By Kim Chisnall
The second week of the climate change conference began with a very long line.
Those waiting patiently for a front row seat on the talks need not have bothered.
African countries staged a walkout effectively stalling the talks and bringing the conference to a grinding halt.
“There [has been] accusations that developing countries, the poorest countries, the ones that most need urgent action on climate change, are blocking the talks,” explains Oxfam senior climate change advisor, Antonio Hill. “And I think in respect of that, we need to be clear that they are not putting blockages on the tracks in front of the train. What they're doing is pulling the emergency cord to stop the train.”
Prime Minister John Key is currently on his way from New Zealand. He will arrive on Thursday along with over 100 other world leaders.
The question is whether delays like those this morning will prevent anything being ready to sign when they arrive.
The UN were trying to but a brave face on things.
“I think we are about half way,” stated Yvo de Boer. “I think we are queuing up for the cable car and that the rest of the ride is going to be fast, smooth and relaxing.”
But Greenpeace's New Zealand delegation is more concerned about the gulf between the world's rich and poor countries.
“It’s really becoming a divide between developed countries and the most vulnerable,” said Greenpeace’s Geoff Key. “The Tuvalu delegate was in tears. It's hard for me to talk about… and it's been really difficult for them and Africa. They are under enormous pressure.”
It is pressure that is translating into not-so-subtle gestures - such as Greenpeace's four horsemen of the apocalypse who were brought in to scare world leaders into agreement.
3 News.