Such is the scene at the annual COP conference, this year being held Nov. 30-Dec. 12 in the Emirati city of Dubai.
Here's how the climate summit unfolds on the ground.
THE OPENING CEREMONYThe UAE has spent the last year laying the diplomatic groundwork for this year's summit.
But it officially takes on the COP presidency only at the opening ceremony, which features welcome speeches and opportunities to bang the gavel.
THE SCENEDuring the first few days, national leaders jet in for what is called the "High-Level Segment" involving back-to-back speeches in the venue's main plenary hall.
Persons:
William James, Katy Daigle, Lisa Shumaker
Organizations:
UAE, Thomson
Locations:
Emirati, Dubai, UAE, COP26