Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen

Ms. Tahirih Naylor led a 21-member delegation to this landmark Climate Change Conference where world leaders endeavoured to articulate a binding climate change framework to guide countries after the expiration of the Kyoto Protocol in 2012. Representatives of the Baha'i International Community included: Tahirih Naylor, Arthur Dahl, Peter Adriance, Duncan Hanks, and representatives from four other countries. Prior to the start of the Conference, Ms. Naylor and Mr. Adriance led an orientation for delegates outlining the process of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; the work of the Baha'i International Community in the area of climate change; and facilitated a discussion on the relevant Baha'i concepts that delegates could speak to during the conference. Through their participation in the NGO, women and youth constituencies and meetings with dignitaries and civil society representatives, delegates had many opportunities to share the work of the Baha'i International Community on the ethical dimensions of climate change and to highlight the need for principle-based action at this critical stage of negotiations. We also held side-events on the ethical and moral dimensions of climate change and speaking about the role of religion in combating climate change.