Kartikeya's blog

April 22, 2010 marked the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. I reflected on the stories of the first earth day initiated by Gaylord Nelson. The atmosphere was much different back then with environmentalists organizing national “teach-ins” in the United States to educate the public and companies about environmental issues. People boycotted companies blaming them and consumerism for much of the harm caused to the planet. Today, earth day has entered the mainstream and is celebrated everywhere including the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. This is a celebration that there is finally a market for environmental goods and services, brought about through a decades long battle waged by environmentally conscious citizens wanting a cleaner planet through responsible consumerism.

It is 6:13 am and in the Bella Conference Center I am listening to the chair of the AOSIS (Association of Small Island States) trying to fight off uncontrollable tears. I am almost certain that the Group of 77 (a behemoth of 130 plus developing country states) is coming to an end. Countries are divided and I am witnessing accusations fly across the plenary. Why has it taken us so long to arrive at this point? We sit here with the “Copenhangen Accord” staring at our faces. It is a document full of hot air and is not what billions of people across the planet had been promised to deliver atmospheric restitution. Once again the developed nations have managed to gain somewhat of an upper hand in the wake of greater sacrifices of the larger developing countries.