The conference is now well into the thick of things. The optimism and pageantry of the opening day has been overshadowed by the deep divisions and disputes between the developed and developing countries, not to mention a few unpleasant incidents. Will there be a historic breakthrough in Copenhagen? There might still be. But before any concrete consensus is to be reached, it's rightly in order for us, world citizens, to reach some sort of consensus on climate change ourselves.

Urgency vs. expediency

Is curbing climate change through cutting greenhouse gas emissions a matter of expediency, or a matter of urgency? Some politicians may prefer it to be a matter of expediency, but they are making a pretence of it being a matter of urgency. Scientists are warning that global warming is causing a rise in sea level, drop in grain output, extreme weather conditions including floods and droughts, the extinction of species, and problems in human health, to name a few. Beautiful island countries such as Tuvalu and the Maldives are predicted to be submerged within a couple of decades if no effective measures are taken. Countries like Nepal may be erased by floods should snowcaps of the Himalayas begin to melt. With the fate of some countries in sight and a tragic future painted for others, leaders of the world should be able to foresee a severe global crisis lurking ahead and should take action before it's too late. When the whole world is faced with the same global challenge, indifference is not the right attitude to take and national interests should give way, at least to some extent, to the common interests of the entire human race.

Action vs. agreement

By not reflecting on the effects of global warming and traditional ways of development, it's like putting the cart in front of the horse. Since the beginning of the last century, the world has witnessed a huge array of international agreements, although very few of them have been effective. Therefore, the point is not to just reach an agreement, but to build the foundation of consensus and to make the agreement legally-binding for everyone.

While taking action to cut emissions, countries must also ensure that their efforts are "measurable, reportable and verifiable." In order to have international collaboration, there must be confidence – and confidence among nations is not possible without transparency. There should also be closer international cooperation to develop and share energy-saving and emission-control technologies, as well as to explore possibilities of an alternative low-carbon economy. In addition, a climate-conscious domestic culture is very important for people to cultivate a way of living that is conducive to the betterment of our environment and ecological system.

No change, no hope – from Copenhagen to 'Hopenhagen'

Before the opening of the Copenhagen Conference, a group of environmentalists coined the word "Hopenhagen" to express their optimism. By changing the initial letter, "Cope" becomes "Hope," alluding to the positive attitudes of leaders and people all around the world. Indeed, the conference should not become an arena for countries to cope with each other, but should be a platform for them to cooperate with each other for the hope of our shared future.

Although it's unrealistic for us to expect the Copenhagen Conference to solve all the problems of climate change, let's hope that it will be a new beginning of change. During the two weeks of negotiations, things might get even tougher and a comprehensive and legally-binding agreement may turn out to be pie in the sky. However, as long as leaders of the world can build consensus on the necessity to "change," then there is always hope that this conference will be productive. While wishing for the best, caring citizens of the world watching the conference should be pragmatic when considering what's ideal and what's realistic in reaching an agreement. In conclusion, I would like to make use of a well-known speech from former US President John. F. Kennedy. That is, we should be rejoicing in Hopenhagen, and patient in Copenhagen, for the final success or failure rests in the hands of the citizens of the world.

The author is a lecturer of the School of Humanities and Law, Beijing University of Chemical Technology.