By
Lauren Carroll Harris, Copenhagen
December 15, 2009 -- Green Left Weekly -- Just
over a week into the December 7-18 United Nations climate change negotiations in Copenhagen (COP15) , thousands of ordinary people from around
the world have already participated in what is being billed as the
“people’s climate summit”, Klimaforum09, also taking place in the Danish
capital. The difference between the two forums could not be more stark.
Outside Copenhagen’s Bella Centre, where COP15 is being held,
has a circus-like quality, with delegates battling their way through a
gauntlet of protesters and lobbyists. One group carries a banner
emblazoned with the slogan “EU: pay your climate debt” and chants “The
world is watching”. Inside, registered delegates, government diplomats and NGO members make
their way through airport-style security checks to participate in what
is increasingly seen as a redundant talkshop.
By contrast, the Klimaforum is open, free and a genuine meeting of different groups,
activists, scientists, farmers and artists to discuss a democratic,
people-powered response to the climate crisis.