Celebrating the Silence

The UNFCCC negotiations in Geneva got underway this morning, and the primary goal of many delegations was “saving time”.

This came as a welcome surprise to both the audience and their egos, as many delegates received the loudest applause they had ever received. Many now must be thinking that this whole silence thingy might be a great tactic going forward.

In fact, I hear that the Africa group has now selected a new negotiator, seen below, who is planning to “not talk about Climate change” for hours.

However, I’m not so sure this silence is worthy of such noisy applause. Maybe some poetry club finger snaps… but nothing too rousing

See, it is my clear belief that there is still room for inovative opening statements. And considering that the African Group, AOSIS, BASIC, AlBA, the Arab Group, AILAC, and CARICOM have all promised to publish their statements online in order to save time. Here’s my guide to these countries in order to spice up their opening interventions:

African Group

Lets face it. The links between Human rights and Climate change couldn’t be more critical anywhere else. And Uganda already came out this morning as a champion of Human Rights in the text.

Now, I know you definitely want to talk about the importance of finance from developed nations, and I do too. That’s a tough battle that we’re going to be fighting all year long. So lets tick off the Human rights box straight off the bat, and win the support of these 240 organisations who have called for better recognition of Human Rights in the draft Paris agreement.

How sending in an opening statement along the lines of this:

“The fight against Climate Change in Africa is a fight for the human rights of all Africans. That is why we would like to make Geneva the week when we enshrine Human rights protections in all climate-related activities. It’s always the Right time to talk about Human Rights”.

Wouldn’t that be worth finger snapping about

AOSIS

You’ve always been a favourite of mine. Whether it’s a good old word soufflé from Ian Fry, or the flower-powered grace of Olai Uludong. For a change in spirit, I would love an elemental blessing for success to avert a drafting disaster here in Geneva.

AILAC

I have to say, I loved my time in Peru. So much so that I actually never left. So a big thank you to the AILAC group for salvaging my spirit and delivering a killer COP at the same time. I have a lot of faith in your ability to continue to lead. How about leading with an announcement of when you’ll submit your INDCs. Lets even set a date.

Do this, and the Chilcano’s are on me.

ALBA

Always ready to turn defense into offense. How about going on the offence about the INDC review, and a 5 year commitment period so we can have a timely review the Paris agreement as well. Could be another timely blow to developed countries ready to sit on their heels for the next 15 years.

BASIC + Arab Group

We all know about your long term plans to grow your economies and uplift millions out of poverty, but I’m a little unsure about your long term goals for zero emissions. How about a short, sharp statement on zero emissions. I can’t think of 7 more powerful words here in Geneva than a BASIC intervention stating: “We support net zero emissions by 2050”. Add one little sprinkle of support from the Arab Group, and we’d have some headlines!

CARICOM

The Caribbean has a lot at stake, moreso than most. And I never object to a bit more Caribbean vibes on the microphone. But with Trini’s carnival around the corner, I can think of no-one better to plan a celebratory end to Geneva. So how about holding off until we hear all these amazing statements, and then inviting everyone back to Trinidad to celebrate the success of Geneva!