As of yesterday, the only text that was left open to negotiation was energy. Like most NGO's, the EU, and Brazil we were pushing for a resolution for 10% renewable energy by 2010 and the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies with 20% going into renewables. The US was in opposition to both of these. To demonstrate our dedication, US youth created a Youth Plan of action to meet or beat Kyoto Protocol Targets and reach 10% renewable energy by 2010.

We made a giant petition and invited Jan Pronk, ex-Dutch Environmental Minister, President of the last Kyoto Conferences, and special envoy to the Secretary of the UN. We reserved space in the mall next to the conference space and cleared it with the management. At 10:00 this morning, during our runthrough 20 south african cops arrived and forcefully grabbed us (and three friends who happen to be wearing greenpeace shirts) and forcefully lead us out the parking lot. Along the way, they grabbed 10 Tibetan freedom activist too because, well, they were there. They ignored us when we told them we had clearance and formed a circle around us as they told us a police bus was on its way.

As Greenpeace people called the media and the UN secretariat, we waited for Jan Pronk. He arrived promply at 10:30 and joined us in the police circle. We went with the press conference and signing as planned, with AP, Reuters and many other news there. Around 11:00 the UN heard that Jan Pronk was in a police circle, and just as the police bus arrived, they came and talked the police into letting us go. Quite a morning.

That is the main news from here. in the end the UN did not agree to any renewable target or a timetable for phasing out subsidies. However, I don't think the conference has been a total failure. I have met so many amazing inspiring people here that I have a renewed faith in the future of this planet and its people. Best wishes to you all, and rest assured I am safe. I need to run to a meeting with the US delegation to ask them about their policies.