Alternatives

Yesterday was a crazy day, again, here in Copenhagen. After most of NGOs members were declined entrance to the Bella Center ( even if they had their second badges), things started to heat up. There were protests were NGO people burnt their badges, people pushing to get in the Bella Center, peaceful protests in the train stations, etc. Even delegates and ministers tried to walk out the Bella Center in support of the people outside, and as a demonstration of their frustration, however, they were not allowed outside. I was caught in the middle, I could not get out the Bella Center, nor would they let me back in. I was literally in the middle of all this chaos.

The police express their frustration through violence. They beat up and arrested many protesters, most of them were very pacific – in fact, I’m surprised on how pacific things are here, yet, how high the presence of the police is-; however, the general frustration is huge. Inside the COP, Hilary Clinton is trying to see the financial commitment that the US can engage to; while China is not so willing to negotiate and Japan has committed financial aid of 1.5 million 3 year contribution for adaptation and mitigation. Many presidents of developing countries will not sign anything, if it is not a fair and legally binding agreement. The president form the ALBA country will speak this afternoon in an un-official event outside the Bella Center, promoting a system change – as mentioned by Chavez yesterday in the COP. The event is open to anyone that has 20$ to pay.

But this is not the only alternative, there is a NGO “place” where you can see the negotiations on TV, the Klima Forum, where there are still events going on, there are NGOs booths, movies, music, speakers, and cheap organic food. A more grassroots event in Christiania, where people are gathering to sing, eat and talk about alternative lifestyles. It is very interesting to see all this, and the different approaches to the topic. People are each time more hopeless and frustrated, but the importance is the outcome of this frustration. Will there be a climate revolution? Maybe not now, but next year?or will be just gathered around the fire talking about utopia? This is the movement from our generation, a movement that encompases human rights at all different levels. Can we stand up?

Nicole Szucs

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