
There are many reasons why Copenhagen (lovingly #cop15) is (was soon) one of the most influential events of my lifetime. I attended on behalf of the WWF with a videoblog called Inside Cop15, managing the Twitter stream for #incop15 and #cop15 throughout the duration. Tomorrow I leave, but this event will impact my life for much time to come.
In fact, many others believe this conference is important because although we haven't yet achieved a binding and ambitious treaty (I've just heard a UN leaked document shoots for 450ppm and 3 degree rises from 1990 levels). Either way, I remain positive about the impact on my generation and generations to come.
Friends like Ben Wikler, Jason Mogus, Joe Solomon and Claire Buxton from the WWF International, believe that change can and is possible, and tools we've got already are a great way to enable communications for reducing emissions and urging for an ambitious, binding international climate treaty.
Five ways that #cop15 has activated the climate change movement (and me):

1. The Global Day of Action unites the climate movement
As of currently, over 3,200 registered events happened internationally for 350 to support 350ppm emissions reductions. From Australia to Zambia, I sat beside the 350.org crew at their Headquarters in Copenhagen and saw these videos and pictures live as they rolled in via #RealDeal.
Over 50K (at least) attended the Copenhagen Day of Action. Despite the cold (around 0 °C), young and old; Jew and gentile; hippie and capitalist, came along to support a binding treaty at #cop15. Although 3-15K were expected, over 50K attended and when the Executive Director of Greenpeace said he had news from local police, I expected the worse. In fact, Kumi Naidoo said local police estimated participants at 100K. Along with around 10 influential speakers, there were 3 Climate Witnesses, a supermodel and Danish actor and parliamentarian. It was probably the most inspiring day of my life.
2. Young people mobilized and participation enhanced through Copenhagen demos
Action! Aid had Climate Debt Agents, WWF had numerous stunts including my favorite 'The Climate Rescue Team', a Flashmob of Climate Flood-ers in Bella Center (where all the action happens and where NGOs were mostly excluded from which is an
other post in itself), the alternative #cop15 at the KlimaForum, and campaigns such as TckTckTck and 350.org, UK Youth Climate Coalition, the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, PowerShift, as well as online and offline stunts from Avaaz, SustainUS: Youth for Sustainable Development who were actively participating online. Climate Justice Now also staged an important walk-out which met up with protesters. Although some violent protests happened, actions magnified that young people really care about climate change.3. Climate change business and non-profits more successful with more offline contacts
Copenhagen connects loose loops from within green economies internationally. At Green DrinksNetSquared (among many other networking events) in Chicago, New York and London, I've networked alongside hundreds of green businesses and non-profits. Low carbon economies grow continuously in what the World Bank might call highly developed and developing economies, all personalities are welcome and valuable. Overall, connecting people face-to-face moves the green and low carbon economy forward.
4. Politicians driven to consider climate change
It's hard to believe in politicians. Constituents rarely know their politician by name. Until, for example, their representative takes away a specific right, many participate passively in politics. Obama has infused politics with hope, politics isn't very desirable in many countries. Politically, it's inspiring to see over 100 world leaders have agreed to come along to cop15 (ie. new industries and traditional businesses changing).
5. Raises awareness of climate change
Copenhagen overtook sex on Google as the most searched item online. This is not only surprising, it's seriously impressive. For an issue that's so near and dear to those working within climate change, it seems amazing that so many people are interested in what's happening. This means the world is interested in how politicians will craft legislation or what the future of the climate change movement will bring.
Of course, there are also ways that Copenhagen harmed the climate change movement. For instance, the energy used for transport to Copenhagen from around the world is expansive. Congruently, the energy consumed through video commentary is also massive. But this is the first step of the low carbon economy and with alternative sources of energy, we can solve many questions about energy consumption. This we can discuss later... and


















