Copenhagen - Day 1. Image: Penelope Ward
Despite reports surfacing yesterday afternoon, Copenhagen time, of a “furious reaction” from developing nations over a leaked ‘secret draft agreement‘, there was hope on day 1 of the Copenhagen conference. Update: for a deeper and more thorough analysis of the leaked document – Bunkering down at Copenhagen.
Penelope Ward reports from Copenhagen
The first day of COP15 opened with a notable buzz in the air of Copenhagen city, as delegates flooded in from all corners of the globe.
The conference was officially opened with an elaborate ceremony with statements from Danish Prime Minister Rasmussen.
“For the two weeks Copenhagen will be transformed into Hopenhagen,” said Prime Minister Rasmussen. He urged delegates to be ambitious, visionary and courageous.
The UNFCCC’s executive director Yvo de Boer then issued a plea to delegates: “The time for formal statements is over, the time for restating well-known positions is past. The time has come to reach out to each other — deliver, reach for success.”
A series of workshops, panel sessions and unofficial proceedings took off following the ceremony, with delegates young and old navigating their way around the giant Bella Centre. Many languages could be heard as delegates exchanged views and experiences in the more informal settings around the centre.
Various spot actions took place the streets of Copenhagen, the Bella Centre entrance being constantly surrounded by protesters, rugged up against strong winds. A Greenpeace action group from Australia held blow up kangaroos and could be found chanting “come on aussie come on”, enchanting passers-by.
At the end of the day, all delegates were warmly welcomed at the Town Hall, and spectators enjoyed a live concert in the city’s main square. Everyone seems to be talking of hope, climate and Obama, who recently announced he would be attending the conference in the final week.
About the author: Penelope Ward is an Equality Director/ Environmental Campaigner from the Melbourne University Law Students’ Society
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