It’s Getting Hot In Here

It was a unique opportunity to be able to attend the opening of the high level segment of the two week long discussions here in Bali. From now until Friday, Bali will be graced with the presence of many high ranking officials from around the world—all of them coming to show face and make an official statement regarding their country’s commitment or stance on climate change. The red carpet was rolled out and the entry to the plenary hall was limited to ticket only. As the press lined the two sides of the red carpet and the Ministers entry was segregated from the other delegates, I couldn’t help getting excited myself—it was as if I was attending some major awards ceremony like the Oscars. Only these weren’t the Oscars: the only people taking away recognition from these ceremonies would be those nations who are doing the least or most to help the process of the negotiations. Speaking of Oscars, I have heard rumors of celebrities such as Cameron Diaz and Leonardo DiCaprio making an appearance here.

Six youth selected from the International Youth Delegation were able to attend the opening ceremony and we managed to get seats in the very back of the plenary hall. From there we watched anxiously as all the big names made their statements. Many were there including UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, President of the UNFCCC, Yvo de Boer, Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and the heads of State of various small island States. The efforts made by Australian Prime Minister Rudd were recognized with applause several times during the two hour high level opening. On several occasions when the US was singled out as not having made change or in the hopes that the country would make change, as mentioned by the Premier of the island of Palau, “…let us hope that our friend the United States won’t be far behind [Australia],” there was a large round of applause. I’m not sure what the US negotiators made of this public humiliation but I believe this is routine for them during climate change negotiations.

The only major announcement was the release of the SAARC (South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation) Declaration on Climate Change by the president of the Maldives. It essentially outlines the position of all the member nations of the South Asian region regarding the negotiations. I am anxious to see what it holds because it would be an official release of India’s position. The opening segment ended with a music video of some Indonesian artists singing a seemingly inspiring song to move the delegates to make “the right decision.” I cannot say that I was inspired because I was not expecting the song to be in English, but I was certainly moved by the Indonesian effort. Oddly enough, the lyrics still linger in my mind as I get ready for bed. I wonder if anyone in the plenary was taking it seriously.

We all gather here in Bali

We want to save our planet

We’re all united here in Bali

For a better life, a better world

For you and me