A number of delegates have a specific goal in Copenhagen: to ensure that the final text will include a reference to the sector in which they operate. For example, in relation to oceans, cities, migration...etc. Certain side-events, theme days and lobbying activities are organized with the main intention to inform delegates of the importance of including a particular keyword within the agreement text. For now at least, these attempts have been successful: the draft texts in circulation refer to oceans, the displacement of populations, cities, climate debt and many other key issues. But what difference does it make? Does it signify recognition of the importance of individual sectors in climate change, providing possible incentives for the activation of certain mechanisms in future? However, it does not follow that a text is good, simply because it contains certain keywords. Yesterday I found myself in major disagreement with a colleague who declared himself very satisfied with a draft text on adaptation, which I considered to be very poor, simply because it made explicit reference to migration.

The importance of including these keywords lies elsewhere: to the researchers and activists who fight for the importance of their sector to be acknowledged. Above all, such keywords are a symbolic recognition of their work, and their legitimacy to take part in these negotiations. The crucial step is now to give substance to these references... provided they remain in the final text.