United Nations Climate Change Conference, 1-13 December, 2008, Poznań, Poland

“The United Nations Climate Change Conference that took place in Poznań has been the centre of interest for countries all over the world as well as environmental researchers, NGOs and media sources. As a burning issue that concerns all countries with different interests, the challenges of climate change were discussed and responsive strategies were negotiated by parties and researchers from different perspectives during the conference. It was exciting to witness the current debate and the negotitation process for a global solution to climate change. It also enabled me to be informed about the most recent research be conducted around the world on this issue.

Taking a part in side events and the conference exhibition where we shared a collective platform with leading environmental institutes and reserachers from around the world was a great opportunity for me and my colleagues to represent the vision and research of IHDP to the diverse global community. I believe that the Poznań Conference was an important step on the way to Copenhagen and the post-Kyoto process and I was delighted to be a part of it.”

“Humans drive environmental changes and humans take measures to slow or stop environmental changes. Climate change has become one of the most disturbing issues of our time. Therefore, taking part at the 14th COP in Poznań was a very enlightening experience.

The dimension of the event in itself was impressive. Concurrently running plenary meetings, meetings of subsidiary bodies, and side events organised by UN Agencies, governments and civil society organisations highlighted the different facets of the climate change discourse.

With the Kyoto agreements just a few years from expiring and with only a year remaining until the crucial Copenhagen COP, delegates from all over the world were very keen on conducting substantive consultations and negotiations on the terms of a post-Kyoto Climate Regime. I am happy to have been part of this important event.”