Some people think that the mega-meeting now taking place in Copenhagen is the most important negotiation that will take place in our lifetimes. Others believe that it has been over-hyped, hi-jacked by certain interest groups and will achieve very little.

Whichever stance you take, it is instructive to observe the various attempts that have been made to consult the public and others in the months and years leading up to this Conference. That there has been unprecedented popular participation is clear, assisted no doubt by new technology and the internet revolution. The extent to which the world’s citizens want to become involved is more problematic, and obviously varies from country to country.