Tuvalu called for the suspension of the COP15 session because they felt they were not inclusive in a decision.
A crash course in the UNFCCC process tells us that an international treaty can be a binding only when all of the member countries converge on it.Today’s plenary session being abandoned briefly due to the influence of the fourth smallest country in the world, larger only than the Vatican City at 0.44 km substaniates the process. The Climate Action Network has begun a Ray of the Day award – the first time ever was awarded to Tuvalu, for being so bold in the plenary session. A discussion on how valid were their arguments were and why the Indian party has opposed their stance is a separate argument altogether.
The democratic process of the UNFCCC was well established in this action. The impact of civil society and youth were also quite impactful too. Right after Tuvalu’s intervention the plenary was suspended and as a reaction to it the civil society and the youth together put up an act of direct action and Chants of “Tuvalu, Survival” “350″ and “Annex 1, stand up” echoed through the walls.
Statement from Tuvalu -We need to work, not as a country, but as an Earth
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
What is COP15 and why is it important?
This year, from December 7-18, world leaders will meet in Copenhagen to determine how the world will deal with climate change. COP stands for Conference of the Parties, and COP15 in Copenhagen marks the 15th annual conference held by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This year’s conference is crucially important because countries will be agreeing to a framework of action to succeed the current Kyoto Protocol, which runs out in 2012. Governments will establish an agreement on how to reduce and adapt to climate change at an extremely critical time in our history – the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) clearly specifies that our global emissions must peak and start to decline by 2015 if we are to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change. We have less than 6 years to achieve this turn-around! This means that COP15 most likely marks our last chance for a global agreement that can lessen climate change before it is too late.
Hence, the importance of getting involved and letting your voice be heard! The delegation of Indian Youth being represented by IYCN,are going to Copenhagen to make sure the Indian government and world know that Indian Youth and citizens care deeply about this issue. We need our government to agree to a tough, effective, and fair international agreement to reduce and adapt to climate change. Make sure you get your voice heard and what other fellow Indians are saying about the issue and what are they looking forward to at COP15. We will also be blogging daily from the base camps set up from around the country to make sure you know how the Indian negotiators are representing you to the world.
Why Rich Countries Must Lead On Climate Change
“A much better use should have been made of the economic stimulus packages,” said Mohan Munasinghe, vice chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Speaking at the National Climate Seminar hosted by the Bard Center for Environmental Policy, Munasinghe mentioned that South Korea devoted 80 percent of its stimulus package to clean tech. The South Korean stimulus package was worth $85 billion. In July, South Korea announced it will invest $85 billion more in clean tech. In contrast, the U.S. devoted $60 billion of its $787 stimulus package to clean tech.
Munashinge pointed out that the poorest countries are the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, but they are the ones who had the least to do with the problem. “Developing countries are pressing for more of a voice,” he said. “We have the knowledge to protect the most vulnerable, but the political will is lacking… High emitting countries should take the lead, but that leadership is so far lacking.”
During the recent climate change talks in Barcelona, African nations walked out, demanding that developed countries cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40 percent from 1990 levels by 2020. Developed countries have promised reductions of 11 to 15 percent. Other developing countries backed the African nations in Barcelona. Last week, African leaders agreed on the compensation to demand from developed countries to help developing countries cope with climate change.
Munashinge listed laid out a framework for developed countries to help developing countries cope with climate change:
- Businesses practicing CSR
- Integrate climate friendly solutions and incorporate them into existing structures in society
- Make people feel they can make a difference
Climate change agreements
In order for Copenhagen to be successful, Munashinge said there are three things which need to occur:
- Rich countries must reduce their emissions
- Developing countries need a safety net for new regulations
- Middle income countries (China, India) need to see that rich countries can maintain a good quality of life while reducing emissions
“Kyoto Protocol targets haven’t been met,” Munashinge said. A report released earlier this month showed that the EU-15 are on track to meet their Kyoto Protocol commitments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Kyoto Protocol requires that the EU-15 reduce emission eight percent below 1990 levels by 2012. The EU-15 will reduce emissions more than 13 percent, according to the latest projections. Five EU-15 members (Britain, France, Germany, Greece, and Sweden) already exceeded the eight percent target.
We need a global cap-and-trade system
During the question and answer time, Munashinge was asked to critique the effectiveness of the clean development mechanism (CDM). He cited as positive the fact that the CDM is pro-development, and mostly involves planting forests or renewable energy projects. However, he said that many environmentalists feel the rich are buying their way out of trouble without going through the pain of having to reduce their own emissions.
“The principle is clear that it solves the efficiency method…carbon is removed from the atmosphere in the cheapest method possible,” he said. Yet, eventually the CDM will be replaced by emissions trading. “We have to have a global cap-and-trade system.”
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Reinventing Cochin Cycle Rally' 09
FUN… FITNESS…. CHANGE….!!!
Call for ‘Reinventing Cochin’
Cities are a part of our lives and language. Globally, the dimensions of city culture have changed to accommodate the growing needs of the city people. Cities are mostly places where people meet for leisure and pleasure. It should accordingly, open up, invite and include people, and offer various avenues for entertainment. With the ever-increasing environmental and health concerns, a city where shopping and entertainment go hand-in-hand with environmental consciousness is a dream which should transcend into a reality. However, urbanism in the cities can be generated only if we have ecological and socially sustainable platforms. Only this can herald a vibrant city.
A country mirroring varied cultures and lifestyle, the India of today is redefined by its upscale cities, which lead a global existence. Indian cities have grown at alarming rates; unfortunately they are not landmarks of much, except perhaps haywire traffic and pollution. Our new-age cities are unplanned agglomerations that suffer from bad traffic, pollution, complex life situations and lack of insight. And Kochi is no different.
Kochi, identified by governmental records as a metropolis, is a city with a population of 13.55 lakhs. It is a mjor contributor to Kerala’s economy, contributing upto 14% of the state GDP. But city life is literally in shambles. Infrastructure-wise, narrow roads and traffic congestion, speeding buses, unplanned medians and flooded roads, lack of pedestrian sidewalks and open drains have all turned life worse for the average Kochiite. The city has ceased to be environment-friendly as well. There is a marked absence of green open spaces. Trees are cut down in order to make way for swank helipads and concrete development. Waste disposal has come to mean dumping it in the most unlikely of spaces. Also, the growing number of vehicles cause considerable ecological damage through emissions and noise from internal combustion engines. An AQI up to 50 is regarded as good while the 51-100 range is considered moderate. Anything above 100 is considered unhealthy while those above 150 are considered down right harmful. In Kochi, the Air Quality Index (AQI) readings are from between 160-200 on an average. All this mayhem warrants immediate action.
In pursuit of discovering newer ways to energize city life and to help build a ‘people oriented city’ Reinventing Cochin, one of the leading initiatives of Centre for Public Policy Research and GreenDream organization, is seeking to organize a campaign unlike any other - a Cycle Rally! The Rally, sought to be held during the 5th of December 2009 to coincide with the World Pollution Prevention Day and the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009, is aimed at reviving the luster of greenery and the power of easy mobility that Kochi is slowly, but surely losing. This, we believe can be achieved by efficiently integrating cycling into mainstream transportation.
Cycling is one of the most efficient modes of non-motorized transportation system. Cities have realized its multi-faceted potential in being eco-friendly, affordable and healthy. Cycling also transcends barriers of class, age and physical ability. It is an expression of freedom. It is a symbol of equality and human dignity. It will help Kochi rebrand it self from a disorganized agglomeration into a ‘people oriented’ city. A city for ‘ALL’!!!
So…Join us in breathing life back into the city – towards a safer, eco-friendly, healthy and fun Kochi! Healthy City, Healthy You, today and tomorrow!!!
call us at 91 484 2323895
mail us at cppr@cppr.in, program@cppr.in
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