It's a beautiful 20 degrees (C) here in Gigiri, a subset of the busy city of Nairobi. The United Nations is always a world of itself - and so not really reflecting the reality of what Kenya really is. Though one characteristic that rings true throughout is the genuine openness and hospitality of Kenyans. They smile more. They laugh more. They seem more relaxed. I think they even walk a little slower. To add, this year there are no official meetings allowed past 6 pm; whereas before the limit was 9 or later. It has set the stage for a - hopefully - steady and productive 2 weeks of negotiations.
There is a strong youth presence here, and also a particularly strong Canadian presence. People are settling into the daily routines of press conferences, meetings, strategizing, lobbying, side events and plenary sessions (the biggest meetings where the actual negotiations take place). The UN building is a labrynth - but a beautiful one with open walls and lush flora every corner. Tables and chairs on the lawn and rooftop patios present a nice change in work environment from cold cramped desk spaces. You can often hear drums or birds in the background, and it's warm whether rain or shine.
I'm convinced that this space is making people more productive, more friendly, and more effective negotiators. I am also convinced that the reality check that foregin negotiators are faced with as they step outside the UN grounds serves as a moral reminder of who is being impacted by climate change right now. Many people especially in Canada and the US are removed from immediate impacts of climate change.
Canada is already seeing effects, don't get me wrong, but we have the capacity to adapt, whereas countries with higher levels of poverty are mor vulnerable to the effects of climate change - the economics aren't there to help the country bounce back. Long story short, there's a relevant difference in priorities, experiences, culture, and commitment when it comes to discussing climate change. Some people get it - Some do not. I hope we take this experience to learn from the people of Kenya - both with regards to their very real day to day experiences, and also with regards to their attitude, optimism, and warmth they bring to everything they do.
We still have 2 weeks of learning. And on day 1 we have only just set the stage.
At the opening plenary session yesterday the President of the COP laid out the goals for the next 2 weeks:
5 PRIORITIES
1. Adaptation with continuous and predictable funding: Right now this is relatively piece-meal
2. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and ensuring equitable benefits between host and donor countries
3. Increasing Technology Transfer
4. Building on the success of COP11/MOP1, specifically with the Montreal Action Plan (MAP)
5. Integrating sustainable development and market mechanisms into the process
The President of COP also threw me a lovely birthday party, complete with amazing life east African music, free food and drinks, and a fabulous venue. (Some people called this the "opening reception"...)
Original post at www.itsgettinghotinhere.org