[A2k] TWN Bali Update: SOUTH CRITICIZES NORTH FOR NOT FULFILLING CLIMATE COMMITMENTS

[Sangeeta]

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Below is the TWN update on what is happening in Bali.

Maldives on behalf of the LDC group has called for a revisit of the
international regime on technology transfer (TRIPS and IPR).

Sangeeta

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Title : TWN Bali News Update No.2
Date : 05 December 2007

Contents:
TWN BALI NEWS UPDATE  NO. 2

5 December 2007
Published by Third World Network
www.twnside.org.sg


SOUTH CRITICIZES NORTH FOR NOT FULFILLING CLIMATE COMMITMENTS

Nusa Dua, Bali, 4 Dec (Martin Khor) -- Differences of views on what are the
priorities in tackling climate change and for the Bali climate meetings wer=
e
evident when the major groupings of countries presented their initial
statements on 3 November the first day of the Conference of Parties of the
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The Group of 77 and China called for =B3immediate, deeper and effective cut=
s=B2
in Greenhouse Gas emission by developed countries, without which all effort=
s
to address climate change will remain fruitless.

The group also criticized the lack of fulfillment of commitments by
developed countries to reduce their emissions, and to provide finance and
technology needed by developing countries to address climate change.

The G77 and China also said additional financial resources for climate
change are needed by developing countries, estimated at US$200 billion for
emission reduction and hundreds of billions of dollars more for adaptation
activities.

The Africa Group, represented by Nigeria, gave a sharp rebuke to developed
countries for failing to live up to their commitments, especially in
assisting developing countries. =B3Africa believes that walking into a new
regime with all the present difficulties in implementing already agreed
commitments is totally unacceptable.  It will mean only one thing, that
nothing is going to happen in the future, and the suffering of our people
continues.=B2

The major developed countries made clear they wanted the Bali meetings to
lead to formal negotiations for a new climate regime in which developing
countries have to make commitments.   The European Union wanted a global
comprehensive post-2012 agreement, which includes =B3further, fair and
effective contributions=B2 from non-Annex I members, which are the developi=
ng
countries.

The United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, Norway and other members of th=
e
Umbrella Group went into further details. The group referred to the mandate=
d
negotiations of developed countries to further reduce their emissions, and
said more action is needed by =B3all major economies.=B2

They said that in a post-2012 agreement, =B3its components must contribute =
to
a single post-2012 outcome=B2, and the negotiations on all issues must end =
at
the same time, i.e. by the end of 2009.

This proposal seems to be for negotiating modalities similar to those of th=
e
World Trade Organisation=B9s Uruguay and Doha Rounds, in which there is a
=B3single undertaking=B2 in which all issues are inter-connected through th=
e
conclusion of negotiations on all issues at the same time.

In the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol, the only mandated negotiation at present
is for Annex I developed countries to commit to a second period (starting i=
n
2013) of emission reductions.    The developed countries are attempting
through the Bali meetings to draw the developing countries into a
negotiation towards a =B3comprehensive agreement=B2 in which these developi=
ng
countries have to take on new commitments as a concession to the developed
countries in exchange for the second-commitment period commitments they are
already mandated to make.

The key concerns of developing country governments were highlighted by
Pakistan=B9s Ambassador Attiva Mahmood on behalf of the G77 and China at th=
e
opening session of the 13th session of the conference of parties (COP) of
the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The group said recent scientific findings irrefutably show climate change i=
s
posing a very serious and immediate challenge to developing countries which
are least equipped and most vulnerable.

It highlighted the findings of the intergovernmental panel on climate
change, that in Africa 75-250 million people will be exposed to water stres=
s
and reduced agriculture yields by 50%; in Asia freshwater availability will
decrease and coastal areas will risk being flooded; in Latin America, there
will be biodiversity loss and reduced agricultural productivity; and small
islands face inundation, storm surges and coastal hazards.

In such a bleak scenario, said Pakistan, our task is even more daunting and
developing countries which were historically not responsible have rights an=
d
priorities in meeting their present and future development needs.

The G77 listed the following as the most formidable challenges in addressin=
g
climate change:

=80 Lack of fulfillment of commitments during the Kyoto Protocol=B9s first
commitment period by Annex I (developed) countries in reducing emissions.
=80 Provision of finance and technology transfer to developing countries.
=80 Inadequacy of financial resources for adaptation and mitigation efforts=
;
=80 Insufficient national institutional capacity in developing countries to
participate in carbon market mechanisms.

The group said the best way to address climate threats is to have an
integrated sustainable development approach.

Without immediate and effective cuts in emissions by developed countries,
all efforts to address climate change will remain fruitless.  The early
completion of the ad hoc working group on further commitments of Annex I
parties is an =B3absolute imperative.=B2  It must complete its work by 2009=
.

The group called on Annex I countries to undertake ambitious commitments fo=
r
emission reduction in the second commitment period.  Deeper reductions by
them will provide greater opportunities for developing countries to move
onto a sustainable development pathway.

The group looked forward to the launch of the Adaptation Fund.  Effective
mitigation and adaptation policies must take account of commitments at
various conference and summits, especially the binding commitments under
UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol.

In addition, the adverse impacts of response measures, as it relates to the
unintended consequences of mitigation, must be addressed as a distinct
priority.

According to the G77 and China, during this session the most important
issues include mustering the political will to agree on an approach based o=
n
key principles of Rio, the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol, especially (a)
common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities;  (b=
)
the polluter pay principle;  (c) protection of the vulnerable; (d) equal
treatment of mitigation and adaptation, including legally binding
instruments for adaptation and technology transfer.

The bigger challenge, said the group, is to overcome the =B3trust deficit=
=B2
between developed and developing countries on financial and technological
cooperation and commitments of annex I countries.  Good faith engagement
will help address this deficit.

The group also stressed that UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol serve as the
multilateral agreed structure to address climate change.  Any other effort
will distract and further compound the challenge.

The G77 and China called for new institutional and financial mechanisms to
enhance technology cooperation, development and transfer and meet the
incremental costs, which are fundamental to the climate agenda.

The group called for moving beyond current institutional and financial
arrangements.  The UNFCCC estimates an additional $200-210 billion by 2030
is needed to achieve emission reductions.  In addition, hundreds of billion=
s
are needed to support adaptation activities.  It is thus essential that an
investment pathway is designed to secure additional finances for developing
countries in accordance with their national plans.

Capacity building is also a high priority for the G77 as it has not receive=
d
enough attention.  The group hoped the scope of activities and replenishmen=
t
will be decided soon regarding the LDCs Fund and that steps are soon taken
to implement it through concrete projects.

As climate change is most pressing, it is absolutely necessary that policie=
s
made in other areas and fora have to be looked at through the fresh lens of
addressing climate change, and made consistent with the aims and measures w=
e
are trying to implement in combating climate change.

The G77 and China said technology transfer is an enormous challenge, keepin=
g
in view the issue of incremental costs and capacity building. Addressing th=
e
climate system depends on early development, deployment, transfer and
diffusion of environmentally sound technology.

A key question is the treatment of intellectual property rights over
climate-friendly technologies.  Developing countries must be helped, on
affordable, preferential and concessional terms, through technology
transfer, directed R and other assistance, to acquire and build capacity fo=
r
applying technologies.

The G77 and China also expressed disappointment about the progress made on
this item.  It suggested the development of performance indicators to
monitor if commitments have been honoured.

On emissions from deforestation, the group said that implementation of
policy approaches and positive incentives will require new and additional
finance.  It recognized the interests of the Parties to consider policy
approaches and positive incentives that address compensated forest
conservation and also forest degradation.

Nigeria, on behalf of the Africa Group, said climate change is a growing
threat and Africa is at the receiving end due to its increased
vulnerability.  =B3Yet we gather year in and year out, making commitments,
which are far from being fulfilled.

The Africa Group observed that the process is characterized by a catalogue
of unfulfilled commitments by the developed countries under the Convention
as well as the Protocol. The development and transfer of technology, since
the convention and protocol came into force years ago, remains unfulfilled
and complicated by issues of intellectual property rights, market incentive=
s
and enabling environment.

The group said that the question of inadequate capacity building of
developing countries has been a major impediment to implementing both
mitigation and adaptation activities in Africa.

=B3This issue, fundamental to implementation of climate change activities, =
has
not been adequately addressed as stipulated in the convention and protocol,=
=B2
said Nigeria. =B3There is too much emphasis on seminars, workshops and need=
s
assessment.  For how long will our needs continue to be assessed?=B2

Nigeria added:  =B3The way adaptation is currently addressed is ad hoc and
lacks coordination, and is totally inadequate.  In essence and so far, the
matter of adaptation has not received the desired priority in the
implementation of the convention and the protocol.

=B3Whatever fund, and in whatever magnitude available in the process for
implementing climate change activities remains inaccessible due to
conditionality of co-financing.  It is important that discussions on the
adaptation fund should be finalized in this session to enable concrete
decisions by the COP to address adaptation in Africa and developing
countries in general.=B2

Discussions should also consider the present lack of implementation in
adaptation, development and technology transfer and capacity building.  Sai=
d
the Africa Group: =B3We find it absolutely incomprehensible that the future
can be adequately considered and predicted without due reference to the pas=
t
and the present.

=B3Africa believes that walking into a new regime with all the present
difficulties in implementing the already agreed commitments is totally
unacceptable.  It will mean only one thing, that nothing is going to happen
in future, and the suffering of our people continues.

=B3The way forward is for the developed countries to now act with respect t=
o
fulfilling their commitments. The developed countries more than ever before
should be committed to aggressive emission reductions domestically rather
than passing the buck to the developing countries.

=B3Africa believes the process should set targets for the developed countri=
es
to provide financial resources within a specific time frame.  It is time fo=
r
practical implementation of all these issues of adaptation, technology
transfer, and capacity building among others.=B2

Maldives, representing the LDC Group, said that the devastating impact upon
the most vulnerable group of countries (LDCs and SIDS) of recent natural
disasters have only shown an immediate snapshot of a long term process.

It said the adaptation fund should have a suitable and enabling governance
methodology and a matching management structure. An extension of adaptation
levy to the other mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol (possibly at a higher
rate) and the inclusion of bunker fuel based emitting activities such as ai=
r
and maritime travel should be explored to improve the situation.

The Adaptation Fund has to be made available as soon as possible and the
LDCs and SIDS should get top priority under this fund. Funds made available
after the horse has bolted, i.e., irreversible changes have taken place,
would lose their effectiveness.

Climate funding to LDCs/SIDS must be fast tracked, often at short notice
with simplified procedure for allocation and disbursement has to be
introduced. Low-lying coastal LDCs have specific vulnerabilities and thus
deserve special attention and priorities.

Nations many be categorized and grouped on vulnerability scales so that
global effort levels are distributed on the basis of priority, said the LDC
Group.  Timing is a critical factor, as climate change effects are becoming
worse and worse over the years. Innovative sustainable technology
development and its widespread use through international cooperation is
critical for long-term emission reductions.

The scope and urgency for investment in low carbon energy technology
globally are immense. In this context the international regime on technolog=
y
transfer (TRIPS and IPR) need to be revisited, said the group.

Sea-level rise is an inevitable reality on our current trajectory and the
people who will be affected are most likely to become refugees of climate
change due to riverbank erosion, prolonged drought and permanent inundation
due to sea level rise.

Said the LDC Group:  =B3We cannot afford to remain idle until this misfortu=
ne
actually unfolds. The time to act cannot be deferred. All nations must
recognize their responsibility towards the victims of climate change. In
particular, the post-Kyoto regime should ensure that such refugees are
granted the legal rights required to provide for their recovery and
rehabilitation.=B2

Portugal, for the EU, reiterated the EU targets of limiting global
temperature rise to 2 degrees, halting the growth of global emissions in
10-15 years and a global emission cut of at least 50% by 2050 (compared to
1990).

It put forward many elements of building blocks for the future.  These
comprised (1) further developing a shared vision to reach the Convention=B9=
s
ultimate objective;  (2) deeper emission reduction commitments by developed
countries, (3) further fair and effective contributions by other counties,
(4) extending carbon markets, including innovative and enhanced flexile
mechanisms; (5) increased technology cooperation, (6) enhanced efforts on
adaptation, (7) addressing emissions of the maritime and aviation sectors,
(8) further use of the expertise, experience and work of relevant
international organizations;  and (9) reduction of emissions from
deforestation and enhancing sinks by sustainable forest management and land
use practices.

The EU said it would discuss these building blocks in the negotiating
process in Bali.  It said that Bali needs the engagement of all parties in =
a
negotiation process to reach a global and comprehensive post-2012 agreement
by 2009.

Australia made a statement at the opening on behalf of the Umbrella Group
(which also includes Canada, Iceland, Japan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand,
Norway, Russia, Ukraine).  It quoted the recent Commonwealth communiqu=E9
calling for a comprehensive post-2012 agreement that includes a long term
global goal for emissions reduction to which all countries would contribute=
.
The highest priority of the COP is to set out a road map in line with this,
said Australia.

Later, at the opening meeting of the ad hoc working group on further
commitments of Annex I parties under the Kyoto Protocol, Australia (for the
Umbrella Group) said the main task of Bali is to put in place a roadmap or
the development of an effective climate change framework.

While the ad hoc working group is important for the Roadmap, more
comprehensive action is necessary, particularly by all major economies.  Th=
e
group also believes that for the roadmap to produce an effective and
comprehensive agreement for the period beyond 2012, its components must
contribute to a single post-2012 outcome.  They must therefore end at the
same time. The task must be completed by the end of 2009.

In his opening speech the Indonesian Environment Minister Mr. Rachmat
Witoelar said the scientific debate on climate change has been laid to rest=
,
its severest impact is on the poor and this is a landmark year for the
climate issue. A stumbling block is fear of economic hardship, but the cost
to address climate change is less than the damage what climate change will
wreak.

UNFCCC executive secretary Mr. Yvo de Boer said many important decisions ca=
n
be made before the Ministerial segment, including practical adaptation
actions, the framework for the adaptation fund so it can start funding
projects, the framework for technology cooperation, the initial phase of
actions to reduce emissions from deforestation, support to adaptation actio=
n
in LDCs, support to national communications by developing countries and to
enhance capacity building.

Shaping the future can be done if four corners are turned:  (1) leadership
by industrial countries must continue, especially towards a new energy
future;  (2) action in the North to fuel clean growth in the South;  (3)
fossil fuels are here to stay but they should be used through new
technologies without destroying the environment;  (4) a comprehensive
framework for adaptation.

He also called for a breakthrough in Bali through the formal adoption of a
negotiating agenda.


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