Campaigners left out in the cold

Barbara provides the latest update.

In subzero weather that would provide arguments for the few remaining climate sceptics, we struggled to even get into the Bella Centre yesterday. It was not the snow drifts that stopped us, but the UN security guards who told me that "Access for NGOs (non-profit observer organisations like Compassion) has been closed because of the protests earlier in the day". Thousands of people had demonstrated outside the COP15 venue yesterday morning, resulting in clashes with the police. Even for those with accredited access, the numbers of NGOs allowed into the COP has been further cut back, which has led to anger among many groups. The news from inside is that the talks have reached a deadlock after negotiations had gone on into the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The main reason for the stall in negotiations is disagreement between rich and poor countries over emissions cuts and financing. With the talks delayed by approximately 18 hours and with disagreement on major points, the chances of sealing a global deal at this summit are fading. With the negotiators' inability to reach agreement on major issues of emissions targets, it is unlikely that sustainable and humane agriculture will be a part of any deal at this stage.

The good news is that, when we've been able to get into the COP, our lobbying has really hit home. After five hours of dogged queuing, Lasse did manage to get into the Bella Centre. We also have some good allies at the COP, so are not alone in our work for a humane and sustainable future. Earlier I talked to representatives of IFOAM (The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements) who are also attending the summit. They believe that the use of organic farming methods would do much to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Organic farming can help to store carbon in the soil and can also use less energy than conventional farming. Organic livestock farming also has the potential for the highest standards of animal welfare. We discussed our latest report "Eating the Planet" which shows that organic and humane farming has the potential to feed the world in 2050.

As the talks grind toward their end, Compassion's attendance at the COP has been an incredible opportunity to build contacts, get our message across and make plans for the future, even if sometimes it's felt like we have been working against all odds. While the talks are looking doubtful, the work we have done behind the scenes feels like just the start of a real opportunity to help build a humane and sustainable future.