It’s hard to fathom the complexity of what is happening here at the Bella Centre on the outskirts of Copenhagen. But there are many signs that big changes are underway.
Question: why is Penny Wong so grumpy? This morning she was quoted in the media as saying that she thought the negotiations “difficult” (well, of course) and the language around them “unhelpful”.
Perhaps the Minister is referring to some of the more over-the-top rhetoric, but actually there are some great things happening here. And I think that it’s possible she is actually uncomfortable with these positive developments.
For instance, the “branding” of 350ppm has been firmly established here, not only in images and language, but in the treaty text itself. A version of the treaty compiled by the conference chair includes the now famous 350 target and the call to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. This has come through the hard work of the Alliance of Small Island States and many NGOs.
In addition, the documents include emission reduction targets that are actually in the ballpark of what the science requires. Who would have thought that this might happen? For instance, one set of proposed words calls for emission reduction targets of 30-45% for developed countries.
Perhaps Penny Wong is bummed because, in order to get what Australia wants (a weaker target), they are going to have to argue against the numbers that the Small Island states say they need to survive.
It looks like the negotiations are alive, and we have lots to play for.
