Over the coming weeks Co-operatives Europe will use this blog along with Facebook and Twitter, to update co-operators all over the world of what is happening in Copenhagen and the importance of the decisions being reached. While we endeavor to make the voice of the co-operative movement on climate change heard at the political level, we will be commentating on the conference as things unfold. The ACT! website itself will change considerably as the project develops to incorporate post Copenhagen plans and the previous climate petition, that will be delivered to national political representatives and the UNFCC, will evolve into a show for co-operative climate action, as we hope to build support behind our movements efforts.
Be sure to continue to spread the word on ACT! to others and join us on here on the ACT! website and blog, Facebook and Twitter to get the very latest on COP15!
After some confusion regarding entry, which led to large queues outside the main building, the long awaited Copenhagen climate summit was opened today slightly behind schedule, with the screening of a deeply moving film, showing a young child having a nightmare about climate change. The focus remained on children as a teenage choir from Denmark performed in front of a crowd of thousands of journalists and political delegates, before the Prime Minister of Denmark was welcomed to the stage.
Lars Lokke Rasmussen, officially opened the 11 day UN summit, reminding the world that climate change would affect everyone, of all ages.
"Global warming knows no borders. It does not discriminate, it affects us all," he told the summit.
"We can change, and we have to change."
Mr Rasmussen said the task facing negotiators and world leaders was very tough, saying he was "painfully aware" of differing perspectives on the issue of global warming. But he gave an optimistic verdict.
"A deal is within reach, together we can accomplish what must be accomplished."
Negotiators from 192 countries have gathered in the Danish capital to try to forge a new deal to tackle global warming. World leaders have made some progress towards a deal in recent weeks, with countries such as India the USA and China talking about targets, but big problems still remain over who should cut greenhouse gas emissions, and who should pay.
More than 100 world leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, US President Barrack Obama and several EU leaders will attend the conference late next week and attempt to forge an agreement. More than 15000 people are attending the summit, including 3500 journalists.