It is worth discussing the separate and distinct zones that this years’ Conference of Parties (COP) hosted. The geographical separation of these zones underlined the independent activities housed under them. Previous COP attendees told me repeatedly that the side events and actual negotiations normally don’t have much overlap but the physical separation of this year made it much more difficult for country delegates, representatives and observers -who totaled over 19,000 people-to attend events of interest.

Logistically, Fiji (as the COP Presidency) could not support the international community on their island, so COP23 was located in Bonn, Germany theheadquarters of the United Nations (UN) European offices. Proceedings were broken down into the Bula Zone, Bonn Zone, and everything else in between.

The Bula Zone was housed in the existing UN campus buildings, where country delegations and negotiations took place (Zones 1 and 2). With many working groups and country bloc meetings happening simultaneously, an additional tent was set up (zone 3) that housed a cafeteria and press conference rooms. This zone had an air of business-as-usual and casual calmness, with an undercurrent of “hurry up and wait” tension. My fellow observers (mostly Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) representatives) were hyper focused on specific issues- such as details of the Paris ‘Rulebook’ and APA (Advisory board to the Paris Agreement) Guidelines which were key outcomes of COP23.

Anxiously waiting outside of closed deliberations, we would get news of the latest draft text of a 2-hour-long (or more) negotiation session, followed by our own discussion of the implications of a slight change in language or which country was opposing or supporting a specific point.

            The Bonn Zone had a contrasting ambiance full of energy, music and panels of scientists, politicians, youth, and experts discussing issues ranging fromnegative emission technologies to appropriate financing for adaptation to climate change. These ‘side events’ to the negotiationswere just that, quite separate and disconnected to the actual proceedings of the international talks. This zone was a hub for professional networking, knowledge sharing and unveiling of new NGO or private company initiatives with mitigation or adaptation focus.

Amidst the busy schedule of events and open negotiation sessions, there were many other areas to explore in between the two zones. Subnational actors from the United States hosted the US Climate Action Center, as a statement of support for the Paris Agreement. Multiple domes housed panelists and speakers including governors from Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts and California. The brisk walk, bike or electric powered shuttle ride between the Bonn and Bula Zones was also filled with art exhibits, NGOs and advocacy stands.

Despite the geographical distance between them, the week’s activities certainly did not lack in their range and diversity. Although running back and forth between zones was bothersome at times, and often pushed schedules late the coordination of so many events and interests was quite impressive, and made every day a unique experience.

by Laurel Pegorsch

MIDP Fellow ’18

Duke University