Thoughts on Copenhagen

Many people are disappointed, even angry at the outcome of the Copenhagen Summit, and understandably so.  Such high hopes for real change had preceded it, but nothing of substance seems to have been achieved.

However, something hugely important has happened in the last few days.  Global political concerns and priorities have been exposed and it is now much clearer as to which countries and leaders have the interests of the planet and the needy at heart, and which are driven by self-interest.  (Remember that some of those world statesmen arguing for change were doing so for public relations reasons more than altruism.)

While the outcome was not unexpected to pundits, watchers and experts, there is much shock and disillusionment in many parts of the world at the cynicism that has been revealed, and the opportunity that has been wasted through the choices made. Copenhagen will be remembered as an event of mis-management, chaos, expediency, bullying, selfishness, politics and failure, and as such there is hope that the meeting in Mexico next year will be organised in such a way as to ensure that the wishes of the majority of the people of the world will be honoured, and compassion and common sense will prevail.

Meanwhile, the planet herself will be reminding us of her wishes and needs, in no uncertain terms.  It is no coincidence that we have a large earthquake in Malawi  within 24 hours of the ending the summit.  More is yet to come.  If the human race will not co-operate gracefully and in a timely way, she will use her own methods to protect herself, and they may be rather more uncomfortable than the alternative.