Notes from Copenhagen: The Longest Day

By John Matthews, CI The COP is finally over, and I’ve had about 36 hours to begin to absorb its truths and promises. Written so soon after the negotiations have ended, I have no doubt my reflections will achieve, at best, a facile and tenuous draft of history (or a poor excuse for journalism). But I [...]

Notes from Copenhagen: At the Hinge

This week, serious negotiations begin, main plenary hall at the Bella Centre © WWF-Canon/Richard Stonehouse

By John Matthews, CI A week of prelude is over. The real work has begun in Copenhagen. Last week was intense, fast-paced, and frantic. Most people here are profoundly exhausted. But we’re at the hinge now. Negotiation teams are shifting from delaying and positioning to taking firm and often oppositional stands. More senior level staff are [...]