Another big step forward was the acknowledgement by parties that
greenhouse gas emissions need to be cut "well below half of 2000
levels" to avoid dangerous climate change. "While countries agreed
that significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions pollution
are necessary, there was an obvious disparity gap between the
magnitude of the challenge and the response from governments
participating in the Nairobi talks," said John Coequyt, an energy
policy analyst with Greenpeace.
More would have been accomplished if the U.S. supported
mandatory efforts to reduce global warming pollution.
"Unfortunately, U.S. negotiators continued their role of trying to
undermine progress by attempting to derail multi-lateral, mandatory
measures to combat climate change," said John Stanton, National
Environmental Trust. He continued, "the Bush administration
continues to insist on bilateral, voluntary initiatives that have
consistently failed to control climate changing pollution in the
past."
For years, some rich nations, led by the U.S., have refused to
cut emissions unless poor, developing countries do as well.
Innovative ideas put forward by Brazil, Papua New Guinea, Costa
Rica, the Congo Basin and other rainforest developing nations were
welcomed by environmental groups. "The tropical forest nations'
proposals have the potential to transform these talks from a stand
off between North and South, to a "stand together" on combating
climate change,' said Annie Petsonk, Environmental Defense.
The new boost in momentum and international resolve is happening
not a day too soon. The latest scientific findings, along with the
Stern Review, an economic analysis of the cost of climate change by
the former chief economist of the World Bank, identified the
urgency for action now.
VVPR info: Jane Kochersperger, Greenpeace, (202) 680-3798 (cell); John Coequyt, Greenpeace, +254 (0) 720-947-961
Notes: BACKGROUND
Adaptation
Long standing difficulties on oversight of the Adaptation Fund were overcome in Nairobi and the Five Year Work Plan to assess the vulnerability of poor countries to global warming was agreed to.
Article 3.9
Parties agreed to a year long work plan on new reduction commitments starting in 2013 (the beginning of the second commitment period) to be concluded at next years Climate Convention in Indonesia. The newly agreed long-term emissions reduction target on the order of 50 percent, demonstrates the resolve of industrial nations to combating global warming.
Article 9
Parties agreed to begin a review of the Kyoto Protocol beginning in 2008, with submissions beginning next year. This review holds the potential to broaden participation in the Protocol and expand its market mechanisms.
CDM
Countries worked together to help CDM realize its full potential, addressing the problem of its unequal distribution across the developing world. To that end, industrialized countries have begun looking into financial approaches to fund CDM projects and to expand its global distribution. Other decisions on CDM related issues, however, such as reforestation and the underground storage of carbon dioxide were postponed for another day.
Deforestation and Land Use
Brazil, Papua New Guinea, Costa Rica, the Congo Basin and other rainforest developing nations put forward innovative ideas to reduce emissions from deforestation, with compensation possibly coming via the carbon market or development assistance. As underscored by the Stern Review, deforestation is responsible for up to 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions – an amount comparable to the entire United States. Brazilian Minister of Environment Marina Silva unveiled a proposal to reduce emissions, which may complement joint efforts by developing nations. Countries agreed to hold a workshop early next year focusing on policy options, and to prepare recommendations
for a possible COP decision in 2007.