Russian delegate Oleg Shamanov explains why he is optimistic about the negotiations, even though he believes they are “difficult and slow.” He says that most Russians are not too aware of the issue given other priorities in the country; he explains why lower emissions in Russia are due to more than the post-Soviet collapse of the Russian economy, and talks about the need for a “meaningful outcome” from Copenhagen. Also see Oleg Shamanov speaking from Copenhagen, Bonn in June 2009, and again in April 2009. And Paul Watkinson, from France’s Ministry of Ecology, Energy, and Sustainable Development, speaking from Bonn in 2009.