Freezing toes, Italian Prime Minister, and Robot Police

For a good new story on the updates of COP 15 check out:

www.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8415307.stm

I didn't get in the Bella Center today, but got blocked off just as I was about to enter due to a large protest inside the building. 500 or so people walked out of the center chanting "Climate Justice Now" in response to the slow progress and low levels of funding promised by developed nations for adaptation and other financing to developing countries. The Danish police blocking us off had no idea what was going on, and I kind of felt sorry for them as everyone started shouting at them after we had been waiting for 30 minutes, and hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours... I was right up against the gate feeling like I was in a crowded soccer game not an international conference. Behind me, the Italian Prime Minister, the Governer of Mexico City, and countless other party delegate members were not allowed to go in either. People were outraged. Finally, the Italian Prime Minister and Mexican delegation were pushed through (literally pushed!!) and allowed to climb over the baracade. 2.5 hours later when they finally started letting people in again, the Danish police officer said in a loud Arnold S. type monotone voice, "NO NGOs, only party members." I shrugged and decided that at least I would stop freezing and would not be smashed to death, but several other NGO members protested and tried to get in - I saw one guy literally get kicked on his back by a Danish police officer. Apparently later, tear gas was used, although it's not clear whether this was used against delegates as well as protestors marching from the capital.

In other news, the Danish Minister Connie Hedegaard resigned as Summit president which Denmark is saying is part of the process, but others speculate tensions between here and other members of the Danish goverment.

I hope through all of this some kind of deal is reached. On Tuesday, I had opposite luck from today and was lucky enough to get a pass to see the opening Plenary session where Ban Ki-Moon, Prince Charles, Yvo De Boere, and others, spoke about the need to take action now, that "the world is watching," that we need to "stop formalities" and "seal a deal." Prince Charles talked extensively of the need to ensure funding for REDD (reducing emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) as the most effective way to combat climate change in the short-term (as deforestation accounts for 20% of emissions). I thought all of this was an excellent sign, but REDD advocates were dissappointed that he did not put forward an actual dollar to be pledged by developed countries for financing for this and other programs in developing countries.

All of my things are still in the Bella Center from yesterday - hopefully I'll be able to get it tonight, if the place is not still barracaded, and will post more pics and talk more about the opening session and other events. Hope/pray/send postive thoughts for a deal here in Copenhagen. As said by lots of people over this week, this really is one of, if not the, defining issue of our generation determining whether we are strong enough to "save the world." In the mean time, ride a bike!