November 27, 2011. The 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP17) has been given a touch of glitz and glamour with a host of celebrities set to jet into Durban this week. Top of the list of rumours is that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will attend a glamorous cocktail function at Zimbali, although this could not be confirmed.
It’s believed that the likes of Brangelina, U2 frontman Bono and US film star Leonardo DiCaprio (a well-known campaigner on environmental issues) will be attending the conference, which starts November 28, along with a host of world class celebrities, eager to have their say on the global climate issue.
The Beverly Hills, The Oyster Box, The Hilton, or perhaps even the Fairmont Zimbali, who knows where they’ll be staying?
Former US vice-president Al Gore, an outspoken campaigner on climate change issues, is sure to attend, while it’s rumoured that California politician and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger will also be in town. As California governor, Schwarzenegger introduced a number of green initiatives and was a trailblazer in tackling environmental issues in the US, particularly in California.
Irish rocker Bono is an active member of Greenpeace and drives a car which runs on ethanol. Jolie, a UN High Commissioner for Refugees ambassador, founded the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, which funds education programmes for children affected by man-made and natural disasters.
According to the Sunday Tribune newspaper, the COP17 guest list also includes businessman Richard Branson, media mogul Ted Turner, New York mayor Michael Bloomberg and Print Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco. It’s expected that Albert and Charlene will once again stay at Umhlanga’s Oyster Box hotel.
Heads of state and top state representatives are also expected, although the attendance of world leaders could depend on the level of progress made in the complex negotiations as the conference unfolds. – Ridge Correspondent