COP 15 was another small step towards building a global understanding of the far reaching implications of greenhouse gas emission management. When compared to many other conventions and treaties (think CFC and DDT phase-out), climate change is by far the most complex.

In several respects, Copenhagen was a turning point after 15 years of negotiations. The unprecedented attendance by many heads of state signaled to the world the growing importance of the issue. Similarly, non-governmental organization attendance also soared and created a logistical challenge to the United Nations, who is at risk of failing civil society to come up with a climate deal.

The Copenhagen Accord is the first small steps to a more encompassing deal that the current Kyoto Protocol. Although the non-binding targets do not come close to either the EU commitments thus far, or the emission reduction required by science, it surely focuses the minds and for the first time more than half the world population and emissions are covered.

Negotiating nations' unique positions with regards to development and energy ensure that all are affected. South Africa is not unique and the Copenhagen outcome as well as future negotiations urgently requires South African dialogue and domestic solutions.