Just took part in the MOST amazing march of 100,000 people across Copenhagen, 6km from Christiansborg Slotsplads (Parliament Square) in central Copenhagen to the Bella Centre. Speakers beforehand included Kumi Naidoo, ED of Greenpeace International and the Nigerian chair of Friends of the Earth International.
I found two spare poles and Jenny helped me carry the clean energy for eternity banner the entire way, eventually arriving at the Bella Centre 6.30pm in the dark. Bettina and Toni came to film the start, then we found a marching spot behind a
bamboo boat on wheels from the Philippines and in front of a Swedish theatre group from with a vast blue sheet emblazoned with "Survival is Not Negotiable".
Overwhelming sense of the march was one of good willed determination,
People are entirely committed to seeing this through to a 'sound, just and binding' outcome. And the creativity!!! everywhere people had turned their minds to telling their stories, calling on world governments in copenhagen to turn down the heat.
Brief worrying moment as police cordon thrown around us and vans full of police dogs appeared. Thankfully after 5-10 minutes we were let through, but t'was not true for some 800 others, arrested immediately below the Get-UP team flat, just along from my photo of the 350 banner hanging out the window. Take a look at the slideshow I've put up on CEFE website. to share the colour and movement. 6km becomes A LONG MARCH when you're one of 100,000 bodies on the move!
NGO party was in a nightclub called the VEGA, not quite my scene but an excellent salsa band, followed by klesma. Impassioned fellow from Mauritius jumped up on stage, exhorting us all in rapid French to ensure that world leaders don't go home next week until they've signed an ambitious deal.
From Monday the serious end of the negotiations begins. Forgive me for not providing detail on the various complexities of the negotiations. For one thing, we've been asked to be circumspect with our communuications. Equally importantly, I wouldn't do it justice - those wanting detailed and accurate updates should refer to the Earth Negotiations Bulletin. Today (Sunday) will be a day of reflection hearing Bishop Desmond Tutu and Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.
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