From Hawaii to Copenhagen: Aloha! Malia Nobrega www.indigenousportal.com
TRANSCRIPT: Aloha! My name is Malia Nobrega and I work with an NGO based in Hawaii participating with indigenous people-- the main thing coming out of the indigenous people's caucus is the need for resprect for indigenous people's rights: in reference to our lands,
territories and culture; our traditional practices... so we're just trying to make sure that states are looking at climate change and remembering that people have rights.
Q: You're here as part of 20,000 other delegates trying to get their point across. How are you making sure you will be heard?
Nobrega: I think we have a strong delegation here of Indigenous people from around the world -- not just from Hawaii or just from around the Pacific. You know, we have brothers and sisters that are joining together as a caucus and coming up with our consensus points. And today we will be lobbying the different governments to share our points.
Q: Today being such a special day (Human Rights Day) what's your message to people?
Nobrega: For all of us in the Pacific, we know the reality of climate change...so when our culture disappears it's a part of us disappearing. And we want to make sure that we are there for generations to come and also for our people that are living today...so Aloha! ENDS
Friday, 11 December 2009
PNG sees REDD on climate change
Ahimsa Kibikibi, PNG, Climate Pasifika Friday 11 December 2009, COPENHAGEN-- A Papua New Guinean non governmental organization has criticized the country's sole focus on Reducing Emissions on Deforestation and Degradation, (REDD) at the climate change talks in Copenghagen. Executive Director of the PNG Eco- Forestry Forum, Thomas Paka told Climate Pasifika PNG is spending too much time and focus on REDD and is neglecting other climate change issues like adaptation, which he said is sad and disappointing to note at the meeting. Mr Paka said adaptation measures are equally important as PNG's low lying islands are sinking and food security is at stake for many islanders but PNG is blinded by REDD because of the anticpated financial gains from this incentive, which he said is a narrow way of addressing climate change.
SOUNDBITE: " Climate change is not REDD, PNG is spending too much time and focus on REDD which is very very narrow. It must address all aspects of climate change,"
Meantime, Vanuatu has revealed it is making very good progess in terms of its preparations on REDD. Vanuatu's Director of Meteorology and lead delegate, Jotham Napat said Vanuatu has developed a manual and has appointed its Designated National Authority (DNA), to approve REDD projects and is ahead of PNG in terms of preparations, should REDD be endorsed.
He made this known when asked on its position on REDD and whether it supports PNG's push in the plenary session, for an ammendment to be made to the Kyoto Protocol to include REDD.
SOUNDBITE: " In REDD, Vanuatu also stands to support Papua New Guinea because we have developed our REDD".--ENDS
SOUNDBITE: " Climate change is not REDD, PNG is spending too much time and focus on REDD which is very very narrow. It must address all aspects of climate change,"
Meantime, Vanuatu has revealed it is making very good progess in terms of its preparations on REDD. Vanuatu's Director of Meteorology and lead delegate, Jotham Napat said Vanuatu has developed a manual and has appointed its Designated National Authority (DNA), to approve REDD projects and is ahead of PNG in terms of preparations, should REDD be endorsed.
He made this known when asked on its position on REDD and whether it supports PNG's push in the plenary session, for an ammendment to be made to the Kyoto Protocol to include REDD.
SOUNDBITE: " In REDD, Vanuatu also stands to support Papua New Guinea because we have developed our REDD".--ENDS
AOSIS shakes, Goliath stirs: US, China hands off on '1.5 to stay alive ' call at COP15
“I don’t want to criticise the position of small island states but the U.S maintains the two percent and we see it as an initial step.”
“We need to keep a close eye on the sciences and if it’s ramped up later, then we can revise.
Mr Stern said,
“If we do a deal here, two percent will be good.”
Since arriving in the Danish city a few days ago, Mr Stern has met with a number of the groupings within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to discuss the U.S position.
“I spent some time talking with folks from AOSIS. Nobody has more legitimate concerns than them.
“I see that the proposed draft from the chair of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long Term Co-operative Action under the Convention (AWG-LCA) has a review period to take place in 2016.
Item 8, under the shared vision for long term co-operative action, the draft proposes a comprehensive review, which includes an evaluation and update of the long term global emissions reductions.
“The first comprehensive review shall take place in 2016 and shall be informed by the findings of the fifth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).”
China, on the other hand showed sympathy towards the AOSIS proposed Copenhagen protocol but did not want to go into commitment details.
Mr He said, for small island countries, climate change means their survival as a nation.
"UNFCCC executive secretary, Yves de Boer was upbeat about the draft text by the chair of AWG-LCA. The proposed draft paper captures the beginning of a climate change framework.
"Developed countries need to take more responsibility for a legally binding fund. This is not a donation or charity but developed countries must fulfil their international legal responsibility."
He clarified that numbers have not been finalised in the draft as the negotiations will put some flesh into the text.
On the Tuvalu proposed amendment to the Kyoto Protocol, Mr de Boer said there have been a number of formal and informal discussions on the proposal.
“Tuvalu wants to be sure its proposal does not disappear. It’s the same with four other groups that have submitted amendment proposals.
Responding to the draft negotiating text, Kim Carstensen, leader of WWF Global Climate Initiative said the text provides a basis to make the right political decisions.
“It contains many gaps, exposes rifts but also clearly shows that an agreement is possible.”
“The gaps are now visible and need to be filled by political will and concrete financial commitments. We still don’t know how much money there will be and where it will come from.”
Mr Carstensen said countries need to fill these gaps as soon as possible.
“Copenhagen can only come to an agreement if negotiations will be fair, open and transparent. While we understand that a large number of parties were not happy with the way this text has been proposed. We believe it is important that the text is now there and that its content has the potential to unlock the stalled talks, said Mr Carstensen.
Also proposed in the draft text is the provision for the reduced emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD).
Under enhanced mitigation and its associated means of implementation, its been proposed that developing countrie parties may undertake mitigation actions, which includes REDD.
Papua New Guinea and like minded countries, who are members of the Coalition of Rainforest Nations, have been pushing for the inclusion of REDD as a financing scheme within the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).-- ENDS
Smiles in the face of adversity: Kiribati
“World War 2 was not my war. I didn’t start it but my people became victims. Climate Change is not my war. I didn’t start it but have become a victim one more time."Makereta Komai, PACNEWS, Climate Pasifika
Friday 11 December 2009, COPENHAGEN-- The smiles on their faces hide the harsh realities of an uncertain future.Maria Timon (pictured, right) and Pelenise Alofa, (below) from Kiribati and shared powerful and moving ‘real life experiences’ of the impact of climate change on their livelihoods. Delivered behind the smiles, dancing and personal testimonies-- a desperate plea for a fair and legally binding climate change deal so that their children will not have to live with the possibility of leaving their homeland. Kiribati has a population of just over 110,000 people. Ms Alofa used the analogy of her island as being her mother to draw attention to the urgent need to reach an agreement that will reverse the visible changes they are seeing everyday. “My mother is calling me because she is dying and if she dies I will become homeless. I am the frigate bird that returned from gathering food to find that her home has disappeared. Who is going to take me to become my foster home. Who could love me the way my mother does," she asked? Ms Alofa urged developed countries, which includes the same powers that gave them freedom during the second World War, to come to their rescue.“This is my personal expectation from Copenhagen:
• Leaders who will not be bought or sold
• Leaders who do not fear to call a mistake by its right name
• Leader who recognise the moral obligation to hear the voice of the most vulnerable
• Leaders who will stand up for climate justice
• Leaders who will embrace climate justice NOW before it's too late
Adaptation Fund opens up access to direct help for Pacific
Geoffrey Smith, Fiji TV, Climate Pasifika
Friday 11 December, 2009: COPENHAGEN -- Governments in the Pacific, regional organisations and civil society groups will from March 2010 have unprecedented access to a new stream of direct funding for climate change adaptation initiatives. The key word according to the Adaptation Fund (AF) is "direct access". Explaining exactly what this will pose for small islands states, the Fund managers say they are well aware of past constraints experienced with other funding mechanisms and are keen to draw crucial lessons from those. One of the critical questions raised today came from the Solomon Islands who questioned just how transparent such a fund will be against the backdrop of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) which up until this year has handed out funds to some 16 countries. Out of that 142 states received not more than $US475,000. China, India and the US were amongst the four nations receiving more than $US1.5 million. In contrast, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) which include the Pacific region have received $US500,000 from GEF. Fund Director Farouk Iqbal Khan (see YouTube below) clarified that the AF will be entirely separate and independent of GEF, although GEF will for the time being, remain its secretariat. A unique feature of the AF lies in the fact that it will be the first fund to be financed by a truly international revenue source that exists because of an internationally agreed climate change policy framework. One aspect of that will see climate change mitigation projects registered under the Clean Development Mechanism channelling at least 2 percent of their emission reduction certificates into the AF accounts. This represents a totally new approach to climate change funding. The 32 member Adaptation Fund board also includes two seats from the Pacific. So far Fiji, Tuvalu and Samoa have put up names of their respective nominees through its membership with AOSIS. AF directors Farouk Iqbal Khan and Chairman Jan Ledergren explained the finer details of the Fund.
TRANSCRIPT:
Farouk: My sense is that there is receptivity to this idea. The Adaptation Fund at least from the developing country's side is that there are views with some variations that perhaps the adaptation fund with all its institutional arrangements in place could possibly be a much larger funding window for adaptation within that financial mechanism. If governments wishes to put forward stakeholders such as those at the sub regional and regional organisational levels, as long as they met the standards the idea is to keep all our options open for countries to be able to access the funds.
Ledergrin: We will try to make it as just as possible. It will not be easy but at least we have experiences of other funds and problems mentioned here in the past.
Farouk: This institution is different from GEF. GEF is our secretariat. This is an institution distinct from GEF and we have as yet not moved into financing any projects.This will be the first project for which we well be calling by March.--ENDS
Friday 11 December, 2009: COPENHAGEN -- Governments in the Pacific, regional organisations and civil society groups will from March 2010 have unprecedented access to a new stream of direct funding for climate change adaptation initiatives. The key word according to the Adaptation Fund (AF) is "direct access". Explaining exactly what this will pose for small islands states, the Fund managers say they are well aware of past constraints experienced with other funding mechanisms and are keen to draw crucial lessons from those. One of the critical questions raised today came from the Solomon Islands who questioned just how transparent such a fund will be against the backdrop of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) which up until this year has handed out funds to some 16 countries. Out of that 142 states received not more than $US475,000. China, India and the US were amongst the four nations receiving more than $US1.5 million. In contrast, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) which include the Pacific region have received $US500,000 from GEF. Fund Director Farouk Iqbal Khan (see YouTube below) clarified that the AF will be entirely separate and independent of GEF, although GEF will for the time being, remain its secretariat. A unique feature of the AF lies in the fact that it will be the first fund to be financed by a truly international revenue source that exists because of an internationally agreed climate change policy framework. One aspect of that will see climate change mitigation projects registered under the Clean Development Mechanism channelling at least 2 percent of their emission reduction certificates into the AF accounts. This represents a totally new approach to climate change funding. The 32 member Adaptation Fund board also includes two seats from the Pacific. So far Fiji, Tuvalu and Samoa have put up names of their respective nominees through its membership with AOSIS. AF directors Farouk Iqbal Khan and Chairman Jan Ledergren explained the finer details of the Fund.
TRANSCRIPT:
Farouk: My sense is that there is receptivity to this idea. The Adaptation Fund at least from the developing country's side is that there are views with some variations that perhaps the adaptation fund with all its institutional arrangements in place could possibly be a much larger funding window for adaptation within that financial mechanism. If governments wishes to put forward stakeholders such as those at the sub regional and regional organisational levels, as long as they met the standards the idea is to keep all our options open for countries to be able to access the funds.
Ledergrin: We will try to make it as just as possible. It will not be easy but at least we have experiences of other funds and problems mentioned here in the past.
Farouk: This institution is different from GEF. GEF is our secretariat. This is an institution distinct from GEF and we have as yet not moved into financing any projects.This will be the first project for which we well be calling by March.--ENDS
$US10billion financing fund not enough for climate change mop-up: AOSIS
Cherelle Jackson, Environment Weekly, Climate Pasifika Friday 11 December, 2009: COPENHAGEN - The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is calling on rich countries to invest much more than than the US$10 billion on the table so far tagged for immediate financing for small island countries adaptation needs. Speaking at the launch of the AOSIS official draft proposal to the negotiations, AOSIS chair Ambassador Dessima Williams of Grenada expressed dismay at the numbers put on the table by the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
"We did not come here for $10 billion dollars."
Williams said the amount was far too low and would do little for small islands mitigation and adaptation efforts in the next five years.
The Chair of AOSIS called on European leaders currently meeting in Brussels to aim high.
"When we talk about adequate levels of financing think about the Phillipines, think about the water loss in Kiribati, what will it cost to give people a guarantee of clean water in every country in the 21st century. Is it $10 billion dollars? No. So we are clear that the figures have to be raised and we welcome all the negotiators including EU for putting more ambitious figures on the table."
"We did not come here for $10 billion dollars."
Williams said the amount was far too low and would do little for small islands mitigation and adaptation efforts in the next five years.
The Chair of AOSIS called on European leaders currently meeting in Brussels to aim high.
"When we talk about adequate levels of financing think about the Phillipines, think about the water loss in Kiribati, what will it cost to give people a guarantee of clean water in every country in the 21st century. Is it $10 billion dollars? No. So we are clear that the figures have to be raised and we welcome all the negotiators including EU for putting more ambitious figures on the table."
"I want to send a message to the negotiators in Brussels, don't leave the table until you have put down figures that are commenserate to the level of the threat, figures that have been started by United Nations Development Programme who knows us well, at $86 billion dollars. Figures that I think the Prime Minister of Australia had proposed and still propose, as high as $250 billion."
InsideInsights@COP15: climatepacific digital postcards
Climate Pacific media team, Friday 11 December 2009 -- Never has a UN conference been the focus of so much media and activist attention, and while Denmark marvels at its own hosting of the 1,400 journalists who have converged on Copenhagen this week, it's a historic moment for Pacific media too. Here in numbers aimed at making a difference via the internet, a Climate Pasifika media team led by SPREP's Nanette Woonton, a former Cook Islands TV News Director, is helping to keep the home newsrooms informed on how Pacific /AOSIS negotiations are progressing. Woonton is our inaugural 'insider' as we launch a daily series of digital postcards offering InsideInsights from pacific journos covering COP15. Got any burning questions, input and ideas for our Pacific leaders and teams here in Copenhagen? Send an Email
Meet the scientists@COP15--Richard Betts, UK
Geoffrey Smith, Fiji TV, Climate Pacific media team
Friday 11 November 2009, Copenhagen --Climate change scientists come at impacts on Pacific communities from different angles, but evidence is already weighing in on the Pacific reality linking a changing climate and sea level rise.Three key issues that Pacific negotiating teams are keeping in mind here at COP15::
• Serious adverse impacts on ecosystems (marine and terrestrial), human beings (social, livelihood, human rights) and Nations (security, sovereignty, economic issues, sustainable development)
• Evidence of adverse impacts already occurring as well as new and emerging scientific evidence.
• Unhealthy ecosystems also increases sensitivity of communities to climate change and thus increase their vulnerability to climate change and climate extremes
These are some of the issues that scientists like Richard Betts of the UK are taking into account while getting into the now critical area of studying Earth's weather patterns.
TRANSCRIPT: We're the Met Office Hadley Centre. It is the UK's National meteorological service and the Hadley Centre is the climate change research department. So we carry out research into climate change, its impacts and its causes. Our research is gathering the data on climate change that we are seeing at the moment and we're seeing an ongoing trend in warming decade by decade and were also using computer models in projecting well into the future for the next 10 to 30 years and beyond to the end of the century. And this is to also inform both mitigation policy so that the negotiators here will know the implications of not mitigating climate change and also how much climate change can be reduced by reducing green house emissions.--ENDS
Friday 11 November 2009, Copenhagen --Climate change scientists come at impacts on Pacific communities from different angles, but evidence is already weighing in on the Pacific reality linking a changing climate and sea level rise.Three key issues that Pacific negotiating teams are keeping in mind here at COP15::
• Serious adverse impacts on ecosystems (marine and terrestrial), human beings (social, livelihood, human rights) and Nations (security, sovereignty, economic issues, sustainable development)
• Evidence of adverse impacts already occurring as well as new and emerging scientific evidence.
• Unhealthy ecosystems also increases sensitivity of communities to climate change and thus increase their vulnerability to climate change and climate extremes
These are some of the issues that scientists like Richard Betts of the UK are taking into account while getting into the now critical area of studying Earth's weather patterns.
TRANSCRIPT: We're the Met Office Hadley Centre. It is the UK's National meteorological service and the Hadley Centre is the climate change research department. So we carry out research into climate change, its impacts and its causes. Our research is gathering the data on climate change that we are seeing at the moment and we're seeing an ongoing trend in warming decade by decade and were also using computer models in projecting well into the future for the next 10 to 30 years and beyond to the end of the century. And this is to also inform both mitigation policy so that the negotiators here will know the implications of not mitigating climate change and also how much climate change can be reduced by reducing green house emissions.--ENDS
Your Voices@COP15: Kristina Hadad, US
Geoffrey Smith, FijiTV, Climate Pasifika media
Friday December 11, 2009 --While there may be scepticism over what the US and China will bring to the table next week as world leaders converge at COP15 in Copenhagen, the state of California is hopingoneof the worlds leading economies can inspire change from within.Delegates are already having pictures taken beside a life size cut-out of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and next week they may be able to see him in the flesh.
The expected arrival next week of US President Barack Obama is being ramped up with the news that he will be joined by California State Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as expectations from COP15 build up. Americans at COP15 including NGO activist Kristina Hadad of the US Coalition on Climate Change are urging those of us in the Pacific to remain hopeful.
TRANSCRIPT: He is very strong proponent and a leader in climate change and thats why we are here promoting leadership at the state level in America even though our government has not done much in the last 8 years our state has taken the lead on climate change and California is one of the leaders with 33 other states.So collectively the US is doing a lot, but at the state level. So we're trying to get that message out.
Friday December 11, 2009 --While there may be scepticism over what the US and China will bring to the table next week as world leaders converge at COP15 in Copenhagen, the state of California is hopingoneof the worlds leading economies can inspire change from within.Delegates are already having pictures taken beside a life size cut-out of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and next week they may be able to see him in the flesh.
The expected arrival next week of US President Barack Obama is being ramped up with the news that he will be joined by California State Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as expectations from COP15 build up. Americans at COP15 including NGO activist Kristina Hadad of the US Coalition on Climate Change are urging those of us in the Pacific to remain hopeful.
TRANSCRIPT: He is very strong proponent and a leader in climate change and thats why we are here promoting leadership at the state level in America even though our government has not done much in the last 8 years our state has taken the lead on climate change and California is one of the leaders with 33 other states.So collectively the US is doing a lot, but at the state level. So we're trying to get that message out.
COP15 crucial for us: Fiji
Ruci Mafi, SPC
Thursday 10th December 2009 -- The15th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is a crucial meeting for Fiji. Speaking after the opening of COP 15, Fiji’ Minister of Environment Colonel Samuela Saumatua said that “It is during this two week period where all countries must come together to find the path that will avert the world’s current course towards catastrophic climate change and where we will decide the course upon which humanity will judge us for years to come,” he said.
Thursday 10th December 2009 -- The15th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is a crucial meeting for Fiji. Speaking after the opening of COP 15, Fiji’ Minister of Environment Colonel Samuela Saumatua said that “It is during this two week period where all countries must come together to find the path that will avert the world’s current course towards catastrophic climate change and where we will decide the course upon which humanity will judge us for years to come,” he said.
AOSIS to COP15: this is what serious commitment looks like
Friday 11 December, 2009, COPENHAGEN -- The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is proposing what it has dubbed a Copenhagen Protocol, designed to safeguard the Earth’s climate system and to secure the future survival of its 43 members, and the other low-lying and vulnerable developing countries at the front line of the devastating impacts of climate change. Since its inception in 1989, AOSIS (chaired by Ambassador Dessima Williams of Grenada, pictured) has persistently called for the adoption of legally binding instruments to codify the emission reduction targets, financial commitments and institutional mechanisms necessary to underpin a robust global response to the most serious challenge of a generation. The AOSIS proposal secures the twin objectives of survival of the Kyoto Protocol and also strengthens the UNFCCC in accordance with the Bali Action Plan. The proposal does this by putting forward amendments to secure new and deeper post-2012 emission reduction targets for industrialised countries currently bound by the Kyoto Protocol. The new targets would also be reflected in a new Protocol to be adopted under the Convention, sitting side-by-side with legally binding targets for the USA. AOSIS is making its proposal available to all Parties as an effort to facilitate negotiations underway in Copenhagen under the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol. AOSIS believes its proposal provides a fresh look at how existing proposals and negotiating texts can be assembled into a coherent and legally binding form that both preserves Kyoto Protocol, as well as the primacy of the UNFCCC as the overarching international framework for addressing climate change and its adverse effects .
The proposed new protocol, called the Copenhagen Protocol in anticipation of its adoption at COP-15, cover other issues in the Bali Action Plan which need to be captured in a legally binding form if a comprehensive, balanced and effective package deal is to emerge from Copenhagen. These issues include mandatory financial and technological support from developed countries to help developing countries take actions to reduce greenhouse emissions and to adapt to the adverse consequences, delivered through a new Multilateral Fund for Climate Change. The AOSIS proposal envisages the adoption by the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties and the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP-5) of supplementary decisions to accompany the new instruments to enable a ‘fast start’, so that actions to combat climate change and adapt to its impacts can begin to be scaled up immediately. Work on these issues, including on capacity building, technology, adaptation and REDD+, are nearing completion at Copenhagen.
Soundbites@COP15 --Michael Foon, Kiribati Environment Ministry
Foon talks about Kiribati's rapidly declining resource water in the climate change crisis. Kiribati has the highest infant mortality rate in the Pacific region because of the lack of clean, safe drinking water for children.
Kiribati issue "a call to the world"
Ruci Mafi, SPC
Thursday 10 December, 2009 -- Relocation is an option for the people of Kiribati who directly face the brunt of sea level rise and climate change, but the government does not want its people to become environmental refugees. Speaking at a side event at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kiribati, Tess Lambourne said capacities of people in Kiribati will be strengthened and built upon so that they will be able to relocate and migrate with “merit and dignity.” Ms Lambourne said upskilling of people in the fields of nursing and teacher training is currently underway in Kiribati in partnership with neighbouring countries Australia and New Zealand. The proposed plan when put in full mode is expected to result in productive i-Kiribati who will be able to contribute economically and socially to their adoptive home countries.
"But,” she said to a packed Liva Wire meeting room at the Bella Centre the location of the much anticipated conference. Kiribati and the Maldives are two countries in the world that have considered relocation. Ms Lambourne said Kiribati will continue to implement adaptation programs in Kiribati which includes a rigorous protection of national assets like the protection of hospital and the airport in South Tarawa.
Thursday 10 December, 2009 -- Relocation is an option for the people of Kiribati who directly face the brunt of sea level rise and climate change, but the government does not want its people to become environmental refugees. Speaking at a side event at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kiribati, Tess Lambourne said capacities of people in Kiribati will be strengthened and built upon so that they will be able to relocate and migrate with “merit and dignity.” Ms Lambourne said upskilling of people in the fields of nursing and teacher training is currently underway in Kiribati in partnership with neighbouring countries Australia and New Zealand. The proposed plan when put in full mode is expected to result in productive i-Kiribati who will be able to contribute economically and socially to their adoptive home countries.
"But,” she said to a packed Liva Wire meeting room at the Bella Centre the location of the much anticipated conference. Kiribati and the Maldives are two countries in the world that have considered relocation. Ms Lambourne said Kiribati will continue to implement adaptation programs in Kiribati which includes a rigorous protection of national assets like the protection of hospital and the airport in South Tarawa.
Kiribati is our home, and in the Pacific the land is very important us because it is our spiritual link to our ancestors who fought and shed blood to ensure we had land to live on
Seal the deal, say world's youth
Thursday 10 December, 2009--The British Council’s Climate champions put out a photo-shoot today to demonstrate to the world that they will do all in their power to push for a legally binding agreement here at the 15th Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC. A member said the group has been made up of youth all around the world who have been involved with efforts to reduce carbon emissions back home. Some of the initiatives taken up by them was recycling, education awareness, fundraising events through theatre, and dance to spread the word of climate change. Youth are the future of tomorrow, and their voice needs to be heard which is why the group is here to get the message across that they will not stand down. The group is made up of youth from countries like India, China, Japan, Korea, Kenya, Bangladesh, Nepal, France, Germany, United States of America and Australia and their main message is to "Seal the Deal."--ENDS
Media man turns to activism for Tuvalu
Rachna Lal, USP Journalism, Climate Pacific media team
Thursday10 December, Copenhagen -- Ten years ago, a Japanese media consultant arrived in Tuvalu with the dream of making a fortune from television in the islands. “But when I got to Tuvalu, it just captivated me," says professional photographer Shuuichi Endou, "and I fell in love with the small island country and have since been living with my wife on the island working on various projects to help better the lives of these people.” Endou is here at COP15 with a photographic memory bank which is especially poignant: if climate change continues to wreak havoc on sea levels and food/water security in the Pacific, photos may be all Tuvaluans have to connect with home. Tuvalu “My project, Build the Future with 10,000 Tuvaluans, hopes to get views from the whole population of Tuvalu beginning from those who are eight years old,” Endou said. In one of the messages, an 11 year old boy, Nick Leiki says, In the hopes of being able to do something to raise more awareness globally about the situation in Tuvalu, Endou has started up his own non-governmental organization called Tuvalu Overview. He has an exhibition booth in Bella Centre during the COP15 to get the pre-recorded message of people from Tuvalu. “Through the exhibition of photo-messages from the people of Tuvalu during this conference, I hope to get their message of struggles, dreams and hopes to the negotiators,” said the Japanese activist.
“When sea level rises, I will jump on my boat with my bag and go to New Zealand.”Endou said children in their innocence are not aware of the damage global warming is doing to them or their country and by the time they will be of age to realize what it really means, it might be too late. Endou hopes good sense will prevail from the COP15. “I do not want to imagine what will happen to the Tuvaluans if a good decision is not made here. The dreams of Tuvaluan people might disappear along with their drowning country.”
AOSIS release: Islands propose 'survival' to COP15
AOSIS press officer
December 11, 2009, Copenhagen-- The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) has announced a proposal designed to safeguard the Earth’s climate system and to secure the future survival of its 43 members. “AOSIS members are at the front line of the devastating impacts of climate change. Today we have put forward a proposal for a legally binding agreement to secure the twin objectives of survival of the Kyoto Protocol and to strengthen the UNFCCC with a new ‘Copenhagen’ Protocol that can be adopted here in Copenhagen”, said Ambassador Dessima Williams of Grenada. “Our proposal does forward amendments to secure a strengthened second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol and put forward a new Protocol to be adopted under the Convention which would result in legally binding targets for the USA”, said Ambassador Collin Beck of the Solomon Islands (pictured, above left, with Dr Al Binger) . “We believe our proposal provides a fresh way of looking at how the existing proposals from many different countries can be assembled into a coherent legal form whilst maintaining the continuation of the Kyoto Protocol and the primacy of the UNFCCC as the legitimate international forum for combating climate change and its adverse effects”, said Ambassador Antonio Lima of Cape Verde. “This proposal will help countries not only to adapt to climate change but also to achieve our national goal of becoming a carbon neutral country”, said Minister Mohamed Aslam of the Republic of the Maldives.
AOSIS CONTACTS:
Mr. Michael Bascombe, Press Officer, AOSIS,
+45 27 32 85 95
H.E. Ambassador Dessima Williams, Chair, AOSIS, Grenada
H.E. Ambassador Antonio Lima, Vice-Chair, AOSIS, Cape Verde
H.E. Ambassador Colin Beck, Vice-Chair, AOSIS, Solomon Islands
Mr Mohamed Aslam, Minister for Environment, Maldives
Mr. Leon Charles, AOSIS Technical Co-ordinator, Grenada
Prof. Al Binger, Grenada: +45 53 95 31 64 (Copenhagen)
Background and overview of the AOSIS Proposal
The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)1 has drawn up a proposal designed to safeguard the Earth’s climate system and to secure the future survival of its 43 members, and the other low-lying and vulnerable developing countries at the front line of the devastating impacts of climate change. Since its inception in 1989, AOSIS has persistently called for the adoption of legally binding instruments to codify the emission reduction targets, financial commitments and institutional mechanisms necessary to underpin a robust global response to the most serious challenge of a generation. The AOSIS proposal secures the twin objectives of survival of the Kyoto Protocol and also strengthens the UNFCCC in accordance with the Bali Action Plan. The proposal does this by putting forward amendments to secure new and deeper post-2012 emission reduction targets for industrialised countries currently bound by the Kyoto Protocol. The new targets would also be reflected in a new Protocol to be adopted under the Convention, sitting side-by-side with legally binding targets for the USA. AOSIS is making its proposal available to all Parties as an effort to facilitate negotiations underway in Copenhagen under the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol. AOSIS believes its proposal provides a fresh look at how existing proposals and negotiating texts can be assembled into a coherent and legally binding form that both preserves Kyoto Protocol, as well as the primacy of the UNFCCC as the overarching international framework for addressing climate change and its adverse effects .
The proposed new protocol, called the Copenhagen Protocol in anticipation of its adoption at COP-15, cover other issues in the Bali Action Plan which need to be captured in a legally binding form if a comprehensive, balanced and effective package deal is to emerge from Copenhagen. These issues include mandatory financial and technological support from developed countries to help developing countries take actions to reduce greenhouse emissions and to adapt to the adverse consequences, delivered through a new Multilateral Fund for Climate Change. The AOSIS proposal envisages the adoption by the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties and the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP-5) of supplementary decisions to accompany the new instruments to enable a ‘fast start’, so that actions to combat climate change and adapt to its impacts can begin to be scaled up immediately. Work on these issues, including on capacity building, technology, adaptation and REDD+, are nearing completion at Copenhagen. AOSIS’ proposed amendments to the Kyoto Protocol include provisions for the establishment of a second commitment period for the years 2013 to 2017, and as a result, a proposal for the amendment of Annex B to allow for the inscription of new targets for the second commitment period. The proposed amendments also include provisions requiring the COM/MOP to ensure that a share of proceeds from the issuance of assigned amount units and project activities under Article 6 of the Kyoto Protocol shall be used to assist developing country Parties that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change to meet the costs of adaptation. AOSIS’ proposed Copenhagen Protocol comprises a preamble and 23 Articles. It is set out in the form of a binding international agreement that can be adopted in the presence of more than 100 Heads of State by COP-15 in Copenhagen, Denmark on 18 December 2009. It is also possible for the Protocol to be operationalized immediately through a combination of “prompt start” decisions taken by the COP and through provisional legal application which, under our proposal, would apply from 1st January 2012 in case formal entry into force has not yet been achieved. The Copenhagen Protocol sets out a shared vision to enhance implementation of the Convention in a balanced and comprehensive manner by addressing mitigation, adaptation, technology, financing and capacity-building support. It calls for warming to be limited to below 1.5 degrees Celcius, peak global emissions by 2015 and reduction of emissions by 85% below 1990 levels by 2050. It outlines a five year science based review process to take into account the need to prevent and minimize further impacts on particularly vulnerable developing countries, and the need to avoid breaching critical impact thresholds. The Protocol address key elements of the Bali Action Plan including mitigation commitments by developed country parties, mitigation actions by developing country parties, adaptation, capacity building and technology, REDD+ as well as provision of financial and technological resources to support mitigation and adaptation actions. The proposed Protocol sets forth a legal architecture that creates functional linkages between the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol, but at the same time respects the obligations and distinctive legal character of each instrument. The additional commitments and actions resulting from the conclusion of the work of the AWG-LCA relating to mitigation, adaptation, finance and technology are elaborated in the proposed Agreement in ways that enhance the provisions of the Convention.
AOSIS would welcome feedback on its proposal from all Parties and from observers under the relevant agenda items of COP-15 and CMP and negotiating bodies and processes underway at Copenhagen.--ENDS
December 11, 2009, Copenhagen-- The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) has announced a proposal designed to safeguard the Earth’s climate system and to secure the future survival of its 43 members. “AOSIS members are at the front line of the devastating impacts of climate change. Today we have put forward a proposal for a legally binding agreement to secure the twin objectives of survival of the Kyoto Protocol and to strengthen the UNFCCC with a new ‘Copenhagen’ Protocol that can be adopted here in Copenhagen”, said Ambassador Dessima Williams of Grenada. “Our proposal does forward amendments to secure a strengthened second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol and put forward a new Protocol to be adopted under the Convention which would result in legally binding targets for the USA”, said Ambassador Collin Beck of the Solomon Islands (pictured, above left, with Dr Al Binger) . “We believe our proposal provides a fresh way of looking at how the existing proposals from many different countries can be assembled into a coherent legal form whilst maintaining the continuation of the Kyoto Protocol and the primacy of the UNFCCC as the legitimate international forum for combating climate change and its adverse effects”, said Ambassador Antonio Lima of Cape Verde. “This proposal will help countries not only to adapt to climate change but also to achieve our national goal of becoming a carbon neutral country”, said Minister Mohamed Aslam of the Republic of the Maldives.
AOSIS CONTACTS:
Mr. Michael Bascombe, Press Officer, AOSIS,
+45 27 32 85 95
H.E. Ambassador Dessima Williams, Chair, AOSIS, Grenada
H.E. Ambassador Antonio Lima, Vice-Chair, AOSIS, Cape Verde
H.E. Ambassador Colin Beck, Vice-Chair, AOSIS, Solomon Islands
Mr Mohamed Aslam, Minister for Environment, Maldives
Mr. Leon Charles, AOSIS Technical Co-ordinator, Grenada
Prof. Al Binger, Grenada: +45 53 95 31 64 (Copenhagen)
Background and overview of the AOSIS Proposal
The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)1 has drawn up a proposal designed to safeguard the Earth’s climate system and to secure the future survival of its 43 members, and the other low-lying and vulnerable developing countries at the front line of the devastating impacts of climate change. Since its inception in 1989, AOSIS has persistently called for the adoption of legally binding instruments to codify the emission reduction targets, financial commitments and institutional mechanisms necessary to underpin a robust global response to the most serious challenge of a generation. The AOSIS proposal secures the twin objectives of survival of the Kyoto Protocol and also strengthens the UNFCCC in accordance with the Bali Action Plan. The proposal does this by putting forward amendments to secure new and deeper post-2012 emission reduction targets for industrialised countries currently bound by the Kyoto Protocol. The new targets would also be reflected in a new Protocol to be adopted under the Convention, sitting side-by-side with legally binding targets for the USA. AOSIS is making its proposal available to all Parties as an effort to facilitate negotiations underway in Copenhagen under the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol. AOSIS believes its proposal provides a fresh look at how existing proposals and negotiating texts can be assembled into a coherent and legally binding form that both preserves Kyoto Protocol, as well as the primacy of the UNFCCC as the overarching international framework for addressing climate change and its adverse effects .
The proposed new protocol, called the Copenhagen Protocol in anticipation of its adoption at COP-15, cover other issues in the Bali Action Plan which need to be captured in a legally binding form if a comprehensive, balanced and effective package deal is to emerge from Copenhagen. These issues include mandatory financial and technological support from developed countries to help developing countries take actions to reduce greenhouse emissions and to adapt to the adverse consequences, delivered through a new Multilateral Fund for Climate Change. The AOSIS proposal envisages the adoption by the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties and the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP-5) of supplementary decisions to accompany the new instruments to enable a ‘fast start’, so that actions to combat climate change and adapt to its impacts can begin to be scaled up immediately. Work on these issues, including on capacity building, technology, adaptation and REDD+, are nearing completion at Copenhagen. AOSIS’ proposed amendments to the Kyoto Protocol include provisions for the establishment of a second commitment period for the years 2013 to 2017, and as a result, a proposal for the amendment of Annex B to allow for the inscription of new targets for the second commitment period. The proposed amendments also include provisions requiring the COM/MOP to ensure that a share of proceeds from the issuance of assigned amount units and project activities under Article 6 of the Kyoto Protocol shall be used to assist developing country Parties that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change to meet the costs of adaptation. AOSIS’ proposed Copenhagen Protocol comprises a preamble and 23 Articles. It is set out in the form of a binding international agreement that can be adopted in the presence of more than 100 Heads of State by COP-15 in Copenhagen, Denmark on 18 December 2009. It is also possible for the Protocol to be operationalized immediately through a combination of “prompt start” decisions taken by the COP and through provisional legal application which, under our proposal, would apply from 1st January 2012 in case formal entry into force has not yet been achieved. The Copenhagen Protocol sets out a shared vision to enhance implementation of the Convention in a balanced and comprehensive manner by addressing mitigation, adaptation, technology, financing and capacity-building support. It calls for warming to be limited to below 1.5 degrees Celcius, peak global emissions by 2015 and reduction of emissions by 85% below 1990 levels by 2050. It outlines a five year science based review process to take into account the need to prevent and minimize further impacts on particularly vulnerable developing countries, and the need to avoid breaching critical impact thresholds. The Protocol address key elements of the Bali Action Plan including mitigation commitments by developed country parties, mitigation actions by developing country parties, adaptation, capacity building and technology, REDD+ as well as provision of financial and technological resources to support mitigation and adaptation actions. The proposed Protocol sets forth a legal architecture that creates functional linkages between the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol, but at the same time respects the obligations and distinctive legal character of each instrument. The additional commitments and actions resulting from the conclusion of the work of the AWG-LCA relating to mitigation, adaptation, finance and technology are elaborated in the proposed Agreement in ways that enhance the provisions of the Convention.
AOSIS would welcome feedback on its proposal from all Parties and from observers under the relevant agenda items of COP-15 and CMP and negotiating bodies and processes underway at Copenhagen.--ENDS
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