Copenhagen, Dec 7, 2009

Today COP 15’s plenary opening began with a video featuring a small child having a climate nightmare asking leaders to take action action. Next was a performance by a group of popular Danish musicians featuring harp, trumpet, and a Greek-like women’s chorus – hopefully not to imply this 12 day negotiation session could end like a Greek tragedy.

The first speakers was Danish Prime Minister Lars Rasmussen. Some excerpts of his comments:

“The sheer magnitude of our task is matched only by our determination.”

“For more than a year, we have been conducting intensive consultations in preparation for this conference. In that context I have had the pleasure of engaging with leaders from around the world. Your leaders.”

“Without exception, they have been supporting an ambitious agreement to halt global warming. I am painfully aware, that you have different perspectives on the framing and precise content of such an agreement. And I am sure that no one in this hall underestimates the difficulty we are facing in finding a common approach in the coming two weeks.”

“But the political resolve to forge a global agreement is manifest. And differences can be overcome, if the political will is present. I believe it is.”

After a few more opening speeches, the first order of business was to confirm Connie Hedegaard as the new COP 15 President.

A peek inside the plenary hall

Despite it’s extremely poor GHG status – beef was a lunch option at COP 15

Helen Caldicott arrives at COP 15 to sound the alarm over nuclear power.

Tom Goldtooth speaks to the press