Have online collaboration and consultancy exercises across web 2.0 platforms been completely overlooked? It certainly seems so, as far as the wider public audience are aware, and it’s a complete mystery as to why this is. Why would world leaders with access to the best technology advisors available to choose to ignore this route? Yes, it’s perhaps great visual PR to have line up luminaries on a stage together, smiling and shaking hands for the cameras. But there surely has to come a time when the photo opportunities are put to one side in favour of a strong, forward-thinking environmental message that emphasises the valuable and practical role technological development can play in protecting our environment.

It would actually have sent out a more positive image for many of these delegates NOT to have been seen together, and instead allowed themselves to be pictured using environmentally friendly alternatives to consult and engage together online remotely, without spending all those damaging air miles.