DG Blog , December 13, 2010

Publication Date: 13 December 2010

Author(s): Rajendra K Pachauri

Abstract:

The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC which was held in Cancun, Mexico concluded last week with a set of positive outcomes, which do not directly lead to action, but have certainly revived hopes of an acceptable agreement that could come into place next year at the COP to be held in Durban, South Africa. What has been particularly heartening in my view has been the spirit that prevailed in the Cancun meeting, wherein most of the countries involved in the negotiations displayed a commitment to move forward. In my view much of the credit for this goes to the host country led by President Calderón, his Foreign Secretary Ms. Patricia Espinosa and the Environment Minister Juan Rafael Elvira. It is surprising to see that the atmosphere created by the Chair of the conference, which in this case was Mexico, would have a profound effect on the frame of mind of the delegations which participated in such a meeting. The physical facilities and general scenery all around are also factors that human beings cannot be immune to. Cancun is a beautiful, clean and well maintained seaside resort which presented such a contrast to not only the weather in Copenhagen last year but the appalling conditions and arrangements that existed there. 

Publisher/Organisation: TERI

Source: TERI Intranet