Copenhagen Summit: what are we left with?

As everyone knows, when world leaders run for their private jets, we were not left with a fair, ambitious and binding climate deal, not even a clear decision to come up with one. The world had hoped and expected the US to join the fight, but Obama’s contribution amounted more to sending the resistance some warm clothes.

It is inexcusable and incomprehensible that all of the the world’s significant heads of state together could not muster more than an empty declaration. We were promised 120 world leaders - with few exceptions, we got petty politicians instead.

Good things did come out of Copenhagen, however:

• Acute awareness that countries’, especially developed countries’ current emission reduction pledges are woefully inadequate.
• Recognition that massive amounts of funding and protection of tropical forest are crucial
• Clear message to Obama that it takes more than a change in rhetoric to truly end the Bush era
• Making climate change a head-of-state-level issue
• Vulnerable countries finding their voice
• Above all: a wider, more determined, stronger global movement. The reason why I am truly optimistic after all this are the inspiring and committed people of all continents, all colors of skin, all walks of life - as well as the interest groups from trade unions to development groups and companies - I saw in Copenhagen calling for action. I can’t wait to see what we will get done next year.

To all decision-makers who still drag their heels, I have only one thing to say: Stop wasting your time and ours. You can stand in the way if you like, but you will get run over. You can only embarrass yourself, we can only win.

Lauri Myllyvirta