Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
restrictions. One video pictures Ben Powless of the Indigenous Environ-
mental Network (IEN) and other members of the indigenous peoples'
caucus being completely ignored during a meeting where they were
invited to discuss their views on the UNFCCC's forest initiative REDD
(
REDD
2009).
Despite the problems, several interesting dynamics make Copenhagen
a fascinating puzzle for international governance. To begin with, the lines
between “outsiders” and “insiders” were blurred more than at any other
conference I have attended over the past fi fteen years. Accredited groups
staged approved demonstrations inside Bella Center. This practice is not
unprecedented, but the number and range of those in Copenhagen took
the practice to a new level. Avaaz and Climate Action Network Interna-
tional staged elaborate presentations of the Fossil of the Day Awards,
the indigenous peoples' caucus played drums and chanted prayers,
and on Wednesday, December 16, at least 100 accredited participants,
including some government delegates, staged a walkout and joined
protestors on the outside to demand system change and climate justice.
Yvo de Boer was visibly angry with “inside” NGO representatives who
confronted him about access restrictions (EUXTV 2009). “Is that how
you want to do it?” he asked. “I have been reasonable throughout my
three years in this job . . . are you willing to talk to me or do you wish
to fi ght me?” Access problems were not unique to NGOs. One of China's
top delegates was refused entrance three times, even though he had
all the necessary accreditation paperwork (The Copenhagen Post
2009). Industry representatives, ministry employees, scientists, and jour-
nalists alike faced the long, cold lines and access restrictions in Copen-
hagen. The three ministry employees who were in line with me chanted,
“What do we want? Access! When do we want it? Now,” along with
everyone else in line, illustrating the diffusion of movement tactics across
sectors.
“Insider” and “outsider” dynamics were further complicated by inter-
actions among governments. Some delegations were present and actively
involved in crafting agreement language during the entire two weeks of
conference meetings. Others, like the United States and China, swept in
during the fi nal days of the conference and usurped the UN negotiation
process in backdoor meetings. After Obama spoke at the Friday plenary,
Morales of Bolivia and Chavez of Venezuela chastised these backdoor
tactics and joined a coalition of several governments that refused to
accept the Copenhagen Accord because of its fl agrant disrespect of the
negotiation process. Though most delegations came on board to support
