Starting of COP
Monday 3 Dec 2007
by Woon SG-Thailand
For the first few minutes in the Bali Convention Centre, I could not really believe that I was walking among delegates, ministers, and other important people from all around the globe. Believe it or not, we were there and soon launched our first action in front of the centre. Rezcel fit into the polar bear suit hanging around a giant mysterious object under a black cover. Thousands of press were surrounding and taking photos of the polar bear. Mr.Gavin then gave an opening speech for Greenpeace in the conference and let the polar bear unveil his giant thermometer. The rising climate must be kept below 2oC before the world is on fire. Polar bear was hugging his world hoping there will be a place for him to live on.
Then, it came the setting up the booth in the centre, which become quite popular. A big pile of postcards were signed while quite a few delegates and ministers agree to wear our “Kyoto, Just Do It!” card holders. Moreover, we had 4 interviews done; combining with the media coverage of the polar bear and the thermometer in the morning, we seem to be doing very well!
In the evening, we finally got all team members to gather had an overall briefing as the Indonesian ones succeeded with their previous task of the Solar Festival. We also hear from Shay and Sven; it was fascinating to listen to these experts about what they demand and what alternatives they suppose and why. The whole arguments and suggestions are very well supported, I must day.
Photograph by Razcel Jan Luiz Salvarita
Amazingly, we did not arrive at the hotel so late today; but do not think that we would get away with the early return. We had dinner and another meeting whiched started at 9pm. and actually lasted for another 3 hours! It was supposed to be about solar energy and how it technically works. However, the problem of adaptation is always tied to financing issue; the whole social issue seemed unavoidable. In developing world, high investment technologies like solar energy appear to be a far fetch dream. Nevertheless, our Greenpeace staff, Christian, reminded us something very important: if we lose faith and give up when facing difficulties, no one can help us and nothing happens. We might have a really small window but it is more important that we do not shut that little window down.