The Climate Conversation

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…