World leaders and global stakeholders are gathering in Marrakech, Morocco, in a UN summit focused on deciding how to best implement the policies in the Paris Climate Agreement. The ZME team is there, gathering information and reporting it back, using our #COP22 tag. You can check our articles discussing the environmental, economic, and social aspects of the summit there. Now, here’s our own opinions and impressions about how this crucial summit is going, somewhat like a travel diary.
The Kingdom of Morocco has prepared in great detail for this event. The red and green flags can be seen everywhere, there’s millions of policemen around and COP22 ads are ubiquitous. Image credits: ZME Science. Permission granted to share with attribution.Tens of countries have stands promoting their own ideas and progress in fighting climate change. The Paris Agreement set national contributions for every country. Image credits: ZME Science. Permission granted to share with attribution.This is the main pathway, with the pavilions being placed in huge tents to the left and to the right. It’s a beautiful setup and quite easy to navigate around. Image credits: ZME Science. Permission granted to share with attribution.People hope to continue the momentum of the movement started last year in Paris. I’m not so convinced, even though I wish I could be more optimistic. Image credits: ZME Science. Permission granted to share with attribution.Image credits: ZME Science. Permission granted to share with attribution.This is often being called ‘The African COP’ — the African countries desperately need their voices to be heard, and it seems that they’re finally starting to step in the highlights. But Africa still struggles to find its path. Image credits: ZME Science. Permission granted to share with attribution.It’s probably not intentional, but I find that there’s some symbolism to this setup: the main path is dry and barren soil, surrounded by green, lush plants to the left and to the right. Image credits: ZME Science. Permission granted to share with attribution.Scientific models (like this one presented by the US delegation) are crucial for predicting, forecasting, and mitigating the effects of climate change — and models have gotten better and better in recent years. Image credits: ZME Science. Permission granted to share with attribution.Among others, the Japan delegation presented scale models of their highly advanced and efficient railway systems. Image credits: ZME Science. Permission granted to share with attribution.The restaurant area attempted to be (or appear) eco-friendly, with plywood chairs and tables, but I found the plastic waste to be appaling. Still, there was a veggie and “green” menu option. This was taken late in the afternoon, when the long lines of the day had passed. Image credits: ZME Science. Permission granted to share with attribution.It was a hectic and chaotic day, and I’m not sure what to expect of this COP. Everyone talks about action, but is the world also walking the walk? I guess we’ll see in the future. Image credits: ZME Science. Permission granted to share with attribution.
Dr. Andrei Mihai is a geophysicist and founder of ZME Science. He has a Ph.D. in geophysics and archaeology and has completed courses from prestigious universities (with programs ranging from climate and astronomy to chemistry and geology). He is passionate about making research more accessible to everyone and communicating news and features to a broad audience.
