What should be the global climate change response?
Recent scientific reports have added urgency to the need for a more comprehensive international climate agreement post-2012. According to the most stringent scenario outlined by the IPCC, the global average surface temperature can still be limited to an increase of 2 degrees C above the pre-industrial level. Staying within this limit means a reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions of at least 50% below the 1990 level by 2050.
We therefore need an appropriate political response in line with what science is telling us is necessary. This should respect the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities - the need for much deeper emission reductions by industrialized countries - which must continue to take the lead in this respect. The process should be conducted under the umbrella of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
What is expected from the Bali Conference?
An international agreement needs to be found to follow the end of the Kyoto Protocol’s first commitment period, which ends in 2012. In order to avoid a gap between then and the entry into force of a new framework, the aim is to conclude a new deal by 2009 to allow enough time for ratification.
The “Bali roadmap” would establish the process to work on the key building blocks of a future climate change regime, including adaptation, mitigation, technology cooperation and financing the response to climate change. But it would also need to set out the methodology and detailed calendar of work for this process.
Is there reason for optimism?
A major step forward was taken at the G8 summit in Heiligendamm in June, where the G8 leaders agreed to negotiate a post-2012 deal within the United Nations framework, with the goal to have an agreement in place by 2009. Significantly, this was supported by the Group of 5 countries with emerging economies: China, India, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa.
Climate change has been discussed at many other high-level meetings around the world this year, including the United Nations Security Council, the UN Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly Special Thematic Debate and the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.
In September, the United Nations Secretary-General hosted an unprecedented High-Level Event on Climate Change in New York, attended by over 80 heads of state or government. This was an expression of the political will of world leaders at the highest level to tackle climate change through concerted action, and they gave a clear call for a breakthrough at the conference in Bali.
It was followed by the Major Economies Meeting on Climate Change and Energy Security in Washington on 27 and 28 September, where the United States government clearly voiced its desire to contribute to the UNFCCC process.
From Heiligendamm to Washington DC, political leaders clearly called for negotiations under the auspices of the UNFCCC. The Bali conference is giving the world the opportunity to achieve the breakthrough that it has called for.
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(BIG THANKS TO ENB WEB COVERAGE, all photos and texts was taken from http://www.iisd.ca/climate/cop13/)
3th- December 2007
The thirteenth Conference of the Parties (COP 13) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and third Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (COP/MOP 3) opened on Monday morning. These were followed in the afternoon by the opening of the 27th sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI 27) and Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA 27), as well as the resumed fourth session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol (AWG 4). Delegates considered organizational matters and began their substantive work.
Photo: Incoming COP President Rachmat Witoelar with David Mwiraria, on behalf of the outgoing COP President, while UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer looks on.
| Horacio Peluffo, UNFCCC Secretariat, escorts incoming COP President Witoelar to the podium (left); and President Witoelar with Mwiraria (right) |
| The press was out in full force for the opening of the session |
| COP President Rachmat Witoelar and Yvo de Boer launched a climate change commemorative stamp in honor of the conference |
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In his opening remarks, COP President Witoelar (left), urged delegates to begin concrete negotiations on the future of the climate regime, noting broad support for agreeing in Bali on an agenda for negotiations and for concluding talks in 2009. UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer (right) noted the responsibility of the Bali conference to deliver concrete results, and called for: leadership in creating a new energy future; bold action in the North to fuel clean growth in the South; collective responsibility in using fossil fuels without destroying the environment; and the prioritization of adaptation.
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| Balinese singers perform during the opening session |
| Greenpeace unveils a thermometer highlighting the dangers of going beyond a 2 degrees celcius rise in temperature |
| Highlights from Tuesday, 4 December |
The SBI and SBSTA convened in plenary sessions throughout the day. SBSTA took up agenda items on reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries, the Nairobi work programme, research and systematic observation, the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report (AR4), and methodological issues. SBI considered organizational matters, education, training and public awareness, administrative, financial and institutional matters, national communications, Convention Article 4.8 and 4.9 and Protocol Article 3.14 (adverse effects), capacity building, the Adaptation Fund and technology transfer. Photo: SBI Chair Bagher Asadi (right) formalizes the adoption of the agenda after a lengthy debate on the agenda item on technology transfer
| SBSTA during the morning session on reducing deforestation. During the discussions, many countries stressed early action, capacity building, attention to national circumstances, and provision of adequate resources. Several also supported a practical approach and initiation of pilot projects. |
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During the discussions on reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries, the room was packed to capacity forcing delegates to sit on the floor (left). Thelma Krug, Brazil (right), opposed discussing deforestation in a post-2012 regime in isolation from other climate change drivers and mitigation actions and cautioned against links to market mechanisms.
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| Bill Hohenstein, the US, pictured on the screen (left) and speaking during the debate on reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries, supported engagement of international organizations and countries involved in technical capacity building and pilot activities to inform SBSTA. Costa Rica (right) suggested including conservation. |
| Renate Christ, IPCC (right), presents the main findings of the Fourth Assessment Report |
| Festus Luboyera, UNFCCC Secretariat, Roberto Acosta, SBSTA Coordinator, and SBSTA Chair Kishan Kumarsingh, during the discussions on the agenda item on matters relating to Article 2, paragraph 3 of the Kyoto Protocol |
| Mohamed Al-Sabban, Saudi Arabia (left), suggested deleting the agenda item on emissions from fuel used for international aviation and maritime transport, and supported establishing a contact group to further discuss the agenda item on Protocol Article 3.2 on adverse effects. Participants meeting outside the conference room (right). |
| GEF CEO Monique Barbut and UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer |
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| Fatou Gaye, Gambia (left), intervening on the financial mechanism. NGOs consult informally (center). Bernaditas de Castro-Muller, Philippines (right), welcomed the GEF reforms, but highlighted a communication gap between the GEF and Parties. |
| The Fossil of the Day Award is given to countries most active in undermining the climate negotiations. Winners for the day were Japan, Canada and the US, for among other things supporting inclusion of technology transfer only under SBSTA and not under SBI. |
| Even the Indonesian army does not escape the press (left). The entrance to the conference center (right). |
| The Solar Generation polar bear making the rounds in the conference center. |
| Highlights from Wednesday, 5 December: Post-2012 issues dominate day's agenda |
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In the morning and afternoon, the COP/MOP convened in plenary to consider issues relating to the CDM, joint implementation (JI), the second review of the Protocol under Article 9, the compliance committee, and various other matters. SBI took up agenda items on reporting and review of information submitted by Annex I parties to the Protocol, capacity building, Protocol Article 3.14 (adverse effects), the International Transaction Log, and compliance. Contact groups convened on the Adaptation Fund, reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries, long-term cooperative action under the Convention, technology transfer, and the AWG's work programme and timetable.
Photo: Youth activists conveying their message outside the convention center.
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| CDM Executive Board Chair Hans Jürgen Stehr, Kai-Uwe Schmidt, Secretariat, Halldor Thorgeirsson, Secretariat, and Richard Kinley, Secretary of the COP. |
| CDM Executive Board Chair Hans Jürgen Stehr (left) presented the annual report of the CDM Executive Board. |
| Dad Mohammad Bheer, Afghanistan (left), and Benin (right) intervening on the Clean Development Mechanism and the report of the CDM Executive Board. |
| Paola Bettelli, Colombia (right), intervening on the Clean Development Mechanism. CDM Executive Board Chair Stehr with COP Secretary Richard Kinley. |
| Plenary was packed during the morning discussions on the CDM (left). |
| Joint Implementation Supervisory Committee (JISC) Chair Fatou Ndeye Gaye, Gambia (left). |
| The COP/MOP addressed the second review of the Protocol under Article 9 during its morning meeting. Photo left to right: Claudio Forner and Henning Wuester, Secretariat, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer, and COP President Rachmat Witoelar |
Indonesian NGOs call for "Climate Justice Now" (left). Emil Salim, Special Envoy of the President of Indonesia, being interviewed by the press (right).
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| Balinese dancers perform for REDD: One of Indonesia's most renowned and avant-garde choreographers, I Nyoman Sura, leads 25 Balinese dancers in a performance advocating the importance of conserving tropical forests in the fight against climate change. |
| Highlights from Thursday, 6 December |
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Contact groups and informal consultations were held throughout the day on a wide range of issues, including: the AWG, Second review of the Protocol under Article 9; long-term cooperative action under the Convention; the Adaptation Fund; Annex I and non-Annex I national communications; the Buenos Aires programme of work on adaptation and response measures (Decision 1/CP.10); capacity building; carbon capture and storage under the CDM; education, training and public awareness (Convention Article 6); the financial mechanism; LDCs; the Nairobi work programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation; privileges and immunities; reducing emissions from deforestation; and technology transfer.
Photo: Used to getting all the attention in the context of global warming, polar bears hold picket signs and protest on behalf of humans.
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| Contact group on progress on the implementation of the Buenos Aires Programme of Work (decision 1/CP.10): (left to right) Co-Chairs Philip Gwage, Uganda, and Shayleen Thompson, Australia, and Annett Möhner and Youssef Nassef, UNFCCC Secretariat |
| Bubu Pateh Jallow, Gambia, co-chaired the contact group on the financial mechanism (left). A view of the room of the contact group on implementation of Buenos Aires Programme of Work (decision 1/CP.10) (right). |
| Contact group on the Second Review of the Kyoto Protocol pursuant to its Article 9: scope and content: (left to right): Co-Chairs Adrian Macey, New Zealand, and Raphael de Azeredo, Brazil, with Henning Woester, Secretariat. |
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Amjed Abdulla, Maldives, chaired the contact group on least developed countries (LDCs) (left). Moussa Diakhité, Secretariat, speaks with a delegate after the adjournment of the LDC contact group (right)
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Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer meets with observer organizations
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| Polar bears call on Bali Climate Change Conference to save the humans |
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Around the conference center
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| Highlights from Friday, 7 December |
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Contact groups and informal consultations were held throughout the day on a wide range of issues, including: the AWG; long-term action under the Convention; the Adaptation Fund; the Buenos Aires programme of work on adaptation and response measures (Decision 1/CP.10); the CDM; compliance; joint implementation; reducing emissions from deforestation; and technology transfer. In addition, an in-session workshop was held on mitigation, focusing on non-CO2 emissions, and an IPCC briefing on the Fourth Assessment Report took place.
Photo: Five months after a pioneering world tour from Switzerland to Bali, a solar powered taxi has arrived at the UN Climate Change Conference
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| IPCC Briefing on the Fourth Assessment Report, with emphasis on the Synthesis Report |
| Left to right: IPCC authors Bert Metz, Bill Hare and Lenny Bernstein, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer, COP President Rachamat Witoelar, IPCC Chair Rajendra Pachauri, SBSTA Chair Kishan Kumarsingh, and authors Ronald Stouffer, and Martin Manning. |
| IPCC Chair Rajendra Pachauri and IPCC Secretary Renate Christ with the reports from the three Working Groups. |
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UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer with IPCC Chair Pachauri (left) and SBSTA Chair Kishan Kumarsingh with the IPCC reports (right)
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Applause for the IPCC's Nobel Peace Prize
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| IPCC author Martin Manning (right) spoke on observed changes, effects and causes of climate change. |
"ZOOM- Kids on the move for better climate in 2007": 128,000 children accepted the challenge to walk and cycle on a symbolic journey that stretched 20 times around the world to protect the world's climate. During this press briefing, representatives of these children handed over the results to UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer.
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| Highlights from Saturday, 8 December: Bali Roadmap to take the form of a COP President's Declaration |
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Contact groups and informal consultations continued on Saturday on a wide range of issues, including the AWG; second review of the Protocol under Article 9, long-term action under the Convention, the Adaptation Fund. The Co-Facilitators of the group on long-term action under the Convention distributed a “non-paper” discussing long-term action and COP President Witoelar announced that the Bali roadmap would take the form of a President's Declaration.
Photo: President Witoelar takes a bike ride around Nusa Dua
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| Contact Group: Long-term cooperative action under the Convention |
| Left to right: Co-Facilitators Sandea de Wet and Howard Bamsey, COP President Rachmat Witoelar, and COP Secretary RIchard Kinley |
| President Witoelar announce that he envisions the Bali Roadmap taking the form of a President's declaration. |
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Harlan Watson, US, reviews the text.
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Luiz Alberto Figueiredo Machado, Brazil.
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| Conference room officers during the contact group meeting. |
| The Swiss delegation with the solar taxi and its inventor, Louis Palmer (far left). |
| Entertainment during an evening reception hosted by the COP President on Friday night. |
| Highlights from Monday, 10 December: Adaptation Fund agreed! |
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Contact groups and informal consultations were held throughout Monday in an effort to conclude work under the SBI and SBSTA before their closing plenaries scheduled for Tuesday. Delegates completed their work on a range of issues, including the Adaptation Fund, education, training and public awareness, mitigation, carbon capture and storage under the CDM, the IPCC, and the Nairobi Work Programme. Discussions continued into the night on capacity building, non-Annex I communications, reducing emissions from deforestation, and technology transfer. Discussions also continued on long-term cooperative action under the Convention, the AWG, and second review of the Protocol under Article 9.
Photo: US Senator John Kerry during a press conference
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| Contact Group: Second review of the Kyoto Protocol pursuant to its Article 9: scope and content |
| Left to right: Co-Chairs Raphael de Azeredo, Brazil, and Adrian Macey, New Zealand, and Henning Wuester, UNFCCC Secretariat |
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Contact Group: Adaptation Fund
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