Climate Justice

Monday*Dec. 7, 2009

My first side event of the day (monday) was sponsored by the Third World Network and discussed what Copenhagen must deliver from a climate justice perspective. One of the speakers contradicted the statement by the Prime Minster that climate change does not discriminate. It does. Most developed nations look at climate change in terms of what "can" happen or what "may" happen as a result of temperature rise - where in Africa and other developing and poor nations, they are experiencing these impacts now - in the present.

It has been suggested by some of the developed and Annex I nations that Kyoto be abandoned - as was also seen in the leaked "Danish" text. But this would have broad implications for the developing nations. So, there is confusion about what protocols would be followed if Kyoto is abandoned. Under 1B1 of Kyoto, comparable efforts are required by Annex I (developed)countries - and even non-signers (ahem - U.S.) can decide to implement aspects of Kyoto like comparable reductions, but where would an abandonment of Kyoto leave developing nations under 1B2? Additional obligations were added to developing nations under the Bali Framework to measure, report and verify. But, if the US and other Annex I countries are looking for voluntary, non-legally binding agreements - what happens to the increased obligations to developing nations. As one speaker suggested - the Annex I countries want to become developing nations - in that they don't want the strict requirements imposed on developed nations.

One of the issues that developing nations face is where to cut emissions? For developed nations, it is a matter of reducing consumption or a consumptive lifestyle. But, for a developing nation, cutting emissions would require a cut in agriculture or other apsects that are necessary for the lives and livelihoods of the people of that nation.

If it is understood that in 2012 (or even sooner pending the outcome of the negotiations) Kyoto will end its useful life, would the Bali Understanding or Bali Roadmap contiune? One speaker commented that expectations are so low at this point - the only hope is to retain Bali without total anarchy.

the take-home message of this panel is that developed nations must make vast reductions in order for developing nations to contiune in a survival capacity. Also, the Bali Roadmap needs to be followed. Finance and technology are the 2 huge barriers to effective emission reductions.