40. That’s the number of heads of state who plan to be at the Copenhagen summit in December, at least at the closing ceremonies, according to the Danish hosts. 40 out of 192.  

"My understanding is that 40 heads of state have indicated their intention to be present at the end of Copenhagen to celebrate success," said Yvo de Boer in Barcelona.

On one hand, that’s a lot. But there are 192 countries represented in the United Nations, and this is the future of the world’s environment we are talking about here. When you think about it that way, that’s just over 20% who find it important enough to show up at the worldwide summit about the future of the world. That’s not gangbusters by any means. But then, with all of the predictions that we may need another 6 months to a year to come up with a real, binding agreement between world governments, it may make sense that people are not going to be there just to high five over another official statement that the world is in trouble and we need to do something about it.

Developing nations are upset with the lack of dedication shown by the industrialized world- and I can’t blame them. It’s not like Copenhagen got scheduled a few months ago. We have all had years to prepare for this. We have, in many ways, had since the signing of the Kyoto Protocol to get ready for this. It was supposed to be the ultimate “What do we do now?” answer, it was supposed to be the environmental solution that would save the world from the climate crisis, reverse global warming and make heroes of heads of state for generations to come- epic poems and documentary movies and the like. Not happening this time around.

Our own vaunted leader, President Obama, is undecided. Undecided? Are you kidding me? You have to go, Mr. President. This is not optional. Whether you go with your tail between your legs or you do some of that listening you are so famous for, you need to go and show your face, our face- the face of an America that wants to do the right thing and solve the problem, not the America that will sit out the negotiations and just let the problem fester AGAIN.

That’s what we did with Kyoto. Sure, we objected to no limits for developing countries, I get it- it would have been bad for the economy. Well, the economy died anyway and now we have to move on and figure something else out. What that something else needs to be is not going to come to you in one more week of listening to Congress argue with itself. Go.

Two protesters spent time wandering the halls in Barcelona painted green like aliens, saying “Where are your Climate leaders?” in robotic voices- that pretty much sums up anyone who is watching the bumbling way that things are happening around Copenhagen. Wait another year? Who’s in charge here?
Or, more pointedly, is there anyone we all trust and respect enough to follow?...