Reflecting on the World Climate Conference
We were all gathered in Geneva, Switzerland. Three thousand important people – and me.
The World Climate Conference (called WCC-3, because it was the third such gathering) brought together prominent scientists and global policymakers. The conference was held to discuss what is now called “climate change and variability,” to create the basis for the Copenhagen treaty talks scheduled for December. My role was small, as a panelist in the expert segment on communicating climate information. So I was able to spend time observing and learning.
It was a fascinating process, as one might imagine, being on the inside of what will be a global debate in the next few months. For instance, we heard from the man who will be one of China’s negotiators in Copenhagen, where a Kyoto-like treaty will be hammered out. He suggested that the world should adhere to Kyoto, which the United States opposed, in part, because it gave China and other “developing countries” something of a pass from carbon emission regulations. He also insisted China (which is now the world’s biggest C02 producer) is entitled to a break because of its sizable population, and low, $2400 annual income. But – and I thought there was a bit of news in this statement – he also said he had made eight trips to the US in recent months to talk.
During my presentation, I showed some polling data regarding Americans’ views on the cause of climate change (manmade vs. natural causes), and showed how those views have evolved in the past year.
I also talked about the way climate information races around the internet. Not even those who study climate change and variability can keep up with it all. I put a live Twitter search up on the big screen, so everyone was able to see how often Americans tweet the words “climate change” and “global warming” along with scientific information and personal opinion.
I displayed a graph revealing those terms were tweeted over 17,000 times in the previous month.
I have been to many international conferences over the years, but this one was special because the results of the World Climate Conference will form the basis for treaty talks that will affect most people on the planet. I consider myself very fortunate to be invited WCC-3, and to spend time with my weather colleagues in the great city of Geneva.
Photos are from IISD. Information about the conference is available through the WCC-3 website.
