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In case you haven't heard, Copenhagen is going to be kind of a big deal. And not like Ron Burgundy is a big deal. Which he is. But I'm talking an affect-the-fate-of-the-entire-planet sort of big deal.
You see, when world leaders gather this December in Copenhagen, they're going to attempt to hash out a treaty that will act as a road map for the entire world to reduce its pollution--and to slow down the rise of global warming.
Known as COP 15 (it's the 15th Conference of the Parties, of which the goal of each has been to discuss how best to lower the world's greenhouse gas emissions), the meeting will be watched closely from all corners of the globe. As such, there's a lot riding on this treaty--and a lot leading up to it.
Now that COP15 is only a couple months away, here's a quick timeline that will bring you up to date on everything that's happening between now and then.
Now-October 9th: International Climate Talks in Bangkok
The focus of these talks is on what developing countries can do to contribute to a global climate treaty. This is a hot topic, as fast-developing nations like China, India, and Brazil have balked at making any kind of commitments to cutting their greenhouse gas emissions--they say rich countries should make stronger commitments first. These talks in Bangkok have also yielded calls for the US to pass a climate bill to show its dedication to lowering its greenhouse gases--but little else.
October 7-9th: Global Renewable Energy Forum
With COP15 in mind, GREF http://www.grefmexico2009.org/index.php?id=9 will take place in Mexico, and will tackle the issues surrounding scaling up renewable energy use around the world--especially in fast-developing Latin America.
October 12-14th: International Teacher's Conference on Climate Change
Inspiring Climate Education 2009 http://en.cop15.dk/denmark%27s+efforts/climate+education/inspiring+climate+education, or ICE09, will be the first ever global conference of teachers specifically focused on climate change. The event will be held in Copenhagen as a run-up event to COP15.
October 16-18th: Stand Up and Fight Poverty: Climate Change Edition
Stand Up Against Poverty is noted in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the most people participate in a single event every--116 million people around the world participated last year. This year, events will focus on how global warming, through rising sea levels, severe droughts, and more flooding, is going to have a devastating effect on the world's poor. Which it will. For more info, check out Stand Up Against Poverty.
October 24th: 350.org's International Day of Climate Action
Tck Tck Tck and 350.org are calling on concerned peoples from around the globe to take part in the world's largest ever climate action, which will broadcast the message that strong action and serious change is not only necessary, but what the people want. Get involved at Tck Tck Tck's website. The day has the potential to show world leaders how important it is that real progress is made at COP15.
November 2-6: Final Pre-Copenhagen Climate Talks in Barcelona
The last chance for nations to resolve their differences before taking the final plunge, the talks in Barcelona are sure to be tense.
November 16th: European Renewable Energy Policy Meeting
European leaders will gather to figure out how best to accomplish the binding targets they set of getting 20% of Europe's energy from renewable sources by 2020.
December 7-18th: The Main Event. COP15
And this one's for all the marbles. This is where the biggest economies and smallest countries, the most-polluting nations and those threatened to be destroyed by climate change altogether will all meet in an attempt to find a way to halt global warming before it's too late. If you only watch one global climate event this year, make it this one.
If you want the lowdown on even more run-up events to COP15, check out the official calendar online.
More on COP15 in Copenhagen
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Denmark Funds Cash-Strapped Maldives Trip to UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen
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