctic are melting. The findings, which were subsequently shown to be inaccurate, prompted substantial discussion, particularly from academics who contributed to 33% of the conversation across the most active print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts.

Legislation discussions favoured by NGO leaders

• The topic ‘legislative implications of COP15′ moved into the top five topics in the Climate Conversation as debate around the possible outcomes of the treaty continued. Though politicians offered a fair share of their attention to this topic (13% of the most active print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts) it was favoured by NGO groups who contributed 18% of their attention to the topic across the same data set.

Celebrities rally support around expectations of COP15

• Perhaps in a last-ditch attempt to save desperate climate negotiations, celebrities joined forces last week, increasing their contributions to the topic ‘expectations of COP15 outcomes’ three fold, from 21% to 53% across the most active print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts.

Influencers by media type

NGOs look to print as COP15 outcome becomes reality

• Previously a group that favoured online media, the outcomes of the COP15 summit prompted many NGO representatives to express their thoughts in print media. The last week of the summit saw the NGO output across the most active print publications increase from 9% to 14%, making them the second most prominent influencer group across this media type (politicians still dominated with 61% of their voice being covered by the most active print publications).

Topics by influencer group

Global emissions focus as COP15 draws to a close

• As the COP15 summit drew to a close, discussions regarding ‘global carbon emissions’ moved into the top ten topics of the Climate Conversation. The topic was led by the political voice, which contributed to 53% of discussions across the most active print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts, supported by academics who contributed to 15% of the wider conversation.

US and China takes political focus as last ditch attempt kicks in

• The topic ‘role of the US and China’ entered into the top 10 topics in the Climate Conversation as it became apparent that the success of COP15 hinged on the world’s two biggest greenhouse gas emitters agreeing on commitments eachother should make. The topic was dominated by the political voice which contributed to 88% across the most active print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts.

The atmosphere was thick with expectation on the last day of COP15. Everyone in and around the Bella Centre straining to catch a glimpse of the Heads of State and other diginitaries. The name on everyone’s lips was Obama…..he was the man everyone wanted to see.

This morning, Obama was barely ten metres away from the Hill & Knowlton stand and he acknowledged the delegates by waving. His speech held in the Plenary Tycho Brahe had an urgent feel as he stressed that time is running out to reach an agreement at COP15.

“This threat is real. Climate change affects our security, our economy – and our planet. The issue is not the size of our challenge, it is the size of our commitment to meeting the challenge.” he said.

“The three most important words of a contract are: reduction, transparency and funding.” stressing that we must act now. “The time for talking is over. Now we have reached the bottom line. Now is the time for the world’s nations and people to be united.” he said.

“No country is getting everything it wants. We want this finalised today. But it requires that there is movement on all sides.” He was joined minutes later by Hillary Clinton and Chaves and Baroso.

The U.S. and China together account for approximately 40 percent of the worlds emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases, so it is vital to engage them today. After Barack Obama’s speech he will meet with the Chinese Minister Wen Jiabao, and negotiate the climate treaty in private. More on that later.

On the floor we heard, that on the busiest day of COP15, mobile traffic has been 778 percent higher compared to a normal weekday in November.

A hectic start to the day, delegates acutely aware that only two day remain to reach an agreement. As the host country of COP15, Denmark is obligated to propose a “draft” text to facilitate negotiation. The Prime Minister of Denmark presented such a text this morning which was dismissed. He then reinstated Connie Hedegaard as lead intermediary, and the word on the floor is that negotiations are back on track.

A global International award was presented by British PM Gordon Brown to Mexican President Mr. Felipe Calderón Hinojosa for leadership on the environment, who also headed today’s list of speakers for the high-level segment attended by Heads of State, Heads of Government and other dignitaries. He said that he would bring back hope for the future and requested that Heads of State participate in next year’s COP16 which will take place in Mexico. He said he has faith in turning the agreements made at COP15 into workable solutions to climate change.

Access to the plenary session during the high level segment taking place over the last three days of the conference is limited. This will be attended by Heads of State, Heads of Government and other dignitaries.

A secondary silver badge has been distributed to all parties, United Nations bodies, specialised agencies and related organisations for that purpose. As of midday today, access to the plenary session will be restricted to participants wearing a silver badge.

The atmosphere on the floor was tense and hectic as the Heads of State began to arrive. Hill & Knowlton has its exhibition stand right outside the plenary hall where the serious COP-decisions are being made. All the important TV stations from around the world are present, and journalists and cameramen are fighting to get the best interview and pictures.

Today is also the day of a big Demonstration arranged by the NGO “Climate Justice Action” who were planning on entering the Bella Center. They didn’t succeed and 260 demonstrators were arrested, some of them shouting “Power to the people!”

Today the ‘high level segment’ kicked off at COP15. Due to security reasons, the metro station next to the Bella Center was closed which meant delegates had to disembark at the next station ‘Ørestaden’ and walk from there.

A welcoming ceremony, attended by the Prime Minister of Denmark, the Secretary General of the United Nations and other dignitaries, will mark the opening of this segment of COP15, the beginning of high profile climate negotiations that will take place this week.

Outside the Bella Center there is a significant police presence, and inside the centre this translates to security personnel and body guards. On the floor the “green team” walk around in green polo t-shirts. Hired by the Danish Foreign Ministry, they are ready to answer questions about green initiatives in Denmark and sustainability in general.

I spoke to Kristine Madsen, geo-physicist, oceanographers. Part of her job is to measure sea levels in Denmark. I asked about her opinion on the reported risk around rising sea levels. She said: “We gather information about changes in the global sea level, and there is reason to be concerned. In accordance to IPCC (intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change) the best guess is that the global sea level will rise 3.5 mm each year causing land to disappear every day. But this doesn’t take the melting icecaps in Greenland into account which means the situation is even more dire.”

One of the more popular side events today was arranged by The Secretariat of the United Nations Framework on Climate Change, with Governor of Sao Paulo, Jose Serra, and Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Schwarzenegger´s main point was that each individual can help to contribute and make the world more climate friendly. “Don´t leave all the decisions to the politicians, do something yourself!!” he proclaimed.

We look at the 1,000 most active print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts (3,000 in total), that are commenting on the issues to see how the conversation has progressed through the first week of the summit, and what we can expect to see in week two.

• The COP15 summit opened to the news that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had declared that there are six greenhouse gasses, including carbon dioxide and methane that are a danger not only to the environment, but to the health of humans too. This was regarded as an optimistic signal from the US to COP15 delegates that despite opposition from Congress, there remains opportunity for emissions to be reduced through regulation.
• As a symbol of solidarity, COP15 opened as 56 newspapers in 45 countries printed a common editorial piece with the intention of speaking ‘through one voice’. The editorial piece urged world leaders to take decisive action in an effort to mitigate the effects of climate change. As well as receiving global coverage in print, it was picked up by a large number of online sites – both in the blogosphere and on Twitter.
• Coverage from the conference itself largely focused on the various legislative proposals being put forward by the large number of countries present. Though the week started with a surprising level of optimism, with countries such as China, India and Brazil discussing targets for moderating the growth of their pollution, by mid week there was friction between developing and developed countries over the leaking of the ‘Danish Text’ which proposed that money would only be given to developing countries in return for specific actions taken to curb emissions. It appears that the Climate Conversation is becoming as much about the financial commitment that wealthy countries are willing and able to give, as it is about demands from poorer countries before committing to carbon reduction targets.
• In the print and blogosphere, ‘Climategate’ continued to spark interest and debate following new data being released by the World Meteorological Organisation and the UK Met Office. Interestingly, the ‘Climategate’ scandal was barely mentioned on Twitter where focus was, thanks to increased NGO activity, on the protests that were taking place in Copenhagen and other countries across the world.
• Hedge fund manager and philanthropist George Soros shot into prominence following his call for additional funds from IMF reserves to be siphoned off to developing countries to create a ‘green fund’ to jump-start climate change mitigation.

The COP15 top-15

Brown takes bronze but Obama leads the pack

• Gordon Brown, PM for Great Britain shot into third most prominent position across all influencer groups last week following a proposal that is being brokered by the UK government which suggests developing countries will be allowed to exceed their carbon reduction targets without facing sanctions. The British PM, sits behind Danish PM Lars Loekke Rasmussen (second position) and Barack Obama who strides ahead in first position with over four times as many mentions across the most active print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts than any other figure in the Climate Conversation.
• The ‘Climategate’ scandal has pushed climatologist Phil Jones, former director of the Climate Research Centre at the University of East Anglia, into the top ten most prominent figures in the Climate Conversation. Dr Jones is the only non-political figure in these rankings.

Topics by media type

Legislation and investment become hot topics of conversation

• Though expectations of COP15 still remains the most prominent topic in the Climate Conversation, two topics have seen a dramatic increase in attention across the most active print publications, blogs and Twitter. ‘Legislative implications of COP15′ rose two-fold across the most active print publications (from 8% to 18%), blogs (4% to 8%) and Twitter (8% to 19%), thanks to the attention directed to legislation options at the COP15 conference. The other topic, ‘investment in developing countries’, only saw a slight increase in the blogosphere and on Twitter, but rose two-fold across most active print publications (9% to 19%).

Influencer groups by topic

Getting down to business at COP15

• Two of the top five topics being discussed a week ago ‘contesting climate change’ and the ‘consequences of climate change’ have been replaced by the ‘role of developing nations’ and ‘investment in developing countries’ across all influencer groups.
• Corporate Representatives, once the most silent group in the Climate Conversation, are now far more vociferous, with interesting divisions appearing between those that are in favour of carbon emission regulation, and those who fiercely oppose such legislation. They now contribute to 9% of the conversation regarding ‘developed nations and emissions’ across the most active print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts, in contrast to the 3% contribution from academics. They also make up 7% of the conversation on the ‘role of developing nations’ across the most active print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts, in contrast to the academic contribution of 4%.

Influencers by media type

Academics lose limelight as legislative conversations take hold

• Whilst politicians maintain their profile across all media types in the climate conversation, accounting for over half of all mentions across the most active print publications (53%) blogs (52%) and Twitter (57%), academics have seemingly lost prominence now accounting for just 12% of the mentions in the most active print publications (previously 18%) and 10% on the most active blogs and Twitter accounts (previously 19% and 17% respectively), suggesting that the Climate Conversation is less reliant on the theory and science that supports the COP15 summit, and more focused on the legislation and the outcomes that it will enable.

Topics by influencer group

US, money and emissions – the three political stories of the week

• Since the start of COP15, politicians have primarily focused on the US, money and emissions according to the Climate Conversation. The ‘US role at COP15 and beyond’ receives the most attention with a contribution of 86% across the most active print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts. Conversations regarding ‘developing nations and their emissions’ (77%) and ‘investment in developing Countries’ (75%) take second and third positions.

Green industry investment gathers momentum

• Corporate representatives hold a clear majority on one of the climate conversations topics. ‘Investment in green industries’ is a topic clearly led by business leaders, their voice dominating 45% of the overall discussion compared to 25% a week ago. This is in contrast to a meagre 18% contribution from politicians on the same subject.

Politicians steer clear of consequences

• Politicians may dominate most topics in the Climate Conversation but it appears there is one that they are steering clear of. ‘Consequences of Climate Change’ is still dominated by academics who contribute to 46% of the conversation across the most active print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts, in contrast to the political voice of just 14% across the same data set.

Academics have wide range of focus – but lose prominence

• It appears that academics now contribute to a range of different conversations – 81% of them outside the top five topics in the Climate Conversation across the most active print publications, blogs and twitter accounts. Though this gives them a wider representation, their lack of focus has caused them to lose prominence in the Climate Conversation.

Celebrities join the protests

• Unsurprisingly, more NGOs (31%) lent their voices to the topic of ‘protests at COP15′ than any other influencer group, but were supported by the celebrity voice which contributed 10% across the most active print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts.

This morning saw the longest queues since COP15 first started a week ago, with delegates having to wait an hour or more to get through security.

As delegates returned to the Bella Center, they were joined by ministers and subsequently by heads of state and government, focused on achieving a fair and binding agreement before the week is out.

The Foreign Ministry of Denmark arranged an event calling for action to be taken on the melting snow and ice in Greenland. This took place in Niels Bohr (Hall H) with famous names in attendance including the former US Vice President Mr. Al Gore, the Danish Foreign Minister Mr. Per Stig Moeller, Norweigan Foreign Minister Mr. Jonas Stoere and Greenland Premier Mr. Kuupik Kleist. Lots of people were gathered at the event, and the hall was deluged with cameras, microphones and security guards.

Another event taking place was organised by the Climate Alliance and part of the broader “ZOOM-Kids on the Move” campaign which aims to demonstrate that children can take steps to help protect the climate too. Around 180,000 children from 13 countries have collected their ‘green footprints’ by using sustainable transport for their daily journeys. The results will be presented to the UNFCCC by 15 children later today.

I talked to four of the children: Elisa Kollmann, Ivana Susic, Emma Lische og Joshua Wendland, all wearing yellow t-shirts with “Zoom-Kids on the move” printed on. They come from class 7B from the Sankt Petri School in Copenhagen, and were very excited about meeting Mr. Yvo de Boer. All were very dedicated to the cause and want to set a good example “Because we are the future of the world” Emma said.

A calmer atmosphere at day six of COP15, no doubt helped by the first beam of sunlight on the conference floor.

The last press conferences of week one have finished. The framework for the climate agreement has been developed and is now awaiting input from the Heads of State and Government in the week to come.

Today is the day of the big Demonstration where 50,000 people are expected to participate, representing more than 500 organisations. Crowds are gathered at Parliament Square, with speakers such as model and photographer Helena Christensen and Executive Director of Greenpeace Mr. Kumi Naidoo among others. They are to walk six kilometers from Parliament Square towards the Bella Center, bringing 17 giant boat sails painted with climate messages and images to deliver to Mr. Ivo de Boer and Ms. Connie Hedegaard. The Demonstration will end with a candlelight vigil for a “Real Deal” joined by Desmond Tutu and Ms. Mary Robinson. Hot chocolate will be provided.

A problem with the metro ferrying delegates to COP15 resulted in delays, long queues and frustration….a hectic start to day four at the summit.

Outside the conference centre, delegates were treated to or more likely shocked by a large group of young people dancing in their underwear. The message behind the demonstration that if we continue to do what we are doing now, the temperature on the earth will rise, resulting in catastrophic consequences for mankind.   

The prevalent theme at today’s gathering was around ‘Youth’ with hundreds of young people wearing bright orange t-shirts which proclaimed “How old will you be in 2050?” Orange clad Andrea Grondona from Italy said: “Young people do not take this issue seriously because they do not believe leaders will be alive long enough to deliver on the promises they make for the future.”

Besides taking part in the “orange campaign” Andrea is also a “climate champion” enlisted by The British Council. “The British Council supports an expanding network of 3000 Climate Champions, aged between 14-35 years of age across 60 countries worldwide. They have brought us to this conference to put pressure on our own national delegates, to reach a fair, ambitious and binding deal to address climate change” he said.

It remains to be seen what the last day at week one will bring. Sign in tomorrow for the next view from the conference floor…

When looking at the most active print, blog and Twitter accounts commentating on the issues, the significant developments and observations were:

• The ‘Climategate’ scandal, re-emerged as a leading topic in the Climate Conversation and dominated print publications over the weekend. The topic has divided itself into four key themes, each one linking into the broader discussion around the hacking into of East Anglia University’s Climate Research Unit.
  • In the US, the Republican Party called for a delay to the proposed climate change bill due to exposure of the scandal
  • Saudi Arabia became the first country to officially cast doubt on the scientific consensus about human-caused climate change
  • The official resignation of University of East Anglia’s Climate Research Unit Director
  • An increase in discussion around whether the ‘Climategate’ scandal undervalues the science behind climate change
• US President Barack Obama has changed the date of his attendance at COP15 from the 9^th December to 18^th December – the date when all world leaders will potentially sign a legally binding treaty committing to greenhouse gas reductions. As well as garnering significant positive coverage in the US and European media, on Twitter and the blogosphere, it also led to an increase in discussions over the likelihood of a successful outcome to COP15.
• The topic ‘expectations of the outcome of COP15′ increased in prominence over the last three days in print media, with heavily polarised views around what could be achieved and what should be achieved at the summit.
• The planned walk-out of the COP15 summit by BASIC countries (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) continued to sit in prominent position across print media, along with the contra-proposal which these countries are drafting and will present at the summit.

The COP15 top-15

Aussie PM angles a top 5 ranking

• The recent failure by the Australian government to pass a carbon dioxide emissions cap through the Senate has boosted the overall prominence of PM Kevin Rudd in the influencer charts. Rudd now sits in the top 5 influencer rankings overall, and has ousted Chinese President Mr. Hu. into fourth place. Over the weekend Rudd gained a 10% increase in media coverage across the most active print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts. Mr. Hu. only saw a 4% increase. US President Barack Obama still leads having secured a 12% increase in media prominence across the same data set.

Academics step up as Climategate continues

• The Climate Conversation, although still a politically dominant one, has seen academics rise in prominence from fourth position to second in the overall influencer ranking chart. Academics have now secured a total of 1,510 mentions across the most active print media, blogs and Twitter accounts (between 5 November 2009 and 2 December 2009). NGOs have slipped down the rankings from second place to fourth with a current total of 1,319 mentions across the same data set.

Topics by media type

US announcement ushers new hope to COP15

• Following the announcement that US President Barack Obama will now attend the COP15 summit on the 18^th December, the topic ‘role of US at COP15 and beyond’ increased two-fold (from 7% to 13% of the most active print publications), and three-fold across Twitter (from 5% to 14% of most active Twitter accounts), where it was the most Tweeted and re-Tweeted topic of the weekend.

Temperatures rise in Climategate debate

• Another topic to gain significant increase in prominence, particularly in print publications and the blogosphere, was ‘contesting climate change’. This follows further global debate around the Climategate incident. The topic increased two-fold, from 5% to 11% of most active print publications, and from 10% to 14% of the most active blogs.

Protesters follow trend and talk in Tweets

• As numerous protests were scheduled to take place across the globe this weekend, the topic ‘Protests at COP15′ increased six-fold on Twitter, rising in prominence from 2% to 12% across the most active Twitter accounts. This increase further illustrates the reach and influence of social media and its power to connect ordinary citizens to a captive audience.

Influencer groups by topic

Celebrity voice crowned by a queen

• Queen Elizabeth II has shot to the top of the celebrity influencer rankings following her appearance at the recent Commonwealth Summit and her call for a treaty to be delivered at the COP15 summit. Overall, 63% of celebrity comment is now focused on ‘expectations of COP15 outcomes’, up from 19% across the most active print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts.

Influencers by media type

Conversation peaks as COP15 summit kicks off

• Over the last three days, politicians have increased their voice across all media types and now account for over half of mentions in the Climate Conversation – in print media (54% of most active publications are written by or about politicians), blogs (56% of most active blogs) and Twitter (54% of most active Twitter accounts). Academics have also increased their voice and now account for nearly a quarter of coverage across the same three data sets (18% of most active print, 19% of most active blogs, 17% of most active Twitter accounts). NGOs seemingly favour Twitter over any other media type – they have 10% share of voice across the most active Twitter accounts but only 8% in print and 5% on blogs.

Topics by influencer group

Academic voice leads global emissions debate

• The topic‘global carbon emissions’, now one of the most prominent discussions in the Climate Conversation, is being led by academics. The topic has seen academic interest increase from 9% of the most active print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts last week, to 49% over the weekend. This increase has been fuelled by comments from leading environment expert James Hansen, director of NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, who claims that global talks are so flawed that it would be better if there was no treaty to emerge from the COP15 summit.

Corporate Representatives invest their voice with care

• Though remarkably quiet across most of the leading topics in the Climate Conversation, corporate representatives have favoured one topic in particular, namely ‘investment in green industries’, where their voice adds to a quarter of the overall discussion (25% of the most active print publications, blogs and Twitter accounts). Their lack of contribution to ‘contesting climate change’ is notable – their contribution to this topic is a mere 2% of the same data set.