As world leaders convene in Paris for the latest round of United Nations climate change talks, New York Times energy reporter Coral Davenport shared an inside look Monday at what the marathon negotiation sessions are like. She describes the experience as "the most physically grueling work you can do in a suit," and has learned to bring along a case of Clif bars, hand warmers (in case of long security lines outside), and a sleeping bag.
Here's what she said of the 2014 summit in Lima, Peru:
Negotiators worked on Friday night through about 3 a.m. and then announced a 4-hour break. Bleary and delirious delegates staggered out of their meetings, many too exhausted to avoid reporters, and those of us who had been lying in wait were able to elicit punchy and candid quotes from typically cautious and reticent delegates.Is it possible that this method is not the best for forging sweeping — and complicated — legal deals designed to save the planet and reshape the global economy? [The New York Times]
Davenport noted that although French President François Hollande is setting tight deadlines in the hopes of avoiding any spillover from the talks, the government booked the convention center for a couple of extra days. After all, in 23 years of annual talks, they've never ended on time, according to Davenport.
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"Much like college students and the United States Congress, United Nations negotiators are notorious for leaving everything to the last minute," she wrote.
Read more about Davenport's experiences here.
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