Whу don’t thеу teleconference – set a gοοd example fοr thе rest οf thе world – rаthеr thаn mаkе a hυgе carbon footprint fοr thеіr “meeting” οn global warming/climate change/pollution, etc.?
I thіnk thеу′re a bunch οf hypocrites gathering tο tеll thе rest οf υѕ hοw tο live.
I’ve asked the same question in the past. . . . . ie. the Bali luxury vacation. . . . . uh. . . I mean. . . . conference.
It seems to me that if these climate experts are so intelligent and committed. . . . . they should lead by example, but those goobers are getting a free vacation and staying in some pretty fancy digs.
They have simply exposed their cause as a hoax. . . . again.
That is a brilliant point. And if politicians were truly serious about reducing greenhous gas emmissions they would. I think they all just want to have a look at Copenhagen.
Sometimes you need to meet face to face. Steps have been taken to reduce the footprint generated by this conference. It sounds like you are indeed aware of the fact that almost everything we do in life contributes to generating a carbon footprint. Good! Now take that awareness and recognize that the purpose of this meeting is to affect change that will help us manage this crisis. That will help current and future generations exist on a planet that’s been under siege as a result of lifestyles that the planet cannot fully sustain. These are not “hypocrites gathering to tell the rest of us how to live,” although its generally recognized there will have to be changes made in the way we do business — these are men and women devoting their careers, their time and energy to identifying and creating policies that will help us survive the crisis as best as can be done.
To put a face on it, look at what U. S. delegate Alison Gannett is doing to put things right:
“Carbon Footprint’s US spokesperson Alison Gannett, is setting the example by walking all the way to the World Climate Treaty Summit in Copenhagen to raise awareness of climate change & how by managing our carbon footprints we can all contribute to stop it. Alison, the environmentalist & champion extreme skier, started her epic walk in London, England and has already crossed the UK and Holland in quite challenging weather conditions, en route to Copenhagen. Said Alison on the journey “like one small step feels so insignificant, add them all up and you really have something” Regarding managing her own environmental footprint, she added “all my personal small steps have halved my personal carbon footprint. ””
For those who can’t be there, yes, you can watch the proceedings. You can check out the official website and follow what’s happening. You can be part of the problem, and watch from the sidelines, or you can roll up your sleeves and be part of the solution. Your choice, but I have to live with it, too.
Good point, Fauna. Although teleconference will be very chaotic for the number of people attending the conference.
Copenhagen is a carry-on of the old ways of doing meetings, which, I feel is expensive, releases considerable amount of aircraft CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. The organizers of the COPs seem to be getting aware of this. That probably explains why some of them (including the UNEP Chief – Achim Steiner) took the “Climate Express” train to the conference. Good start but not good enough.
What I think should be done (to enable using tele- or video conferencing) is to discourage mega-meetings (15,000 participants!!) like the one that is currently going on in Copenhagen (which has been the status quo for the last 20 years – when the technologies of tele- and video conferencing were barely available)). There should be initial meetings (with small crowd that could fit into remote conferences) at country and regional/continental levels. Final meeting ratifying the previous resolutions at the lower levels can be held among regional/continental representatives. Even if the final conference is to be held face to face (and not through remote conferencing) the amount of CO2 emission will be several thousand times less than the amount that will be generated by the current Copenhagen meeting.
I’m with Amy. Only part of a professional meeting is the sort of thing that can be teleconferenced. There arer poster papers and a great deal of what is accomplished takes place in the hallways, at dinner, or on social occasions.
I believe the word your looking for is “hypocrisy”. Do as I say, not as I do.
Good point
What, and miss out on the groovy photo ops, caviar, and rides in chartered Gulfstream V jets?