SES and ASD at COP 18

As a fitting postscript to our experiences at COP 18, Jenica, an ASD COP 18 delegate, has put together  this video of our time at the conference during Week One.  It provides an excellent window into the daily activities at the conference and documents the work and involvement of the SESEF delegates.  Thanks Jenica!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PWtpkoKUXA

Final Reflection

After our two weeks in Qatar we've taken some time to reflect upon on our experiences. At the conference each of us attended different side events, focused on different organizations, and had conversations with individuals from around the world. It's difficult to synthesize each of our individual experiences but we feel like we have gained some common insight at COP18.  First, we've learned that climate change is more than just political issue--it affects every aspect of people's lives. Second, observing the international decision-making process has reinforced our idea of transparency, political unwillingness to compromise, and the value of public opinion. Third, we've realized that climate change requires immediate action, because it's impacts are being felt at this moment. And fourth, we've learned that despite being a serious problem facing the entire world, there is hope that we can steer earth from its projected path of warming.

Climate change is more than just a change in the weather and temperature patterns on the planet. In fact, it's starting to be referred to by some as "global change", because the implications of a changing climate will alter the status quo of politics, social structures, and the economy. In our lives we tend to search for a fast fix. We are used to a straightforward, simple solution that requires little sacrifice. What is interesting about climate change is that there is no simple solution. If we are going to combat this crisis effectively we will need political compromise, financial aid from both public and private sectors, individual sacrifice, and unprecedented levels of cooperation-- from both individuals and governments. The reason solutions to climate change are this complex and difficult is because it affects all aspects of peoples lives.

Besides the content of the side events and plenary discussions themselves, we also occupied ourselves by keeping up with the international decision-making and developing an understanding of the process. As non-governmental observers, we have understood the importance of transparency in decision-making from the beginning. However, this understanding was furthered when we noticed discussions, meetings, and consultations becoming more private and open only to party members as negotiations drew on. We experienced and participated in many actions by youth at the conference, demonstrating to negotiators the issues that are important to civil society. We learned so much about the power of people determined to have their voices heard.

During our time at the conference it became apparent that the only option for our planet is to take action now. Right now there is flooding in Bangledesh, drought in Africa and the American West, record strength typhoons in the Philippines and record strength hurricanes in the US, all a result of a changing climate. In the past we have set goals to curb our GHG emissions and have all but failed to reach these goals. Not too long ago a decision was made to limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees centigrade. If we continue business as usual we are on track for a 4-6 degree rise. This would be a disaster for ecosystems and societies all over the globe.  These predictions are quite bleak and pessimistic. However science does provide an optimistic outlook for the future, it just requires immediate action. With current technology it is possible to become carbon neutral, the problem is that it will require sacrifice and substantial change. In order to ensure a future for our children and grandchildren we must begin to mitigate climate change now and assist the billions of our friends who are already in distress.

There is an overwhelming amount of concern for the future of the world. Often times, talk of the possibility of our “impending doom” is discouraging, but at the Conference we learned that there is always room for hope. It is often thought that in places such as Bangladesh, where the flooding of more than half of their country by 2050 is almost certain, there would be little hope or options other than complete evacuation. After attending COP18, we realized that this was not true at all. Evacuation  is  actually a last resort option for them. Bangladesh has come up with a variety of mechanisms which would allow them to continue on with their everyday lives even if a large portion of their country is flooded. For example, much of their country depends on farming for survival, so hearing that they had plans to create floating gardens so that they could continue growing crops was very hopeful. This is just one of the many examples of hope for the future that emerged at the Conference. Overall, it seems as though humanity will do whatever it takes to adapt to a changing climate.

Cassie

I was able to see so many inspiring things during the two weeks I spent at the conference. One that particularly stuck out for me was the desire that adults had to hear the opinions of youth. I have never been involved in a situation that gave youth such a strong say in the issues that they wanted to be addressed. In one meeting with YOUNGO, the current head of the future Green Climate Fund held a reverse interview. Instead of having YOUNGO ask him questions, he asked us questions and took notes on what we had to say. This was very empowering because it showed that adults take an interest and care about the concerns of youth. At one point in his reverse interview, he said, “You will be the ones inheriting this world from us, so why shouldn’t you have a say in what we decide?” It was very validating to hear someone say this because those who will be dealing with the effects of climate change the most ultimately should have a say in the issues that are being decided upon. I was very pleased with how well all of the different organizations worked together throughout the COP in a way which gave everyone the opportunity to speak and have their voices heard.

 Cale 

I talked to many people at the conference and what I noticed is that climate change affects everyone differently, but everyone nonetheless. Developed countries and their citizens are so privileged and have freedom to do what they want. This isn't fair for poor developing countries because they are the ones that are impacted the most by climate change. We basically have the mind set that we can do whatever we want regardless of the consequences.

Michael

What I took away from the conference was that climate change affects everyone, especially those in less developed areas. I have used this quote before but it sums up how serious and immediate this issue is.: 

"A two degree temperature rise everywhere else would mean a four-six degree temperature rise here in South Africa. At those temperatures our crops cannot grow, our cattle will die and we will be forced to move. What we have held through genocide, apartheid, and colonization we will lose through climate change" 

- Yvette Abrahams

Georgia

During Gender Day, I went to a panel discussion of UNFCCC women leaders, one of which was Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres. When asked why she is dedicated to climate and gender issues, she responded that she constantly thinks of the futures of her daughters and granddaughters, and that our actions today will affect women at least seven generations in the future. Then she began to cry, saying that she wants us to do everything we can to ensure a happy and healthy future for future generations. This stood out to me, because it exemplified the idea that climate change issues are deeply tied to our emotions and social issues in addition to science. Even someone as powerful and intelligent as Christiana has emotional investment in these issues. I think this is why her work and behavior are especially meaningful, and it also shows the importance of the social aspect of climate change.

A Pictorial History of Week Two

 As our time in Doha comes to an end we decided to take a look at our pictures from the last week. Here are some of the highlights of week two!

The Pearl

The delegation on a day trip out to an island in the Doha harbor.

A view of the skyline from the island. The boat we took is in the foreground.

A youth action at the QNCC--Georgia and Siiri on the left! Making the point we are not happy with our delegates.

The Emir arrives and shakes hands with Christiana Figueres.

Our last dinner together at The Italian Job.

The full Week 2 delegation at QNCC

Saying "farewell" to our friend and mentor Siiri as she headed home after the first week.

Cale and Michael in front of downtown Doha, waiting for a bus to the Convention Centre.

A view some dhows from the Islamic Museum of Art in Doha.

Some of the modern architecture in Doha.

We met up with Ahmed, our friend from Soudan at the souq on our last night.

 

 

Happy Holidays from the sand dunes!

Hope you enjoyed the photos from week two. Stay tuned for our final thoughts and reflections from our time in Doha and our experiences at the conference!

Climate Change Justice Movement

On Friday we had a group interview with a sociology professor from the University of California-Santa Barbara. It was a lot of fun - we would be asked a question and then each member of our group answered it. It was really cool to hear what everyone's thoughts were on the last day of the Conference and what we had all gathered and had to say about the previous two weeks. One of these questions that really made me think was what we thought about the justice aspect of climate change. 

When I hear climate change my first thought is the environment, not necessarily humanity, but unfortunately the environment isn't the only thing in danger. We need to realize the harm that climate change causes humans and find a just solution. Climate change affects everyone in the world but to different degrees and in different ways. For example in the US, an increase in global temperatures could lead to more extreme weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes, which means we would potentially have more casualties and have to spend money to repair and rebuild. However in a place like Bangladesh, a 2 degree Celsius atmospheric temperature rise could result in a 3 foot sea level rise which would overtake up to 50% of their land. Not only would they lose a lot of land but there would likely be an increase in already frequent typhoons. This is a serious problem for any country but especially for Bangladesh and smaller, less developed countries because they lack the financing and resources to combat the issue. This isn’t the only case where a slight change could result in tragedy. Similar outcomes are likely all over the world, especially in less developed countries. Unless the developed countries make an effort to do something about it, these countries have no choice but to sit and watch as their land, homes, and countries are dramatically impacted by climate change. 

The worst part is that their contribution to climate change, their carbon footprint, is minimal compared to developed countries. When one looks at the US, with such a good justice system, it is hard to understand how millions of people can just overlook the injustice behind what we are doing. Climate change is truly a matter of justice and we have the opportunity and the ability to provide justice worldwide. It’s just a matter of whether or not we take action.

Skeptic

Over the past two weeks, we have been attending informative events on many different facets of climate change. Thursday, I attended a session that was like no other. The event was a press conference with Lord Christopher Monckton of Brenchley. Lord Monckton is one of the world's most well known skeptics of climate change - specifically doubting the correlation between CO2 emissions and temperature change. Monckton sees climate change as something that would only need to be dealt with if something significant happened in the future, but he thinks that nothing needs to be done now to prevent disasters from happening. At the press conference, Monckton expressed his belief that the scientific statistics presented by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) were completely false. He pointed out "false" predictions on temperature increase in the world in an attempt to support his claims. One memorable moment from the press conference was when Monckton described how bad wind turbines are for the environment. He said that for the energy wind turbines are saving, they are actually destroying more valuable things. He said that wind turbines were killing birds left and right and would eventually wipe out great majorities of them. He described this as a "true environmental catastrophe".

Later on Thursday, we found out that Monckton had been removed from COP18. The UNFCCC said, "Lord Monckton has been debadged and escorted out of the COP18 venue for impersonating a Party Member and violating the UNFCCC code of conduct".

I, for one, was pleased that I was able to see someone that possessed such a high degree of skepticism. Our delegation as a whole did not believe what Monckton said but, nonetheless, he gave us an experience at COP18 that reminds us of the diverse range of opinions that exist regarding climate change.

Monckton at the press conference.

High Level Side Event: Food Security in Dry Areas

The room in which the high level side event, “Sustainable Solutions for Climate Action: Food Security in Dry Lands under a Changing Climate,” took place was packed with about two hundred people and photographers. The high interest was not a surprise—the presentation was cohosted by the State of Qatar and the UN Secretary-General, meaning that COP18/CMP8 President Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, and a handful of other prominent figures spoke during the session.

Due to his busy schedule, Ban Ki-Moon came in several minutes after the side event began. He entered with a swarm of body guards and photographers, and not until well into his speech did the media dissipate. Rather than address specific mechanics of the negotiations he hoped to see during the week, Ki-Moon took a philosophical approach in his speech. He emphasized the importance of optimism, and urged member parties to set aside politics to come to agreement. He pointed out that combating climate change is the global and political responsibility we have towards the next generation. By avoiding skepticism and proving “doubters wrong,” he said that we could leave Doha with “a clear message: a sense of hope that this can be done.”

The Secretary-General was forced to leave the side event early for another appointment, and the mediator handed the floor over to Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of UNFCCC. Figueres addressed the issues of security in dry areas, saying that the need to provide food and water in the Gulf is "acute" but not unique to the region. She expressed her gratitude towards Qatar for spearheading food security programs in dry areas.

Fahad bin Mohammad Al-Attiya, the Chairman of the Qatar National Food Security Program, spoke next. He outlined Qatar’s challenges as a desert country, explaining that Qatar relied heavily on imported goods. He discussed the domestic and international programs that his country has launched to address the food security issues facing both Qatar and the other 60 dry land nations. Qatar has established the Qatar National Food Security Program, and is scheduled to launch an international program in several months.

Izabella Teixeira, the Brazilian Environment Minister, gave a fiery speech addressing the feasibility of improving populations’ standard of living while preserving the environment. She explained how her government has increased food production and pulled 40 million people out of poverty, all while working to protect the environment and restore Brazil’s forests. She emphasized “green growth,” and pointed out the importance of education in climate change mitigation.

The session then switched focus to dry areas in developing countries when Edna Molewa, the South African Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, presented a speech. She discussed the unique needs of Africa in which many countries have water but do not have food, the need for technological innovation, and at the same time predicted setbacks from disaster or upheaval in vulnerable countries. She ended on a heartfelt note, saying that we cannot live in a world where some countries excel while vulnerable countries are left to suffer.

            

Rachel Kyte, Vice President of Sustainable Development at the World Bank, then discussed the economics of green development in vulnerable countries. She stated that the key to this progress is establishing “a reliable financial safety net” for every country while “aggressively” tackling climate change. She emphasized the need to research and develop understanding about agricultural risk. She commended the current development of hardier genetically modified seeds.

            

Benedito Braga, President of the World Water Council, then addressed water availability issues. He believed that impacts of climate change manifest in water availability, and African countries are already experiencing the impacts of climate change. He suggested that countries must focus on efficient water processing and “more resilient hydrologic infrastructure”. He also noted that more water conservation measures must be put into place, and hydropower should be implemented more. He asked that negotiators focus on water issues during the conference.

            

Then next speaker also addressed water issues. Michel Jarraud, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Association, discussed how water stress will increase with climate change, and regions will receive too much or too little water. He stated that climate change increases volatility and vulnerability in countries. He suggested that our scientific understanding of climate change has improved, but this newfound knowledge has not translated into improved negotiations. He emphasized the importance of adaptation and mitigation.

            

Kieren Keke, Nauru’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke on behalf of small island states. As an island state, Nauru is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Keke explained that his country no longer has predictable wet and dry seasons, and the island now endures long seasons of either too little or too much rain. With coral bleaching and tuna migration, many fish populations no longer exist as a reliable resource for the people. Nauru must work within its range of influence—no matter how small that may be—to combat environmental issues. He suggested that other countries must do the same. Larger issues that lie outside of individual countries' ranges of influence then require collaborative efforts between governments and organizations.

     
Several other speakers followed, as prominent leaders continued to address the issue of food security through a wide range of lenses.

The side event on food security exemplified of the kind of governmental collaboration that marks the high level segment of COP18. The secretary-generals, ministers, and organization presidents that spoke on Tuesday clearly expressed their approach to tackling climate change. Hopefully we will soon hear of ambitious pledges that bring us closer to climate change mitigation.

Wednesday's negotiations

With only two days left of the scheduled meetings, there is still a lot on the table up for negotiation. Although the negotiations have been proceeding slowly and all negotiating tracks are behind schedule, there has definitely been some notable progress which is necessary to work our way towards an international agreement. Yesterday, many of the discussions that took place dealt with tougher political issues, which meant that many meetings took place behind closed doors, so observer organizations like us weren’t allowed to observe. This caused a spike in observer organization actions in the hallways to get the attention of the negotiators and clarify their demands. Various actions in the hallways of the convention center showed negotiators that civil society:

-supports science and wants it to be further considered in terms of parties’ ambitions to contribute (if scientific advise is a reduction of emissions by 17%, by 2020, parties’ policies should reflect that)

-wants more demonstrated ambition (and pledges) by individual parties

-seeks solutions that match realities like gender imbalance and climate change health effects

-seek solutions that match the pace of climate change – The Philippines typhoon aftermath is devastating

-supports youth from the Arab World (Arab Youth Climate Movement) who are calling on their leaders to prepare for change and take the lead

-supports youth from the US who are pushing the Obama to consider his “#climatelegacy” – they are telling Obama that his legacy is shaped by his responses to climate change

As far as the actual negotiations, there is some positive news. Equity between parties in international policies was expected to be a highly contentious topic, and an especially sticky point for the US. However, yesterday the US publicly shifted its stance, which will now provide an opening for developing countries to encourage the idea that every country has “common but differentiated responsibility” depending on their circumstances. Also, three countries came forward with significant climate finance commitments (unconfirmed): Germany, France, and Sweden. They all have ambitious plans for providing financial support for climate change issues. Given the giant financial losses in recent events like Hurricane Sandy and the storms in the Philippines, the money from these commitments will not be enough, but it is absolutely crucial . The women’s SBI Item 21 (revised at the session I attended!) is still on the table, and the powerful women of the UNFCCC and countries around the world are really pushing it. Christiana Figueres referred to it as the “Doha miracle”, because it’s the first Item addressing gender issues in the history of the Convention. I’m looking forward to seeing the outcome of the discussion of this Item.

An update from today already: The US has been requested to describe in detail how its pledge to reduce emissions by 17% will be executed, but the US delegation has refused to do so...

-Georgia

The Emissions Gap

Earlier this year a study was conducted by the UN that resulted in a document called the Emissions Gap Report. The report provides a sobering assessment of the gap between ambition and reality when it comes to carbon dioxide emission reductions. The study shows that if we continue business as usual the world will be emitting 58 gigatons of CO2 per year in 2020. This is unacceptable if we have any hope of achieving the goal of only a 2 degree rise in global temperature, an international goal set at COP 16 in Cancun, Mexico in 2010. If we want to achieve this goal, emissions must be reduced to 44 gigatons per year or below by 2020. In addition to the sobering data, the Emissions Gap report provides some ways to bridge the 14 gigaton canyon between reality and ambition. 

The Emissions Gap Report from 2011.

What is important to remember is that it is completely possible to achieve our ambition of 44 gigatons of emissions goal. The catch is that we have to act now. The problem is that current investments in infrastructure, factories, transportation, and buildings are locking in high energy use patterns. So what must be done is that new investments be directed toward renewable projects, and green infrastructure. When you look at the data it shows the energy sector contributes 35% of total emissions, the next highest is industry with 18% of the total, followed by transport(13%), agriculture(11%), and the building sector(8%). What this data tells us is that the most effective way to reduce emissions quickly would be to recreate the energy sector, then follow that up with reforms in all other sections of society that are major emitters. 

A basic cartoon of how CDM's work.

One reason that the predicted carbon emissions rise each year is because developing countries continue to develop faster than predicted. There is a system in place to help developing countries develop in a green way. It is called the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). In a very basic sense it is supposed to help industrialize undeveloped countries using renewable technologies and the support of developed nations. The problem with the CDM is that it is part of the larger development of international carbon markets. Essentially developed countries that help undeveloped countries industrialize in a clean way get the carbon credits for the underdeveloped countries' environmentally clean society. What this does is give the dirty developed countries credits to trade on the market when they themselves have done nothing to reduce emissions, and it is their emissions that caused the problem in the first place. In order to reach the goal of 44 gigatons of CO2 emissions annually by 2020 the world needs to step up clean development, especially in large developed countries who emit the most, and possibly establish international carbon markets that include CDMs.

If you want to have a look at the report yourself it can be found at: http://www.unep.org/publications/ebooks/emissionsgapreport

Opening Ceremony for the High Level Segment of the COP 18

Yesterday, our contingent was entered into another drawing to attend the Opening Ceremony for the High Level Segment of the conference and luck was on our side! Our ticket was drawn which meant that one of us lucky ASD/SES delegates could attend as a representative of our group and I (Kyndall) was chosen to attend. Not only was I able to experience the Opening Ceremony in all its grandeur but this was also my first day at the conference.  After the taxing process of deciding who would go to the Ceremony, I took my ticket and charged into the conference room, completely unsure of what to expect. What I found there were hundreds of delegates from every NGO imaginable, representatives of pretty much every country and dozens of languages being spoken. There were people everywhere, gathered in the aisles, between desks and rows of chairs all talking about the conference proceedings and compromises so far.

                                         The hall where the Opening Ceremony took place. 

As the lights dimmed a movie began which highlighted the importance of individual action as well as the importance of mitigation and adaptation (two of the key ideas of the conference). One of the key debates taking place at COP 18 revolves around the international commitment to hold global temperature rise to <2°  and the movie made a very compelling analogy to the importance of lowering the global temperature; if we (humans) were to add 4° to our body temperatures, we would surely die, so why are we allowing our earth’s temperature to rise, because that is the path that we are on. If the global temperatures continue to rise then there will be no stopping global warming- therefore entire countries as well as each individual must act together, act as one to turn climate change around so that our future and our children’s futures will be viable.

                                                           One of the slogans for this conference

Each of the speakers, Cristiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, the President of the COP 18, Vuk Jeremic, President of the UN General Assembly, Ban Ki-moon Secretary General of the UN, the Emir of Kuwait and the Emir of Qatar all spoke upon the importance of the delegates and leaders to work together to combat the force that is climate change. It is imperative that each of the countries present work with “perseverance, solidarity, and determination”, Christiana Figueres.

                                 Christiana Figueres speaking at the Opening Ceremony

Each of their speeches were wonderful, hinting at the global importance of this meeting.  Some of the most inspiring words they spoke were:

"Abandon apathy, embrace ambition." - Ban Ki-moon

" This conference represents an unfolding new phase of humanity." - Sheikh Hamad bin   Khalifa Al   Thani

"Climate change is at the heart of diplomacy." - Vuk Jeremic

                                    Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani making opening remarks

                   

As a youth representative at this conference, I have been privileged to see, hear, and live new and exciting experiences. I was fortunate enough yesterday to not only attend the High Level Opening Ceremony but also to visit three different events where both Ban Ki-Moon and Christiana Figueres spoke. Honestly, I think that one of the most incredible things I witnessed was the compassion, drive and enthusiasm both of them have for combating climate change. They are incredibly busy and important people yet they each were present at the Momentum for Change presentation and awards ceremony as well as the Sustainable Solutions for Climate Action: Food Security in Dry Lands under a Changing Climate side event. I have been inspired by their hard work and dedication to the overwhelming challenge that is climate change and I can only hope that their enthusiasm and desire to reach an accord will be passed on to the policy makers here this week.

            Right now, I’m planning on taking this experience one day at a time and pull as much out of it as I can. Although I did not hear this at the Opening Ceremony, I think that it’s the perfect way to end this post.

            "We have to work on a basis of optimism" - Ban Ki-moon

It’s the only way that as a global society we can combat climate change,

                                           Ban Ki-moon 

~Kyndall

The Emir

The High Level segment of COP 18 began this week and was kicked off with another Opening Ceremony to mark the arrival of Heads of State and high level officials including Prime Ministers, Kings, and Presidents. The Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, attended this ceremony, and part of our delegation was fortunate enough to witness his arrival.

The Emir shaking hands with Christiana Figueres, the UNFCCC Executive Secretary.

Field Trip on the Persian Gulf

On Monday we got to tag along with the ASD AP Biology class on a field trip in the Persian Gulf. We went out on a wooden boat called a dhow to a small island that was basically just sand. We recorded the salinity, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen, pH, and phosphate levels in four locations – off the boat, at the edge of the beach on two sides of the island, and in a small tidal pool.

We also recorded other factors having to do with the surrounding environment such as wind direction and air temperature. I specifically was in charge of getting the GPS coordinates for each sampling location but also helped with gathering samples and recording information. After collecting data we cleaned up trash around the island and then were free to swim and explore the island. Many of the students were jumping off the 2nd floor of the dhow and swimming. We ate lunch out on the boat before going onto the island. On the island we saw a flock of flamingos but many of them were more white than pink. We also stumbled across a couple crabs and a turtle skeleton/shell on the beach. The sand in the shallow water was a very odd consistency; it was soft and spongy. In some spots you would sink down knee deep.

Tomorrow it is back to the conference, beginning a four-day push to the finish.  Many Heads of State begin arriving tomorrow so it should make for an interesting second week.

Weekend Adventures

The first week at the conference was absolutely incredible and very exhausting. On Sunday, all of the delegates were given a day off from the conference which gave our group the opportunity to venture out on the free shuttle buses and see some more of Doha!

The first week at the conference was absolutely incredible and very exhausting. On Sunday, all of the delegates were given a day off from the conference which gave our group the opportunity to venture out on the free shuttle buses and see some more of Doha!

A panorama shot of The Pearl.

Our first stop was at The Pearl. The Pearl is a completely man made, two million square foot island located off of Doha's West Bay Lagoon. It was named the Pearl because it was built on a previous pearl diving site. It contains a variety of shops and restaurants which feature a fusion of Arabic, Italian, French, and Spanish culture. It also has apartments, town homes, penthouses, hotels and a marina which makes it a very unique environment for both permanent residents, and visitors to Doha. It's astonishing to be standing on solid ground there and realize that less than 10 years ago, it was just an idea. Now, where blank ocean space used to be, there is a developing futuristic community on the rise.

Michael, Georgia, Cale and I at The Pearl

Our next stop was the Museum of Islamic Art. It is located on a man made island at the waterfront in Doha and contains Islamic artifacts from Spain, Egypt, Iraq, Turkey, Iran, India, and Central Asia which date back 1400 years. The museum's exterior design is a beautiful piece of art all its own. It was designed to look like a woman wearing a niqab. It symbolizes Islamic culture and what the museum is all about. Seeing the large quantity of artifacts in this museum was eye opening and allowed me to gain a greater perspective of Islamic culture.

The Islamic Museum of Art.

After seeing the city, we went to the Sustainability Expo for a few hours. This Expo is running concurrently with the Conference and is open to the public. The exhibits there are presented in a very interesting way and have a different dynamic than what I have seen at the Conference. There were many groups which presented about more spiritual or moral ways to prevent climate change. One of the groups was meditation-based and had the goal of making people more open minded so that they could  accept climate change, adapt their lifestyle to be more eco-friendy, and become better people overall. Another interesting group was at an exhibit called "The Loving Hut". Their name drew us in and after talking to two of their representatives, we found out they are a Vegan food chain. Their belief was that 50% of all CO2 emissions came from the livestock industry and that if we all stopped eating meat, the climate issue would be mostly solved. Although the climate change issue does go deeper than that, their points presented a view on CO2 emissions that was different from others. It made me think more about how the individual can make a difference in climate change by making simple changes in their diets, commute. lifestyle, etc. It really emphasized that we do not need a revolution to help the planet. We can all do little things and make a big difference.

I am looking forward to going back to the Conference to see what goals are accomplished by the end of the week. If everyone comes together this week, wonderful things can happen and produce change in a positive direction.

The Loving Hut booth at the Sustainability Expo.

 

Friday concluded our first week at COP18

By the end of the week, we were exhausted, but it was nice to reflect upon how far we’ve come since the start of the conference and attend several more sessions in our interest areas.

Update on the women’s issues:

Half of the party members and their signs, following along with the co-chairs as they edited the item.

I attended an open-ended consultation on the draft of SBI Agenda Item 21, a proposal to enhance the participation of women in the UNFCCC bodies, with the co-chairs of the item. It was in the smallest room in which I have attended a session, configured with a square of conference tables in the center and benches lining the walls around the outside with room for about 40 people to sit. The attending party members sat in the inner ring with country signs on the desks. When the floor was open and someone had a point to make, he or she turned his or her sign on its side to indicate his or her desire to be called on by co-chairs Ambassador Nozipho Mxakato-Diseko (South-Africa) and Mr. Kunihiko Shimada (Japan). This type of consultation session was much different from others I’d seen—it seemed to be a glimpse into the real decision-making of the conference, rather than a side event meant to inform and gather support. The chairs made sure everyone in the room (including NGO observers!) had a current copy of the proposed item, written up by the European Union, and Mr. Shimada went through the document and guided the audience through changes he wanted to make and why. Most of the changes to the draft were to ensure that grammatical flaws didn’t interfere with the meaning or intentions of the text. For example, he suggested replacing the phrase “Recognizing that women need to” with “Recognizing the need for women to”. You can see how a slight change in words or their arrangement can make an important difference in the next draft of an item. There was some disagreement as to whether we should make the item more specific, use stronger language, and ask for exactly what we want (Iceland and India were encouraging this) or keep it less specific to minimize sources of disagreement, expedite the process and unite the largest number of women and gender-activists (Ambassador Mxakato-Diseko spoke about this).

The delegate for India said he was proud to be one of the 9 men in the room for such a historic meeting. It made me equally disappointed, because more than 20% of the meeting should have been male, but also appreciative of those men and what brought them to that session. As the conference progresses over the next week, I will track the progress of the item and be as involved as possible as an observer.

-Georgia

Financing Climate Change: The Green Climate Fund (GCF)

Climate Change affects the lives of people much more directly than is commonly thought. Yvette Abrahams is a woman from South Africa who is experiencing the effects of climate change first hand. Her entire village is almost to the point where they will have to abandon their homes and move elsewhere. After a presentation on the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Yvette was not happy with the "assurances" made by developed countries to donate money to the GCF.  In the discussion following the presentation she stated, "We need to sort it out, not our children. A 2 degree temperature rise everywhere else would mean a 4-5 degree rise in South Africa. At those temperatures our grass cannot grow, the cattle will die, and we will have to leave. What we have held through apartheid, colonization, and genocide, we will lose through climate change". What she is asking is for people to start acting now, not wait for someone else to take charge.

The speakers from the GCF talk.

Indigenous People and developing countries all around the world are feeling the effects of climate change right now. What they are asking is that initiatives to battle climate change start right now. In order to begin these initiatives there must be ample financing available to all people around the world. This is the idea behind the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The GCF was proposed and adopted at COP15 in Copenhagen. Since then the Board has met 2 times and at each subsequent COP the GCF has been left unaddressed. At this point the GCF lacks formal safeguards and processes; Board members and other experts called it “an empty shell”. The general consensus is that at COP18 or sometime in 2013 there is a real need to get down to the nuts and bolts of the GCF and lay down the groundwork so it can become functional and begin to help people.

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This “laying of groundwork” is the trickiest aspect of the Green Climate Fund. The ultimate goal is to create a fund that will address and support both mitigation and adaptation evenly. The GCF must also provide a safeguard mechanism to ensure that money will be used as effectively as possible. One proposal is that the safeguards to be established within the GCF must also be adopted by any private sector group or NGO that wants to use money from the fund. This would ensure that the goals of the GCF would be upheld. Another aspect that must be ensured is that adaptation and mitigation will have equal shares of the fund. This is important because both mitigation and adaptation are needed to solve climate change. There is a need to both reduce the amount of CO2 being released, which is mitigation, as well as to help people who are already feeling the effects of climate change, which is adaptation.

When looking at the history of climate finance, it becomes clear that money tends to flow into the private sector and as a result they are the ones that carry out plans on the ground. What has been lacking is the availability of money going directly to indigenous people and local communities. An example presented by Mr. Emmanuel Dlamini illustrates why money should be available to local communities. In his presentation Mr. Dlamini told of a friend who lives in a rural area in Africa. She saved up enough money to buy her own seeds and grow crops for her family. She planned out when to plant her seeds based on rain patterns from the past. Then the rain stopped - it did not come when it had traditionally come and as a result all of her plants died. The next year she had to withdraw a loan to get seeds. This pattern continues and causes many people to go deeper and deeper into debt. This variability in weather is amplified by climate change. What people in these rural areas need is some type of fund, such as the GCF, from which to receive money necessary to combat the problems brought on by climate change. If they do not have access to a fund such as the GCF, they have no choice but to put themselves in debt.

Here are a few statements from experts during the Green Climate Fund session:

“In order to make it a big fund, we must first make it an effective fund.” –Daisy Stratfield

“We want to see the GCF grow and prosper.” –Ina von Franzuis

“Let's have a decision not just an assurance.” –David Kabula

“Climate change must be seen as a reality, not an idea.” -Emmanuel Dlamini

“Climate change and the GCF is an issue of justice.” –George Awudi

A Pictorial History of Week One

Siiri holding a falcon in the Falcon Souq.

Here is a summation of our adventures during week one.  Week two will be even more exciting than week one with Heads of State arriving and negotiations heating up. Stay tuned to the blog and we'll do our best to keep you updated.  

Some youth performing an action at the QNCC.

One of our hangout places, this one in the west restaurant.

One of many meals eaten at QNCC.

Enjoying the dunes. Nothing like sand boarding.

Nothing more beautiful than the desert sunset

Simon soaking in the QNCC

One of the larger plenary rooms

This is where we buy our delicious shawarma.

Jenica, Michael, and Cale outside of ASD.

Georgia and Michael in front of the giant spider.

Some youth making their voice heard.

The Doha skyline at night.

The full SESEF delegation at the ASD library

Dinner in the Souq.

The QNCC from the highway.

The delegation in the blue light of the QNCC.

A couple of us at ASD.

Christiana Figueres speaking with YOUNGO.

The YOUNGO meeting had everyone sitting on the floor, including the Executive Secretary.

The circle provided a sense of companionship among the youth.

The President of COP18, Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, speaking at the opening plenary.