http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/34944 State of the Union address, and planning to reduce dependence on Middle East oil by 75% by 2025? I think one has to be even more optimistic than Chris in his previous post to believe that. But if you look real carefully, you may see it. But before you can see the silver lining, there are some thick clouds to look through:
- First of all, Mr. President only referred to foreign oil, which happens to form only 20% of the US oil consumption. Domestic oil companies are not targeted at all, even though a company like ExxonMobil made the world’s largest profitthis year through promoting the use of fossil fuels.
- Secondly, his speechwriters ensured that any mentioning of climate change did not appear in the address, even though the rationale behind cutting down emissions has to be somehow related to climate change.
- Thirdly, Bush’ aides were veeeery quick to downplay the statement made in the speech.
- Fourth, even if the government wants to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, the substitutes are not always the clean energy that is needed, but rather ‘clean’ coal, nuclear, etc. With the speech, Bush launched the Advanced Energy Initiative, a research program focusing on the development of clean energy technologies. On a more positive note, Bush has emphasized the potential of ethanol as alternative fuel.
- Fifth, even if the dependence on fossil fuels is reduced, there is no incentive for the average American to become more energy-efficient.
So, yes, it is possible to give a positive spin to Bush’ words (if you take into account all the caveats mentioned above): the fact that this is mentioned by in a public speech by one of the persons leading the country that consumes most oil in the world. Energy reform is needed. And although no-one believes that Bush will all of a sudden turn into a concerned environmentalist, he has opened space for debate on energy reform here. Now is the time for proposals that go far beyond what the Bush administration wants to catch the public’s eye.
]]> Sun, 05 Feb 2006 07:30:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/34944 52.35 4.916666752.354.9166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/34799 what happened last year in Montreal? Did it look like Canada was planning on strangling the life out of the Kyoto Protocol at the UN's Conference on Climate Change?

Okay, granted that Canadians elected a conservative minority last week. A conservative minority that may or may not support Kyoto. And they may or may not accept the view that human emissions of CO2 are contributing to global warming. I agree: that's the bad news.

But there are positive things about the Canadian federal election that might benefit Canada's response to climate change.

Here are the positives:

1. The conservative minority will have to work with the other major Canadian parties, all of whom support honouring our Kyoto commitment.
   
   
2. The fact that Canada currently holds the presidency of the UNFCCC will force the conseratives to weigh in on climate issues early, and with international attention focused on their actions.
   
   At the very least, we'll quickly learn where they stand. However, I'm hoping that this pressure will force the conservatives take a progressive approach on climate change and push for viable cuts to our steadily rising emissions.
   
   
3. Finally, in the end we, the Canadian public, have a chance to make ourselves heard. Particularly, as the conservatives step up into office, we can send a clear message that a majority of the public supports Kyoto and wants to see Canada honour its international commitment!

So that's my optimistic take on the conservatives and Kyoto. Don't count us out yet! The situation is much more nuanced and flexible than the media might protray it.

And don't forget, the United States (under a decidedly anti-Kyoto administration) has done more to cut its greenhouse gas emissions than Canada ever did under the Protocol. Either way you cut it, liberals or conservatives, the simple message is: it's time to get our act together.]]> Wed, 01 Feb 2006 00:10:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/34799 38.8950000 -77.036666738.8950000-77.0366667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/33164
I have to thank Chris for reporting on the outcomes of the COP and COPMOP. While negotiators were going through their final struggles on Saturday morning, I was stranded at Charles de Gaulle airport for a few hours. In the past week, I’ve been able to let some of the results of the Conference sink in. What I think is one of the most peculiar things this week is the different reactions to the outcomes. The normal situation would be that negotiators, politicians, and policy-makers would be very proud of the results of the Conference, and environmental NGOs would criticize the outcomes because they would not go far enough. This time, the situation is almost reversed! The Dutch State Secretary Van Geel, for example, although recognizing the political importance of the decisions made in Montreal, emphasised that given the urgency of the problem, this was not enough. The media seem to have taken over this view, judging from almost all of the people I spoke to after coming home, who all said something like “nothing much happened there” or “I heard the meeting was a failure”. Not all politicians were pessimistic, however. Tony Blair, for example, sees it as a “vital next step”. But what is maybe most notable, is the almost univocal praise for the outcomes by NGOs such as Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, and WWF WWF.

What to make of this? Should we hoist the flag for the Montreal decisions, or should we fear for our future? Going back to a couple of posts ago, I said that I felt positive vibes at the Montreal meeting. I am sticking to this opinion, for a couple of reasons:
- As called for in the Kyoto Protocol, Annex I countries agreed to start talking. about follow-up commitments immediately through an ad hoc working group, and to ensure a new regime is in place before the end of the Kyoto commitment period.
- For the first time, developing countries have shown their willingness in the FCCC process to start talking about future commitments for all countries (whatever form this may take), by putting Article 9 of the Kyoto Protocol on the agenda for next year. Furthermore developing countries showed initiative to combat deforestation, which has potential huge benefits for the environment;
- The US delegation got more and more isolated during these two weeks. In the end, they budged and reluctantly signed up to a dialogue on a future climate regime in the UNFCCC COP. More than this, however, the US government is increasingly facing multiple pressures: other countries calling upon them to take on binding targets; public opinion slowly but surely shifting after Katrina; States and municipalities taking action; business complaining about its climate policy, to name but a few;
- The Marrakesh Accords were adopted without a negative sound. Even one of the potential difficult issues, how to adopt the compliance regime, was solved.
- And finally, a more personal victory: municipal leaders and mayors from all over the world adopted the targets that we put in the Youth Declaration. I can recall quite well where those targets came from J

These are the main points that justify my positive mood. Many more decisions deserve more detailed examination, however. Developments with regard to the CDM, for example, may be seen as positive (funding for the CDM Executive Board increased) but should also be followed closely (e.g. the next COPMOP will discuss whether carbon capture and storage should be included in the CDM; it is doubtful that these projects will contribute to sustainable development in developing countries).

In sum, there is sufficient reason to be content with the outcomes of COP11/COPMOP1. But, most certainly, we are not there yet. Only a few days after the Conference, we already get alarming messages about occurring climate impacts http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Science/story?id=1407585
We are nowhere near avoiding dangerous climate change impacts yet. But that does not mean that we should downplay progress made in the UNFCCC. No, it rather means that we should do our very best to ensure that the speed of this progress increases.
]]> Fri, 16 Dec 2005 10:56:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/33164 52.35 4.916666752.354.9166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32989
It was a dramatic closing session--at least, as far as international negotiations go. With most of the agenda items out of the way, the plenary session adjourned early Friday evening. This was to allow for information negoitations to continue on the one significant item which still remained on the agenda: a decision on Article 3, paragraph 9 of the Kyoto Protocol--the critical section which addresses future emission reduction commitments for parties who have signed on to the Protocol.

A decision on Article 3 paragraph 9 was seen as one of the main outcomes of this conference from the outset. The need for further emission reduction commitments beyond the current deadline of 2012 is necessary to ensure that the Protocol remains binding into the future. Future commitments are also important in order to send a clear message to investors that market-based mechanisms such as emissions trading and the Clean Development Mechanism will provide long-term financial structures beyond the 2012 deadline.

A lot was at stake, so the mood was tense when the plenary finally reconvened nearly nine hours later at 2:30 in the morning. Delegates knew that an attempt to stymie negotiations at this point could seriously compromise the relevance of the Kyoto Protocol.

Initially, it appeared as though these fears might be realised. Russia signalled its opposition to the proposed text, calling for a mechanism of voluntary commitments. Intervening parties were unable to resolve the issue, but there were signs of progress towards a compromise. Sensing an opportuntity to break the stonewall, the President broke the plenary and called a final contact group to address the issue.

After thirty arduous minutes, the plenary reconvened. Visibly exhausted, the President presented a compromise: the Russian intervention could be addressed through separate consultations over the next year. There were no objections. The proposal was gaveled through. Through the plenary, weary delegates rose to their feet and thundered applause.

A process will be initated to discuss further emission reduction commitments. The protocol will have a future!]]> Sat, 10 Dec 2005 17:50:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32989 38.8950000 -77.036666738.8950000-77.0366667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32893
Yukon Spring


The sun hums to herself
Trying to sleep
Slow to wake
Reclaiming the winter sky


The midnight light
Leaks through cracks in the wall
The moon fights for place in the heat
Battling mosquitoes


(seeking blood)


Snow lingers,
Holding forcefully its intermittent ground
pathetic patches
Wetness squelched by the victorious sun
Attacks aimed at earth's viscosity
Dries the blood under withering skin


Nutrition trapped
Under icy mirrors
Reflect the ache
Of a hungry caribou belly


Snow lingers,
Holding forcefully its intermittent ground
Pathetic patches
Holding life]]> Wed, 07 Dec 2005 12:56:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32893 52.35 4.916666752.354.9166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32892
I hope to get back to the more practical ‘action’ points in one of my next points, but I just needed to write this down.
]]> Wed, 07 Dec 2005 12:54:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32892 52.35 4.916666752.354.9166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32802 Saturday's World March in Montreal. The march was held to raise awareness on issues of climate change alongside a two week United Nations Conference on Climate Change currently underway in Montreal.

Pierre Pettigrew, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, bravely marched among protesters, adding his voice to the thousands calling for action on climate change. Members from our youth delegation were invited to march with Mr. Pettigrew, and we followed the mass down to the Guy Favreau complex where the Minister was finally spirited away by his agents.

Personally, I think it was a very sincere gesture from the Minister, and perhaps a positive sign that Canada is serious about pushing for a strong post-Kyoto framework here, despite the fall of the government.

The demonstration seems almost to have catalysed a flurry of activity at the UN Conference this morning, although I'm sure its unrelated. Still, the march over the weekend certainly marked a shift in the momentum of the conference, which is now visibly building in the clogged corridors and meeting rooms of the Palais des Congres.
]]> Mon, 05 Dec 2005 10:32:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32802 38.8950000 -77.036666738.8950000-77.0366667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32772
Then there are some positive signals from the negotiation tables. Although it is still uncertain whether and how negotiations on new commitments will take place. The prospect of deforestation being dealt with in the climate change negotiation process, if done taking into account broader sustainable development issues (biodiversity, local development) could mean that many emissions from terrestrial sinks can be avoided, and could have benefits beyond Kyoto.

One of the other topics which seems to be heading the right way is adaptation. Whereas the previous COPs were intended to be ‘adaptation COPs’, it actually seems that some people realize that action is needed now and there seems to be some progress on the 5 year programme on adaptation.

Of course, there are still some reasons for concern. One of these is the possible inclusion of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the Clean Development Mechanism. Earlier this year, IPCC released a special report on CCS, which shows the pros and cons, and in particular the many uncertainties surrounding CCS. Given these uncertainties, it seems unwise to include CCS now in the CDM, which has been pointed out by some countries during the negotiations. Furthermore, even if CCS would be without dangers, it does not contribute to sustainable development in developing countries like for example renewable energy projects or energy efficiency projects would. NGO opposition against the inclusion is emerging, although at a rather late stage.

That’s it for now again!
]]> Sun, 04 Dec 2005 19:32:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32772 52.35 4.916666752.354.9166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32726 Palais de Congres, I think its important to showcase a few of the young voices that compose our youth delegation. Today's issue of Tip of the Iceberg, the youth bulletin at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, focused on three diverse perspectives on the frontlines of climate change issues.

Alden Glinert moved to the Florida Keys three years ago and it changed his life. He has grown to love the ocean's natural beauty and the teaming biodiversity it holds. But changes are also occuring in the Florida Keys. "The ocean, my best friend, is now threatened by human action", writes Alden, "how could we let something so beautiful be so vunerable to such careless action?" I'm not sure that anyone at this conference has a proper answer for him.

"Humans have always inhabited two worlds" write Tawo Edom, from Nigeria. "One is the natural world of plants, animals, soil, air, and water...the other is the world of social institutions and artifacts". For Tawo, it is the integration of these two worlds that is at the crux of enduring tensions in our world. Tawo sees energy as a "ingredient for development", but he recognises that there are problems with unreliable supply of petroleum products that Nigeria depends on for power. Instead, Tawo sees renewable energy initiatives as a way to equitably transition to a low-impact, reliable energy future. "We are already taking steps in our own lives and communities to realise our vision", he writes, "we demand that our leaders do the same".

You don't see a lot of the delegates at this conference referencing God almighty as a moral justification for taking action on climate change. But for Keelan Downton, faith and a healthy environment are inextricably linked. "I'm here to bear witness to an understanding of Christian faith that includes care for the environment as a moral imperative", says Keelan. His case is a strong one; on both shared and personal levels, the spiritual is connected with the world that surrounds us.

These are just three of the unique voices of youth at the UN Conference on Climate Change. They've each had different experiences, but all have a similar message of respect for their environment.]]> Fri, 02 Dec 2005 23:54:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32726 38.8950000 -77.036666738.8950000-77.0366667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32706
Yesterday, one of the most important topics of this COP/COPMOP was on the agenda of one of the contact groups, namely Article 3.9 of the Kyoto Protocol. Art. 3.9 states clearly that Parties should start discussing the future commitments of Annex I countries in 2005. While there were some interesting points made, it also made me sad to see how negotiations can drag on over futile issues sometimes. Although all Parties agreed that discussions on Art. 3.9 are very important and should start immediately, there were some differences. The EU, Japan all forwarded proposals for elements of a draft decision on this issue. The EU and Japan, much to the dislike of some G77 states want to link discussion of this Article with broader discussions on Art. 9 (review of the entire Protocol, which is only due next year), and the FCCC in general. The G77 on the other hand want to link the matter to Art. 3.2, which requires Annex I countries to show demonstrable progress in 2005. They accuse Annex I countries of diverting attention from their own commitments. Fair positions. However, instead of debating the substantive elements of these proposals, talks got stuck on a question whether the G77 text should be taken as the basis for negotiation.

China maybe overstated it, but made a good point, when it stated that if no agreement could be reached, we might be killing a young child at the age of 7. The question it also posed is to be or not to be. The question at stake, however, rather is to broaden or not to broaden. The G77 pushed for their text to be the negotiation draft, because it would prevent this item turning into a discussion on possible future commitments (in whatever form) for (some) developing countries. Although their point about diversion should be taken seriously, all Parties should remain constructive in their debate and acknowledge that, ultimately, all Parties should take on some form of commitments.
]]> Fri, 02 Dec 2005 08:07:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32706 52.35 4.916666752.354.9166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32658
Yesterday was a historic day, with the Marrakesh Accords being adopted without any problems. Congrats to the Canadian government for that. However, the COP(MOP) would have surely failed if there could not have even been agreement on that here, I think. It was nice to be in the negotiation room when they were adopted. A bit excitement...is Saudi-Arabia gonna make a problem or not....in the end no, luckily. Yesterday, there were also some contentious issues on the agenda, including the inclusion of avoided deforestation in developing countries, compliance and future commitments. On avoided deforestation, Papua New Guinea proposed to include this, as deforestation causes 20-25% of global carbon emissions. Seems sensible, and all parties were in favor of discussing this, but it has to be cautioned that avoiding deforestation through for example the CDM should not lead to easy credits for Annex I countries. About compliance, there was the first clash between the Saudis and the rest, mainly the EU. The EU merely wants a Decision to confirm the compliance procedure, whereas the Saudis insist on an amendment, which could cause a strange situation, as it has to be ratified again. My guess is that a decision will be taken here, with the possibility of an amendment left open. Finally, there were some initial discussion on Art. 3.9 of the Kyoto Protocol, which calls on parties to start discussions on future commitments of Annex I parties here in 2005. Unfortunately, I missed the debate yesterday afternoon, but I hope to attend a group this evening.

Yesterday, I also followed some events on the reform of the Clean Development Mechanism. It's becoming more and more clear that Annex I countries are not achieving their Kyoto targets without implementing new CDM projects. This means that all of a sudden many voices are raised calling for the streamlining of the CDM. Besides the more basic point that the Kyoto Protocol calls for supplementarity of projects abroad, meaning that most of the work should be done at home, the danger of streamlining is that important elements of projects, such as consultation of local communities and environmental impact assessments are sidelined. Of course, from a business perspective, streamlining is good, but the countries should be wary of pushing it too hard.

Well, more than enough about the negotiations again. Back to the presentation again!]]> Thu, 01 Dec 2005 12:26:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32658 52.35 4.916666752.354.9166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32583
The COP has begun and we’re up and running! Whereas during the first few days I was the most occupied, all mental support should now go to Chris, who’s attending meetings and lobb…eeeh I mean spreading the word of the Youth Declaration as much as possible, being a youth delegate. In the meantime, I try to get organized and up-to-date on the negotiations. So what’s happening at the COP? I will try to briefly summarize some of the main issues at stake at the COP and COPMOP.

Parties to the Kyoto Protocol need to adopt the 2001 Marrakesh Accords, which contain the detailed rules for the operation of the agreement. Although it is not entirely clear from the agenda when the decision to adopt or not will be taken, the rumour in the corridors is that tomorrow it will be discussed and there might be a vote. As it’s quite essential (as a sign of political determination, and to increase legal certainty) that the Accords are in fact adopted, it seems unwise to delay decisions. Luckily, the walls also told me that the one possible resisting party, Saudi-Arabia, is fine with it.

Another main issue is reform of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). This instrument is intended to help Annex I (developed) countries to achieve their Kyoto targets by setting up sustainable projects in developing countries and contribute to their sustainable development. However, currently, there are many, many perceived problems with the CDM. For investors and project developers, the main concern is the bureaucratic process which forms a barrier to the formation and execution of CDM projects. However, the solution to this, streamlining, is likely to have consequences for the overall sustainability of the project, as streamlining will probably at the costs of stakeholder participation, impact assessments, etc.

A third important (and perhaps the most crucial issue) concerns the discussion about climate policy 2012. According to the Kyoto Protocol, discussions on a future framework should start here in Montreal. However, as a discussion of potential commitments for developing countries is extremely sensitive, chances for a decision with a mandate to start negotiating are near to zero.

This is not an exhaustive list of important points, others include adaptation and compliance. I hope to discuss these as well later during the COP. The stage is set, and the show has started. More later!

]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2005 21:14:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32583 52.35 4.916666752.354.9166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32560 sustained economic growth.

Right now--this instant--thousands of barrels of oil are entering a pipeline near Fort McMurray en route to Edmonton for refining before distribtion across North America. However, these barrels of oil are fundamentally different from any type of oil anywhere else in the world--they are extracted from tons and tons of earth infused with bitumen tar drawn from a unique deposit known as the Athabascan Oil Sands.

The Oil Sands deposits are being developed at a rapid pace. Sixteen years ahead of expectations, there are now 1 million barrels of oil produced from the oil sands per day. Companies are announcing huge oil sands projects and more are expected into the future.

With all of this Oil Sands Fever, the key question is whether environmental and social issues are expanding at the same pace as economic investment?

This is exactly the question raised by the Pembina Institute at their side event on oil sands development this morning. A website launched this month by the Institute, Oil Sands Watch, showcases the key environmental issues facing continued development.

What are the perils of growth? How do we balance growth against the livelihood of future generations? If our Environment Minister, Stephan Dion, plans to realise his vision of economic growth through sustainability development, these issues cannot remain unaddressed--particularly on the oil sand fields of Fort McMurray.]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2005 12:08:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32560 38.8950000 -77.036666738.8950000-77.0366667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32494
We, the youth of today and leaders of tomorrow, face an unprecedented challenge and share in the responsibility to address global climate change. Taking a step back from the complexities of compromise and negotiation, we cannot help but think the purpose of the Convention has been sidelined. We are frightened by the scale of this emerging global environmental crisis. We stand in solidarity with vulnerable communities who are disproportionately impacted by climate change, including low-income people, marginalized groups, indigenous peoples and people living in geographically vulnerable areas. As stewards of the Earth, we demand the right for all future generations to inherit a healthy planet. We make this declaration knowing in our hearts that Beyond Kyoto – It’s Us!

Our commitments

Youth around the world engage their communities in participatory actions, respecting humanity’s place in nature, cultural diversity, indigenous rights and traditional knowledge. We are supporting clean energy through our own consumption choices. We are moving forward to expand our involvement at the domestic and international levels and encourage broader participation on the part of our peers.

Our demands

We further the call of previous youth COP declarations for a permanent, funded youth constituency included in the international climate change negotiation process by COP 12.

In accordance with scientific insights, we need minimum binding emission reduction targets of 30% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 for “developed” countries. Agreement must be reached before 2008 and should include additional support to decarbonize “developing” countries, funded in part by penalties for non-compliance by “developed” countries.

Flexible mechanisms must supplement, not substitute, domestic emission reductions, meaning that the vast majority must be achieved at home. The additionality, monitoring and transparency of project-based flexible mechanisms cannot be compromised. The process must include a participatory role for local communities.

We ask governments for a just transition to low-impact renewable energy and insist on the removal of fossil fuel subsidies. Human rights and social justice must be included in the transition from fossil fuel dependence. Projects involving nuclear energy, large-scale hydro-electric power and waste incineration do not contribute to sustainability. Carbon sequestration is a last resort to mitigating climate change.

Adaptation options need to be addressed in parallel to mitigation. More resources are urgently needed for the most vulnerable countries with the lowest adaptive capacity, especially funding for local adaptation. Plans for both human and ecological adaptation should be incorporated in national policies.

Food and water security must be guaranteed to avoid conflict under a changing climate. Environmentally displaced peoples must be provided assistance.

We urge governments to refine their urban planning policies, promote green architecture, incorporate public transportation systems and favor non-motorized modes of transport.

Vehicle fuel efficiency standards must be enhanced. Aviation and maritime emissions must be reduced through mandatory targets.

We insist that governments incorporate an ambitious multi-disciplinary approach to sustainable development in our education systems, including a curriculum on climate change.

Our vision

We respect both past and future generations and recognize that humanity is part of the Earth’s ecosystem. Human and ecological wellbeing must supersede economic concerns if only because economies depend on ecosystems. Technology alone is not a solution; we do not want the continuation of unsustainable habits. We value community, culture and life above superficial consumption.

Communities, with their unique insight into their own situations, are the best producers of solutions for mitigation and adaptation. We support business initiatives which are striving to help us achieve our vision. Governments’ responsibility is to the people, above corporations.

Climate change solutions must guarantee the right to a healthy environment and the environment’s right to health, and ensure equity amongst present and all future generations. Education should promote sustainability within a diversity of cultures. The low-carbon economy is not a low-job economy.

We envision a world where all members of society have not only the right, but the means to influence the world around them, and where sustainability, equity, and justice are uncompromised values.

As youth, we have the right to create the world we want to live in. We are already taking steps in our own lives and communities to realize this vision and we demand that our leaders do the same.

Climate change is an opportunity to unite. The age of competition is of the past; the age of cooperation is dawning!]]> Mon, 28 Nov 2005 10:16:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32494 52.35 4.916666752.354.9166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32465 Mont Royal for a beautiful night view of Montreal. While the declaration writing team sheltered themselves in hectic deliberation deep in the basement of our youth hostel, a small group of us were gazing down on the city from above in the crisp, cold evening. It was a clarifying moment--a brief respite from the frantic energy that has inspired us so far in our discussion.

This morning, the first draft of the declaration gave us a similar crisp and concise view of the overarching issues in climate change that matter to global youth. I'm excited for what will come from this, and from the sideline initiatives that are already springing up in the nooks and crannies of the Biosphere, where the Summit is taking place.

The declaration team is now behind closed dorrs, trying to pound out a second draft of the declaration. I don't envy their job, but from what was provided this morning, I have total confidence that Harro and the others will produce something we can all be proud of: something that will impact the leaders of our world and hopefully insprire them to heed the voice of world youth!]]> Sun, 27 Nov 2005 13:52:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32465 38.8950000 -77.036666738.8950000-77.0366667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32414 Sun, 27 Nov 2005 04:26:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32414 52.35 4.916666752.354.9166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32393
Coinciding with the start of the Conference of the Parties on Monday, the government will vote on a non-confidence motion which is expected to pass, toppling the minority Liberal government and triggering a federal election.

The word in the halls of the Youth Summit is that the imminent fall of the Canadian government is assured. The impact of this on the Conference of the Parties and the youth agenda at the Conference is much less certain. From the different participants I've talked to here in Montreal, many agree that the eyes of the Canadian public will be elsewhere during the COP, not to mention the launch of the youth declaration on Tuesday, November 29th. Additionally, many expect Canada's leadership role at the Conference to be compromised, particularly the role of the President of the COP, Stephan Dion.

It's unfortunate that on the eve of such an important international conference, the national politics of Canada will potentially have such a detrimental affect on its outcomes. We can only hope that the issues on the table aren't compromised by these political complications.]]> Sat, 26 Nov 2005 13:49:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32393 38.8950000 -77.036666738.8950000-77.0366667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32290 ]]> Thu, 24 Nov 2005 19:27:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32290 52.35 4.916666752.354.9166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32078 some of us still seem to think so…). However, the situation is not this simple in the area of climate change science. As climate change affects all sectors of our society there are clear interests involved. And since many issues related to climate change cannot be proven beyond doubt, there is room for those with interests to abuse this lack of certainty. In comes climate scepticism. Although I want to emphasise the importance of people disagreeing with each other (and you can disagree with me on this point!), especially when there are still uncertainties, some people seem so stuck on denying that climate change is also caused by humans that you cannot help but wonder why. These climate sceptics - be they sponsored by fossil fuel industries or not - accuse other scientists or environmentalists of ‘mother-earthism’, ‘alarmism’ or creating a ‘global warming scare’.

Even though this is just a small portion of the total number of scientists working on climate change, they still manage to be very vocal, especially in the United States. A recent study in the journal Global Environmental Change (subscription required) showed how this has happened in 2003. The author analysed publications on climate change in 255 US newspapers in one year, and finds that newspapers continue to use climate sceptics repeatedly, adding to the public confusion.
http://www.crichton-official.com/
Besides the amount of media attention the sceptics receive, there are a number of blatant (and in my view outrageous) expressions of how far the interests of certain fossil fuel industries and their climate scepticism agenda has penetrated into American politics. One of them must be the fact that Michael Crichton, author of books like Jurassic Park, Rising Sun, and Prey (books, which I must admit, quite liked – maybe a sign of my own poor taste…), was invited as a ‘scientist’ by Senator James Inhofe (who called global warming a hoax). Crichton, who just wrote the book State of Fear, about how ecoterrorists (yes! really!) scare the world by simulating dangerous climate change effects (yes! really!). And since he is an MD and uses an unusual great number of footnotes in his novel, he is of course an expert on how climate change science is mistakenly influencing climate policy. Yeah, right. Here you can see how the science behind his fiction is proven false or how it’s shown to be used correctly.

Another example is the recent witch hunt for a couple of authors, who were behind what is commonly known as the ‘hockey stick’ figure, included in the 2001 IPCC summary for policy makers. It shows that since the industrial revolution the earth has started to heat up, and forms an important contribution to the argument why we need to take action. However, climate sceptics have over and over continued to attack the research behind the graph. The debate notably is between the original authors of the graph, Mann et al., and two Canadians, McIntyre and McKitrick, who have been busy with discrediting the graph in the past few years. Without going into the debate itself (look into it here), I am deeply concerned by the fact that a US Congressman Barton thinks it’s a good idea to interfere with research by asking scientists to provide them with ridiculous details. Fortunately, there are also US politicians who agree with me here.

It is to be hoped that more and more people step up to silence these voices. Everyone needs to take responsibility here, including the media (who should stop saying that there is no scientific consensus and educate the public on what’s really going on), politicians (who should be aware of politicization of climate change science, but who should not be scared to ask questions), and you and me (by raising awareness that climate change is real).
]]> Fri, 18 Nov 2005 10:23:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/32078 52.35 4.916666752.354.9166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/31994
Where? I hear you ask. In Benin City, Nigeria, the Federal High Court of Nigeria gave a landmark judgement on the relation between polluting activities, which impact on climate change, and human rights. It ordered Shell to stop flaring gas in Nigeria’s delta, calling it “a gross violation of their fundamental right to life (including healthy environment) and dignity of human person. More specifically, Shell had failed to comply with the national laws on conducting an environmental impact assessment.

Shell, as well as several other major oil companies, such as ExxonMobil, ChevronTexaco and TotalFinaElf have been exploiting oil in Nigeria via joint ventures with the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation for some decades now. There is a lot of resistance from local communities, who endure the impacts of the oil exploitation, including flaring, on their environment and health. This resistance led in 1995 to activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others being hanged. So not only is this an environmental matter, the presence of Shell and other oil companies also leads to unrest and conflicts in the poverty-stricken country.

As for the environmental impacts, the World Bank has indicated that “natural gas flaring has contributed more emissions of greenhouse gases than all other sources in sub-Saharan Africa combined”!!

So, undoubtedly, it’s great and exciting news to see that the Nigerian Court recognises the injustice in the country, and that it considers environmental questions in the light of basic human rights. Of course, it’s difficult to see to what extent this will change the world. What will be the results of Shell’s appeal? Will Shell comply with the Court’s order? If so, will other companies follow Shell’s example? Will other courts (in all parts of the world) be as courageous as the Nigerian one? Only time will tell, I guess. But nevertheless, it is good to see that even if the leaders of the world can’t agree to take action in Montreal, these bottom-up approaches to environmental justice are happening.
]]> Wed, 16 Nov 2005 05:42:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/31994 52.35 4.916666752.354.9166667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/31883 Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) in Amsterdam alongside Harro, and I have a keen interest in climate change issues relating to energy.

Unlike Harro, I'm relatively new to the United Nations' climate change process--I've never attended a COP before! So in addition to reporting on the events, as Harro mentioned, I will be brining myself up to speed on the international process and all the insanity that accompanies it!

By day, I'm an eco-efficiency analyst at the Pembina Institute, a non-profit group based in Calgary, Alberta working on sustainable energy solutions nationally in Canada. I've been trained in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Manitoba in my hometown of Winnipeg.

So Harro and I have started up this blog as a way of communicating our shared experiences from the 11th Conference of Parties in Montreal. We'll be posting frequently leading up to the COP, and during the two-week festivities from November 27th until December 9th, 2005. After that--who knows?

]]> Mon, 14 Nov 2005 17:22:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/31883 38.8950000 -77.036666738.8950000-77.0366667 http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/31646
In trying to keep track of all the changes in the world (and most of the times running behind in this!), I finally decided to enter the wonderful world of ‘blogging’. :-)

In less than two weeks, I’ll be leaving for the beautiful city of Montréal, Canada, to attend a number of Conferences. First, I’ll be attending the Climate Youth Summit, for which I’m extremely excited. It’ll be a great opportunity to mix with around 90 young, dedicated people working on climate change. We’ll go there to draft a youth declaration, which then will be distributed at the eleventh Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Climate Change Convention. Having worked as a researcher at the IVM on mainly climate-related issues, I found the lack of tangible influence on policy makers a bit disappointing. However, I hope that through this, it’s possible for the youth to finally exert some influence over those that make the decisions at the international level.

After the Youth Summit, I’ll attend the full COP. Last year, I also was lucky enough to attend the COP in Buenos Aires, Argentina. As a first time impression, it was very, very hectic, with lots of people running around, meetings everywhere, and more information being presented than any human being could possibly process in such a short time. On the one hand, I got really excited by all this information. On the other hand, I felt it was too much at times. This year, I will force myself to an ‘all or nothing’ approach, attending the COP every day and reporting about it. In this way, I hope to get up-to-date with all the issues playing in the international climate arena.

Apart from all this, I will also attend the Conference ‘Strengthening Climate Cooperation, Compliance Coherence’, also in Montreal. There, I will have to present a paper on climate change interlinkages for a big group of lawyers and policy-makers. I’m also quite excited about that, as I will start my Ph.D. thesis in February next year, and the topic of my thesis will be discussed there!

This is just to give a small introduction to myself and to the background of this blog. More posts will follow!
]]> Wed, 09 Nov 2005 03:24:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/climatemontreal/post/31646 52.35 4.916666752.354.9166667