So here we are on Day 2 of the COP15. What are some of the developments? Well so far it seems that there's been some arguing over an informal draft that was put together by Denmark and leaked by the press. The draft suggested that all new climate initiatives be formulated in a single new document, however the developing nations want the result of the COP15 to be an extension of the Kyoto protocol.

According to the BBC:

To give another example of a potentially hampering element, Bangladesh has already stated that it wants 15% of whatever funds are allocated by developed nations to assisting developping countries in mitigating greenhouse emissions. The demand itself and the accompanying statement issued by Bengali officials that Bangladesh is the most vulnerable country by climate change due to potential flooding makes you wonder how such a request could be made even before any amount of funding has been decided upon. This is especially true if you consider the situation of small island countries such as the Maldives which would actually be entirely flooded should the worst come to pass.

On the other hand, there is some movement coming from unexpected places. U.S. President Obama has made a declaration that greenhouse gas emissions are "threatening to human health". UN and EU members have welcomed the declaration as a show of determination by Obama. Although Obama isn't due to arrive in Copenhagen for another week, his declaration may allow him to make decisions without having to wait for Congress' approval while he's in Copenhagen. This should speed things forward a little. Gordon Brown, the British Prime Minister, also issued a somewhat surprising statement today. He urged other EU members to change their stance from a 20% reduction of emissions to 30% which is a further step in the right direction. Unsurprisingly, Canada has remained relatively silent since Stephen Harper decided to attend the summit. In fact, it seems like the only buzz coming from Canada (other than yesterday's Greenpeace demonstrations - follow the link to see an article and a video) is originating from separatists calling for separation due to the inaction of the federal government and B.C. and Ontario also issuing criticism. Speaking of demonstrations, protesters of all kinds have begun to appear at the COP15 as well. It is expected that nearly 50000 protesters will show show up during the summit.

With an analysis by the World Meteorological Organization having shown that the pas decade has been the warmest decade on record (over 160 years of records) citizens of the world should hope that the involved countries can get over their differences and figure something out that's reasonable for everyone and actually results in some positive changes. If they fail, perhaps this Greenpeace campaign will become reality.

-Adje