The road to the West by Sun Xiaomin

COP 15 is loaded with expectations and hope. People can’t seem to wait to build a new global climate framework. Copenhagen is then mystified as the Western Paradise in Buddism. I am like the other followers, going on our passages of pilgrimage and hoping for the sutra of climate change solutions. We shall bring it back to each of our country, spread it out and eradicate the suffering caused by climate change.

Two months ago, an announcement of recruitment brought me and other 40 something youths together as the organizers and participants of the Chinese youth delegation to the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen. I helped organize the interviews, trainings and selected groups of outstanding youths. I was especially proud to envision them to send out their voices representing China at COP 15. We all learned a tremendous deal from the trainings on executive capability and efficiency, and each of us benefited greatly in the process.

I am in charge of the campaign team, organizing campaign events during COP. During the preparation stage, team members both in Beijing and outside, kept coming up with new ideas to make our publicity activities attractive and get the idea across easily. Huang Lei was happy to make a walking wish-making tree; Yihan was running around to purchase the materials needed; Yanjun squeezed her brain to get a prop; Yanqi bought coats for the Santa Clause; Linlang and Mengjiao made a thermometer decorated by bamboo trees. And most applause to our designer in chief—Zhan Yufeng, who worked 24-hour on shift designing and producing our props and publications.

Everyone’s efforts made us feel at ease during the journey. We felt more than ever ready...

It was already dark when Lina and I finally got to Copenhagen. We were afraid our baggage would be held up as we heard earlier there was a workers’ strike in Finland. Well luckily, we had all of our luggage. We arrived at the Danhostel—a very tall building by the river banks, with excellent city views. The room was small. Buy finally resting on bed; I thought the world out there was such small as well.