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It has been over a week since we've last written. We've been stuck in airports in Amsterdam and London and arrived home in time for the holidays to finally wind down. We wanted to write a final entry in this blog to summarize our experience in Copenhagen with our thoughts and a look forward to the future.
The first questions everyone has asked us since we have arrived back home is: 'Aren't you disappointed with the outcome?' and the answer is yes, we absolutely are. Others ask if we think it was a waste of time, and our answer to that is absolutely not. Despite holding out some hint of optimism throughout the conference, we knew pretty much before it even began that we would likely not get the deal we were hoping for. In the days leading up to Mr. Obama's arrival it began to look like we would get absolutely nothing (and some will argue that is exactly what we got).
Here is why COP-15 was not a waste of time:
1. China and India brought their involvement to the next level. Sure they did not sign anything legally binding and thus have no legal obligation to do anything, but in talking with Mr. Obama and eventually getting something signed (even if symbolic) they showed they are ready to come to the table. We now have one year to turn this symbol into something substantial.
2. A further consensus was reached on the role of developing nations in combatting climate change. While it may not appear so to those watching from the outside, the world moved much closer to a consensus of its international obligations to the global south. The developed world caused the climate change crisis and thus must bear the heaviest burden in reversing it. The developing world was also seen for what it is - an opportunity to combat climate change through strategic programs such as REDD and involvement in carbon markets.
3. The international attention for the climate change issue was unprecedented, and actually surprisingly positive. There are still deniers out there in full force, but leading up to the conference with 'Climate Gate' being twisted and distorted to the extent it was it seemed that misinformation was winning the battle on climate change. But the world paused and watched and listened as world leaders gathered in Copenhagen. The issue is gaining international attention like never before.
4. Education - The truth be told, a conference like this could almost never be a total waste of time. The best and most brilliant scientific and political minds were in one place and ideas were being shared and discussions being held. Almost everyone at the conference likely left with a great deal more information than they had when they arrived - and knowledge and education will be extremely powerful tools in what is going to be one of the biggest battles humanity has faced.
On a personal level we achieved all our personal goals - we let everyone we met know that a large majority of Canadians feel differently than their government on the issue of climate change. We learned a ton that we will be bringing back to our politicians and environmental organizations in the area. We met and networked with people from around the globe who will be pushing for similar initiatives in their own countries.
We have many thanks due for this wonderful experience. To the International Federation of Liberal Youth - we of course could not have attended this conference with out you. Thank you for your hard work in gaining observer status at the conference and for your guidance leading up to the conference. To the Young Liberals of Canada who brought together such a strong network of Canadian youth at this conference and to those in our delegation who worked around the clock to sort through the UN chaos and make this event as big a success as possible.
To our sponsors and supporters at Praxis Public Relations, the Mississauga-Brampton South Federal Liberal Association, MP Navdeep Bains, the Oakville Beaver, and the Milton Canadian Champion. Many thanks!
To all those who care about this issue, don't lose hope. It seems like we are always saying 'Maybe next year' - but we are getting closer. Eyes must turn not just to COP-16 in Mexico but to the build up to it. US climate legislation will be a first big step, as well as watching what China and India do over the next year. We can only hope that the Government of Canada will step it up and not leave all the work to the likes of Ontario, Quebec, and B.C. who have already made commitments. Keep pushing your government to act - there is clearly a limited amount of time to act on this issue and the clock is ticking.
