Arriving in Poznan

It was raining in Poznan as the bus pulled in. This was disappointing becauseI I kept hearing before I left that it was snowing in Poland. In general it is not as cold as i expected it to be. Its the kind of weather where your ears get chilly waiting for a bus but no colder than I've felt in Ireland.

I am in Poznan for the Conference Of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The UNFCCC or COP 14 as this is the 14th one to take place. I travelled here without flying to avoid the dangerous climate impact of a flight.

What sense does it make to travel to a conference about climate change in the most polluting way? My travelling companion was Jerrieann who is joining the Young Friends of the Earth Delegation in Poznan.

My journey began by getting the boat to Holyhead. We had a day in London and I stayed with some friends for the night. We got on the bus in london at lunchtime on Sunday and arrived in Poznan by the next day. I spent yesterday getting settled in and trying to figure out the big conference centre. The rooms are all called after animals which is quite amusing and can be difficult for people who don't have English as a first language.

I had a meeting this morning in Grouse, and was asked several times if i knew what a grouse is. I have to go to "swan" now for a side event about REDD, Reducing Emissions from Deforestation in Developing countries. There are some strong concerns about this being a false solution and I will see a critical analysis on it. After that i have an afternoon of meetings during which I will surely get to know all my international Friends of the Earth colleagues.

More soon!