The Business of Bali

The events of the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali have been resonating in the shadows of my daily world. I've gone about my days, taking care of my family, schooling my children, conversing with my friends and running my business, but my heart and soul took a trip to Bali recently. No one would've known to see me and I've said very little to anyone until yesterday, but that's where I've been, hoping that some progress would be made, agonizing really.

Watching diplomatic processes such as these are mental torture. Perhaps, I should have just waited to tune in to the aftermath. But then I would have missed all the drama and bali-hoo taking place. I've pulled some excerpts from "Tortured End to Bali" from Time.com which convey some of the drama that exploded at the end of the conference.

It was only with the help of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, who made an emergency stop in Bali, that negotiations got kick started. The South Korean, in office for less than a year, is known as diplomatic even by UN standards, but he arrived without mincing words. "Frankly, I am disappointed at the lack of progress," said Ban to a packed audience. "Seize the moment, this moment, for the good of all humanity." With that, Ban left the chamber to a standing ovation.
Yes! What exactly is our problem? Divided we fall... WHY must it always be soooo difficult for nations (for people from different groups in general) to work together?

After India reiterated its objection — and was essentially supported by the European Union — the lead American negotiator Paula Dobiansky turned to speak, and announced that the U.S. would not accept India's changes, which sought to lighten the expectations from developing countries. (The UN negotiating process requires total consensus.) Boos rained on the U.S. delegation from NGO observers and even the press gallery, breaking the last remaining appearance of diplomatic placidity.
I don't know if my boos can be heard from here all the way to Bali... I keep thinking of the Dr. Seuss book, Horton Hears a Who. Thank goodness the Who's down in Who-ville made themselves heard!

Nation after developing nation rose to criticize the U.S. in language more often reserved for a political debate than a UN conference. A representative from tiny Papua New Guinea — one of many small island states most immediately threatened by climate change — recalled the old Lee Iacocca line about leading, following or getting out of the way. "If the U.S. will not lead, get out of the way," he said, to gallery cheers. "Please get out of the way."
While I would love my country to be looked back on at this point in history as a leader on this issue, I just don't see it happening. I do see individuals and large groups of U.S. citizens standing out a part from our government. Count me in with them. Yes United States, PLEASE GET OUT OF THE WAY if you're not going to lead!

...not one of the allies that had generally stood with the U.S. the past two weeks — Australia, Russia, Canada — rose in its defense. The near-total isolation of the U.S. on climate change — which had been building since its rejection of the Kyoto Protocol nearly a decade ago — was now obvious, apparently even to the U.S. Dobiansky turned to speak. "We've listened very closely to many of our colleagues here during these two weeks, but especially to what has been said in this hall today," she said. "We will go forward and join consensus." Boos turned to cheers, and the deal was essentially sealed.
Now what was so difficult about that? The U.S. had to be ridiculed and shamed into doing something positive... Like I said, thank goodness the Whos down in Who-ville made themselves heard. Thank you to the European Union and the developing countries who refused to keep silent. To the thousands of supporters and activists who made the trip to Bali. And thank you even to Australia, Russia and Canada who kept silent for once.


The Closing Press Briefing by Yvo DeBoer


While many will argue and debate on the outcome of the conference, I see this as a positive step. And let's see where we can go now... But remember, it's not just about these decisions made by the world's governments. It's about each of us individually and our attitudes about taking care of our beautiful planet, what we do and what we say. I challenge everyone to permanently change a habit or two in your lifestyle in the next month that conveys your commitment to our planet and all life that resides here.