Climate mosaic launched!1 December 2005
Today was a historic day. It was the first official meeting of countries which have agreed to the Kyoto Protocol - which finally became law earlier this year.
Today was also a big day for us as we launched the climate mosaic. We added an extra message to delegates on the wall which read - 'Make Kyoto Live Today'.
The first visitors admire the climate mosaic
The message referred to what has happening inside - where delegates were rubber stamping the final bits of legal paperwork on the Kyoto Protocol.
The Saudis attempted a last a minute attempt to derail the process, but failed.
It is good news that Kyoto Protocol finally lives, and it should be a really exciting moment. But it has taken so many years to get this far - and that makes it a bit of an anti-climax.
Mosaic officially launched
We arrived at the square first thing to set up our banner and flags.
Putting the final touches to the wall
We were greeted by a small but noisy crowd of demonstrators from a Canadian workers union.
Their big sound system blasted out a medley of old Beatles tunes & Quebequois rock, which was at least a nostalgia trip for Joanna!
The mosaic has already provoked a lot of interest with milling photographers and an enthusiastic crowd who took full advantage of the mulled wine on offer.
Catherine Pearce - our International Climate Campaigner - gave a short address and presented a special tile to Cassie Doyle, the Assistant Deputy Minister Environment Canada.
Cassie Doyle (left) receiving the tile from Catherine Pearce
Ms Doyle stressed Canada's commitment to making the conference successful. She promised to hand the tile to the President of the Conference because "they need something colourful up there!"
Usual suspects
No 'Fossil of the Day' was awarded today in celebration of the final adoption of the Kyoto Protocol.
However after attending a USA side event we've decided that it should have gone to Harlan Watson, the head of the US delegation! Anyhow, enough of him we're off to celebrate in the appropriate manner.
Katie Elliott and Joanna Watson , our Climate Campaigners are sending daily updates direct from the COP 11 talks in Canada.
© Philip McMaster/Friends of the Earth
