2nd Tuesday: Parallel World

While the COP meanders onwards, much of the work which should have been resolved is being escalated up "to the Ministers" (who were no doubt expecting to arrive on Thursday, be presented with a well-slogged out, fait accompli, sign a few docs in front of the cameras and then say "problem solved".) Meanwhile, as we can't get into most of those (negotiating-type) sessions, we're doing our best to attend some side events. This morning, Aldo (ISES Italy), Dave (ISES US) and I have separately attended the IEA - Renewable Energy Technology Development seminar, the Solar Energy Industries Association "Bill of Rights" presentation, and the Sahara Forest Project. All food for thought...

We are unable to leave the Bella Centre as we wouldn't be able to return, and this evening we have an IRENA presentation to attend (INSIDE).... They are talking about allowing most of us to spend Thursday and Friday in town to watch the COP proceedings, including all the Ministers' presentations (like Penny Wong). Only problem: it would be OUTSIDE - and it's going to snow 8<)) We'll see.

BTW, you're probably wondering about Fossil of the Day. It's still being presented, and you can follow it on www.fossil-of-the-day.org Yesterday, the US won its first Fossil, for two reasons: steadfastly refusing to name an amount it will pitch in to the LDC development funds, and its effective 4% emission target re 1990 (everyone else is talking 20-30-40% re 1990, but the US and a couple of others have set their reference years as e.g. 2005, which of course skews the books). Second was the EU for failing to address "hot air" and forest management; and 3rd was our old favourite - Canada (this time with Saudi Arabia) for coming last and second last in the Climate Change Performance Index released by Greenwatch and Climate Action Network. This evaluates 57 industrial and developing countries which release 90% of the world's current greenhouse gas emissions. Saudi came a clear last, as it has yet to publish a climate policy....