COP15 was NOT a failure - here's why

There are many loud voices of dissatisfaction and disappointment regarding the recent UN climate talks in Copenhagen. This was the 15th meeting of the all the countries in the world, called the Conference of Parties (hence COP15). Global warming affects all of us, and literally, the entire world is coming together to tackle the climate crisis. You know how chaotic your own family gatherings can be at the holidays, right? Well, imagine if 5,000 family members all tried to sit at the same table! There is bound to be a lot of frustration and trouble.

I want to provide a perspective that is insightful and illuminating by going beyond the shallow coverage provided by the mainstream media. I will have a more in-depth analysis entitled "What Happened at COP15?" available in January. For now, here's a short summary:

COP15 was unprecedented outpouring of concern, support and effort by tens of thousands of people in person and many more via virtual and electronic participation. The US had an enormous presence there. (Remember, it has been less than a year since we had a president who didn't believe in science or international cooperation!) In addition, Congress had a sizable presence in the final days. These politicians came in order to make a stand for the future. John Kerry has been leading the all-important fight in the Senate and he gave a terrific speech, worth reading here.

"If Dick Cheney can argue that even a 1% chance of a terrorist attack is 100% justification for preemptive action—then surely, when scientists tell us that climate change is nearly a 100% certainty, we ought to be able to stand together, all of us, and join in an all out effort to combat a mortal threat to the life of this planet."

The formal UN meeting was only one of a number of important gatherings that all happened at the same time in the same city. Businesses, local governments, activists, and NGOs all had their own gatherings that produced conversations, connections and commitments to action. Deniers and skeptics were dismissed as irrelevant. And perhaps most importantly, the world's efforts to fight climate change may transform into other forums that are more effective.

The forces of goodwill and change are unstoppable.

Summary of UN Outcomes

The Copenhagen Accord is the result of important steps forward by the United States and most of the countries around the world. Here are a few highlights of noteworthy developments, as reported by US Climate Action Network.

"The Accord is tantamount to a global prenup. The marriage agreement is still to come."

Unprecedented Public Support for Strong Climate Action
• 125 Heads of state
• 45,000 summit attendees
• 100,000 marched in Copenhagen calling for strong action
• 15 million petition signers on the tck, tck, tck petition

For the first time, the majority of the world’s countries have offered to reduce their emissions using verifiable targets.

Agreement on the basic architecture and financing for international forest protection.

Transparency in measuring emissions reductions between US and China.

Agreement on clean technology deployment mechanisms to the developing world.

US Climate Renewables and Efficiency Deployment Initiative (REDI) – multi-lateral commitments over 5-years to scale up renewable energy.

Commitment to fight black carbon (soot that harms public health and exacerbates climate change).

Phase out of fossil fuels - US reaffirmed commitment made at G20 to phase out of fossil fuels.

COP15 was not a failure, but much work remains.