COP11/COP-MOP1 is over, but you can read below to see what was happening at the conference, day by day:

(For those of you who can’t get enough of COP11 updates, Kyoto USA has video available on their website of the negotiations in Montreal – go to www.KyotoUSA.org to see clips of daily CAN press briefings as well as a presentation by the U.S. government.)

Thursday, December 8: U.S. Citizens Speak + Act

The morning started with a press briefing with Mayor Nickels of Seattle and three other U.S. mayors, highlighting the many ways they are taking local action to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This afternoon, about 20 U.S. youth met with State Department officials from the U.S. delegation. Youth inside the meeting feel that it was constructive as they were able to address their concerns as well as emotions with the U.S. government's obstructionist position at this meeting.

With little over a day left in the negotiations, many decisions are being agreed upon. The last remaining issue to be decided is what happens after 2012, when the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol expires. Of course, the U.S. government remains unwavering in their opposition to any progress forward but there is still hope that the rest of the world will leave the Bush administration behind (while noting the commitment of U.S. youth and mayors) and take the steps necessary to protect the climate.

Wednesday, December 7

Today begins the high-level segment of the meeting, with environment ministers arriving from around the world. Prime Minister Martin opened the segment this morning, challenging governments to take real action to protect the climate and explaining that no nation is exempt from doing their part to stop global warming.

Paula Dobriansky, Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs, will represent the U.S. at the high-level segment. For years, Dobriansky, an appointee of President Bush, has come to these conferences to try to undermine the Kyoto process and we would expect nothing less from her this year.

Tuesday, December 6:
USCAN Side Event: State Action on Climate, Making a Difference 

Environmental policy in the United States has a history of being driven by state action.  To date local action has served as the model for subsequent national regulation for air quality, toxic releases, renewable portfolio standards, and more.  

Despite the lack of commitment by the U.S. federal government on climate mitigation, states are moving ahead in this area.  This session will discuss the leading state and regional approaches that states hope will serve as a model for meaningful federal action on climate change.

Speakers:

·       Meeting California’s GHG Emissions Reduction Goals: Dian Grueneich, California Public Utilities Commission

·       Oregon’s Carbon Offset Program, Bjorn Fischer, Climate Trust

·       Northeast States Regional Approach, Chris James, Connecticut Department of the Environment

·       Update on other state initiatives, Amy Royden-Bloom, STAPPA/ALAPCO

Moderator:            K.C. Golden, Climate Solutions

Monday, December 5: Coastal communities at risk

This morning a delegation from coastal communities in the U.S. came together to discuss the risks their communities face because of climate change. From North Carolina to Louisiana, the group shared first-hand experience on dealing with the effects of global warming.

Saturday, December 3: Today, we march…

Today in Montreal, thousands will brave the cold and take to the streets to demand that our leaders take real action to stop global warming. At the same time, people will demonstrate in cities throughout the U.S. and around the world, reminding the delegates that the whole world is watching what happens this week in Canada. For more information, go to http://www.3dec2005.org/-en-

Youth shake up the climate summit!

Young people from around the world have come to Montreal to remind delegates that all of our future is in their hands. The youth groups are holding demonstrations, lobbying delegates and training a new generation of global warming activists. Read their daily blog and see their list of events at www.itsgettinghotinhere.org