Come Together

The world’s poorest countries staged a walkout in response to what they see as the developed world’s intransigence. Canada’s two largest provinces angrily denounced the Canadian government. Many registered NGO and third party delegations were effectively barred entry from the Bella Centre, the sprawling suburban location where COP 15 is being held.

All in all, it was not a pretty day in this very beautiful city.

And, with apologies to our late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, I can’t help but ask: who speaks for the planet in all this?

Perhaps this is to be expected at this stage in the negotiations. The diplomats and Ministers have taken the process as far as their limited mandates will allow. Perhaps we need to wait for the Heads of State to arrive to see real movement.

There’s a slogan trailing around on banners all over Copenhagen this week: politicians talk, leaders act.

We’ll see how many leaders we have amongst us this week.

Gerald Butts
President and CEO