Slightly off topic, but only just, is the fact that one of the participants in Copenhagen is a fellow described on the news as “the climate change partner for Clayton Utz”.

Now Clayton Utz, as some may recall, was Big Tobacco’s law firm In Australia, the one that conveniently purged all the files that might have helped a lung cancer victim’s case.

Now the legal vultures have sensed another set of deep pockets. If you own shares in BHP or any other extractive or smoke-emitting industry, be warned: Believe in climate change at your peril, because your portfolio is going to suffer. First the pols, then the scientists, and then the lawyers. It is a brigands’ parade, and the marching band is playing at maximum volume.

Climate-changer partner indeed!