Notes from Bonn: PFT at COP 23 climate talks
“Your Excellencies, distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, the 23rd meeting of the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties is launched!” Below are some photos and impressions of COP 23 (the ongoing climate conference in Bonn, Germany) from Andrea Tuttle, a Pacific Forest Trust observer to the UN climate negotiations for the past 11 years.
The nation of Fiji holds the Presidency of COP 23. The Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama was presented the gavel by the outgoing President of last year’s meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco, COP 22 President Salaheddine Mezouar, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Pictured is a traditional Fijian canoe sent from Fiji to Bonn, to symbolize the President’s climate theme: “We’re all in the same canoe.”
Singing children greeted the Opening Ceremony carrying banners exhorting participants to “Save the World.”
Chanting Fijian warriors prepared the traditional welcome cup of kava in a ceremonial wooden bowl and presented it to Ms. Barbara Hendricks, the German Minister for the Environment. Germany is generously providing the COP venue and support to host the Bonn meeting. Barbara Hendricks, Germany’s environment minister, announced that her ministry would no longer be serving meat, fish, or meat-derived products at official functions. Hendricks said her ministry must serve as a “role model” on environmental and sustainability issues.
Delegates from over 190 countries are here to hammer out the rules for implementing the Paris Agreement. Over 20,000 participants are expected, including thousands of NGO and non-state participants pressing countries to increase their pledges to reduce emissions further and faster. Speakers called for strong action to “hold to the path of the Paris Climate Change Agreement.” The theme on banners along city streets is “Together, Faster, Further.”
