Mobility- The Unification of the Public Transportation Sector & Socializing with the Colombian Delegation

In order to get us to meet important people during the conference we came up with the idea of the "Pink Badge Challenge". This consists in introducing ourselves to a Party member of any delegation. At the COP, "Party" is another word for "Country", and official country delegates can be identified by the pink border on their name tag. For Cale and I, it was Lela; she was a representative from the Turkish delegation. From her we learned how Parties distribute their assets in the sector where they have an area of expertise. The completion the pink badge challenge gave us the opportunity to receive a drawing from Lela, one of the Mexican negotiators. Even though this drawing came from a moment of boredom, it captured one of the few delegates that took the time to participate in the side events, as well as the official negotiations. The delegate portrayed Mexico's intention to reduce CO2 emissions by unifying the public transport: tramways, trains, bicycles, planes, and cars, into a unified grid. This means that pedestrians have access to public bicycles; those bicycles have access to public buses, trains or tramways; and those modes of transportation lead to other transportation systems like airports or shipping ports. This integration will allow civilization to communally transport themselves efficiently.

A contributor to the issue pointed out that, "Our journey starts by walking". If we form our priorities to this process of thinking we should be able to reduce our CO2 emissions by significant quantities. Unifying all contributors to the public transportation sector will allow society to function more smoothly and more cleanly, and this will not only contribute to the mitigation of the climate issue, but it will also affect the people's lifestyle and health quality. Belgium had the initiative to create a car sharing system,"Cambio", in order to significantly reduce the private transport CO2 emission rate; "ONE car will substitute the use of NINE cars in today's transportation grid system". Intercommunicating transportation systems will allow citizens to ride their bikes to work and transport their bikes on their buses through the bus systems as well as the train/metro network. Furthermore, some of the energy used to power the public transport sector can be imputed back into the grid and "recycled" to lessen the demand for the production energy through fossil fuels.

In another note, Thursday 29th became a very eventful day as I met, talked, and experienced first hand how the Colombian delegation (my own country) negotiated their interests in the main hall. Afterwards, I talked to Isabel Cavelier Adarve, a negotiator herself, and we agreed to a follow up meeting with the NGO and the South American delegates, today at 1pm (+3 GMT). Isabel is the Adviser of Environmental Affairs in the Economic, Social and Environmental Affairs Office. We will see how the meetings go today and we will keep you posted Minnesota!

Simon Velasquez Morales

A Look at Nuclear Energy

The second day attending COP18 I talked to a representative from Hungary. He was involved in the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and told me a little about the process and benefits of nuclear energy. In the future nuclear energy could be a big player in the effort to reduce greenhouse gases, while also fulfilling current global energy needs. Nuclear energy is the third most CO2 efficient energy source behind hydroelectric power and wind power. A majority of climate scientists agree that we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions 50%-85% by 2050 in order to avoid major ecological impacts. According to the IAEA, nuclear energy could account for about 15% of total greenhouse gas emission reductions from electricity generation by 2050. The IPCC (International Panel of Climate Change) has estimated that nuclear power has the lowest cost and greatest greenhouse gas reduction potential in power generation.  Not only would nuclear energy lessen the amount of coal that is burned, but it could also provide a more efficient way      to burn coal. While producing energy the heat from the nuclear reactors could be used for the gasification of  coal.

Nuclear fission also produces virtually no air pollution, however it does produce nuclear waste. This is where the real controversy can be found. The waste from nuclear fission remains radioactive for at least 100,000 years. Ways must be found to either detoxify it or find a safe and secure place to store it.

In Olkiluoto, Finland, they are in the process of constructing the world's first permanent nuclear waste repository. Sweden has received the necessary permits and authorization, but waiting for approval on their building plans. These repositories have specific building requirements that ensure safety, security, and accessibility in the future. The waste from nuclear fission contains 7%-9% of its original potential energy, unfortunately there is no way to recover or use this beneficially. One day it could turn into a resource rather than just waste. This radioactive waste won’t be going anywhere for 100,000 years, and it is believed that would be more than enough time to find some way to detoxify or utilize it.

REDD+ And Indigenous Peoples

One of the most difficult climate change mitigation policies to pass is called REDD+. REDD stands for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, with the "plus" representing the broadened scope of REDD which was the result of agreements made at COP16 in Cancun, Mexico. In this post I will give a brief history of REDD, current REDD initiatives, issues surrounding the policy, the role of Indigenous People in REDD+, and why the interests of Indigenous People are so important to this policy.

The idea for REDD was first introduced by the Coalition for Rainforest Nations at COP11 in 2005. Five years later REDD finally became part of the agreements at COP16 in Cancun. Originally REDD was designed to pay forest owners who prevent deforestation and thus help reduce atmospheric carbon. In Cancun they broadened the scope of REDD to include both actions that prevent emissions and actions that increase the removal of carbon from the atmosphere, in other words conservation and sustainable management of forests. With this revision the term "REDD+" was coined. Another aspect of REDD+ that must be mentioned is the inclusion of environmental and social safeguards. These are meant to ensure the rights of indigenous people and ensure that no forest be destroyed due to any REDD agreement. The Cancun agreement touches on these issues but nothing is set in stone, and therein lies the issue.

During my experience observing REDD+ presentations it has been evident that indigenous peoples have the highest interest in REDD discussions.  This stems from the fact that they have the most at stake in issues surrounding deforestation. Many questions I have heard from indigenous people ask how it will possible to battle the massive amounts of money that timber and agriculture companies have. They feel that the battle is almost hopeless at the moment because no policy exists to protect indigenous rights. The current REDD policy discusses indigenous rights but does not actually do anything to protect them. COICA, an indigenous group representing indigenous peoples from Amazonia, believes that "REDD+ cannot advance without immediate guarantees and conditions for indigenous peoples, such as the recognition of rights to property, to collective legal status, consultation, participation, and free, timely and informed consent; and, moreover these be binding.” Although this is a very brief explanation it provides a solid, relevant background on the issues and controversy surrounding REDD+.

 Currently REDD+ is still being discussed at the international level. Even though nothing about REDD+ is completely set in stone there are still many REDD+ initiatives around the globe. Indigenous groups in the Amazon and South America are currently drawing up REDD+ initiatives but more than likely nothing will begin to happen until indigenous people have territorial recognition and are able to secure their rights. COICA says that “without territories and rights, REDD+ is unworkable”. Essentially at this point if indigenous people are going to adopt any REDD+ policy they will demand self-determination and territorial rights, otherwise as COICA says, REDD+ will be unworkable.

 

The important information to take away from REDD+ discussions is that indigenous people need to be represented in the decision making process. They have the most at stake and know the most about the areas in which REDD+ will be initiated. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, the Executive Director of Tebtebba, who is coordinating the efforts of all IPO’s (Indigenous Peoples Organizations) at COP18, said to me that if the indigenous people do not get represented in decision making process they will not let REDD+ policy take place in their ancestral lands.

Gender Day- the start of a tradition!

Today I was lucky enough to participate in the first Gender Day of the COP. Gender Day was established by the UNFCCC to encourage gender sensitivity in international climate policies and in the role of women as decision-makers at the COP. Almost every event I attended involved Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC and my new role model. She is a charismatic woman who radiates kindness and humor and is determined to recognize the role and impacts of over 50% of the population (women) on the climate change issue. Gender responsiveness at the COP is not just a matter of equal rights and increasing female participation in the negotiations, but recognizing the unique role of women in climate change mitigation and adaptation. According to Figueres, women are "at the nexus of food, energy, and water". Throughout the day I attended various panel discussions, question & answer sessions, meetings, and speeches by powerful, intelligent women dedicated to establishing a standard of gender responsive decision-making at the COP.

The president of COP18 addressing the panel of women about their role in achieving climate justice

I attended the presentation of Thuto Ya Batho-- Teachings from Our People, a book inspired during last year's conference, COP17 in Durban, South Africa. It's a compilation of stories of women in developing countries adapting to the effects of climate change--for example, enabling food security despite desertification and extreme weather. The speakers included the president of COP18 and prime minister of Qatar H.E. Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, former President of Ireland "Momma" Mary Robinson, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC Christiana Figueres, and president of COP17 Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane. It was filled with energy and was a positive way to start the day because it provided hope and appreciation of the work that women are already doing to adjust to the changing climate, but still encouraged each of us to take responsibility for the planet. The launch of the Thuto Ya Batho Legacy Project was especially significant because the president of the Doha conference is the first male president of the COP in 3 years. The president of COP17, Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, presented a copy of the book to him in order to symbolize continuing the recognition of the role of women in climate change adaptation strategies. It was satisfying, because it seemed to be a friendly way to hint to the president their expectations of "gender smart" change in policy-making this year in Doha. When the president of COP17 spoke, she got me thinking about the idea that women really shouldn't be viewed as victims of climate change, but as contributors to society in response to it. As Christiana Figueres added, "Women aren't waiting for changes. They aren't waiting for a paradigm shift on climate issues. Women just march in and do what needs to be done."

"Momma" Mary Robinson speaking to the audience about developing a sense of urgency on climate issues

Right now the COP is working on to create a policy that will hopefully be implemented by 2020. A few times during the day I heard "Momma" Mary Robinson make the point that many people think 2020 is already too late, and the way to develop the sense of urgency we need is to make climate issues people-centered, which includes women.  

Panel of women experts on climate and gender

Later on I attended a set of high-level panel discussions of women leaders, gender experts, and climate change experts from around the world, including Alcinda Abreu, the Minister of Coordination of Environmental Affairs of Mozambique. This was my favorite of the gender sessions of today, because I felt an intense sense of community between the women in the panels and the audience. It might have also been due to the fact that they were given a chance to share personal stories and motivations behind their involvement in gender and climate change issues. When asked about her motivation behind her work, Figueres began to cry and said that she was working for her family and every woman seven generations in the future.

Left to right: President of WEDO(Women's Environment and Development Organization) Cate Owren, the Minister of Coordination of Environmental Affairs of Mozambique Alcinda Abreu, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC Christiana Figueres,  and the former president of Ireland Mary Robinson.

The last session was titled "Gender and Climate: Moving beyond the Rhetoric" and included speaking and a question-answer session with the audience by a panel of women including H.E. Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani of the royal family of Qatar. Photos were forbidden and there was high security in a ring around the audience, which was the highest level of security I have seen at any session so far. I sat next to two other members of the Al-Thani family, and they were constantly in communication with their guards, the press, and other officials. The women panel had a wonderful series of questions which they took very seriously. Figueres did prompt a few laughs though! Overall, they pushed the idea that we need to move past the theory of gender responsiveness and equality and start acting on it. Mary Robinson said that they will increase and look for gender balance in every subsequent decision of the UNFCCC, and that gender balance will ultimately be in climate change policy as a crosscutting issue on all areas of the UNFCCC.

It has been an absolutely wonderful day, and I hope women and gender activists reading this feel hopeful and empowered.

-Georgia

First Impression of COP18

When I first walked into the Qatar National Convention Center(QNCC) I had an idea in my mind on how the conference would be. I imagined formal meetings with delegates speeding around, chatting up their collegues. I envisioned a very distinct and rigid atmosphere. This image quickly dissolved as I experienced the conference.

The SESEF delegates walking at the front of the center.

Georgia and I in the center.

The QNCC is massive. There are meetings and presentations going on everywhere throughout the center. The first area I managed to stumble upon was the US Center, hidden in a back corner of the QNCC. Here I watched a presentation by NASA entitled, "Looking Back and Looking Down". This presentation touched on many different climate issues, focusing on the data collected by NASA satellites. The presentation was accompanied by fantastic HD graphics on the Hyperwall, which was a group of 9 TV's arrayed into one large screen. Overall the presentation provided a solid background in climate science as a foundation for the next two weeks.

One of many meeting rooms at the Qatar National Convention Center

One of our delegates, Georgia, getting interviewed near the kiosks.

The QNCC has a few very large halls, some of which are split up into meeting rooms and exhibition halls. One of these rooms is filled with hundreds of kiosks that represent all the different constituencies, interest groups, and organizations at COP18. This is my favorite area in the QNCC because it represents the diversity present at the conference. Here in Doha I have certain organizations and constituencies that I want to follow, one of them being the Indigenous People constituency. At one of these kiosks I had a very interesting conversation with a group from the Tebtebba organization, which represents interests of indigenous people from the Philippines and Indonesia. This conversation was a perfect example of just how friendly people are at COP18 and how excited they are to be here. All I had to do was introduce myself and the rest just flowed very easily. During the conversation I got lots of information and readings about indigenous people and REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in developing countries.) We even began to discuss possible intern opportunities. All in all it was a very fulfilling and engaging conversation. After my first day all I want to do is get back to the conference, learn more, and meet more people.

YOUNG

YOUNGO is the Youth Non-Governmental Organization constituency at COP18. YOUNGO meetings are quite different than a traditional constituency member meeting. As a youth I decided to attend one of these meetings, which took place in one of the larger meeting rooms. What was interesting about this meeting was that instead of sitting in the chairs, all of the youth gathered in a big circle on the floor. This represented the difference between our generation and older generations; we are willing to do things differently. This meeting, combined with my interaction with other youth from  around the world who are attending the conference, has given me hope for the future. There are many young people besides myself here at the conference and every single one of us is passionate, respectful, and ready for whatever challenges may be in our futures. It is exciting to see so much positive energy focused on climate change.

The YOUNGO constituency gathering,

Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres answering question for YOUNGO.

The conference emits a very exciting and positive vibe. Attendees here seem to be excited and eager to talk and share information with anyone who is interested. I also have felt that as a youth I have an advantage, the advantage being that people tend to be willing and excited to share information with a young person. After my first day I am excited and ready for whatever these next two weeks will bring.

Delegation Partner and Mentor

In addition to the partnership between SES and ASD, our delegation has the good fortune to work with another partner during our time at the conference. Siiri Bigalke is a sophomore at Smith College and a person who has been active in work on the climate change issue since early in her high school years.  Accredited to attend the COP18 conference through the Will Steger Foundation, Siiri is mentoring our group through the conference process and blogging about her own experiences at COP18 for the Will Steger Foundation.  Check out her blog at:

http://www.willstegerfoundation.org/cop18

Thanks for being here Siiri!

Day 1 at the Conference

Monday was the day we had all been anticipating for a long time! I had been  looking forward to my first day at the COP18 Conference already, but when our delegation won a lottery among NGOs for 1 ticket to attend the Opening Ceremony and I learned that I would be the one attending, my day became even more exciting.

The ceremony started off with motivational goals and ambitions for the next two weeks of the Conference. The first to speak was the COP17 President and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation for South Africa, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane. She wrapped up COP17-CMP7 by requesting that Doha stays true to the legacy that COP17 in Durban left, and that a new chapter be established which will lead us beyond 2020.

COP17 President Maite Nkoana-Mashabane speaking at the Opening Ceremony.

"We realize why we are here, why we keep coming back year and after year...We owe it to our people, the global citizenry. We owe it to our children to give them a safer future than what they are currently facing."

 -Maite Nkoana-Mashabane 

This quote really stood out for me because, as a young person, the climate change issue will directly affect my generation, and the generations to follow. Nkoana-Mashabane concluded her speech by passing the COP presidential title on to Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, the Deputy Prime Minister of Qatar as well as the head of the Emir's court. He also presented his goals for the conference, and his willingness to work with the Parties to make COP18-CMP8 the best it can be.

COP18 President Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah speaking at the Opening Ceremony.

Another featured speaker was the UNFCCC Executive Secretary, Christiana Figueres. She said that CMP18  would mark the closure of the first Kyoto Protocol, and the movement into the second. The Kyoto Protocol is the UNFCCC's international binding treaty which required industrialized countries which signed on to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.  She also said the Bali Action Plan is set to be moved from a "plan" to "action" at COP18. The Bali Action Plan was adopted at COP13 in 2007. It addresses five points to aid conquering climate change which are: adaptation, mitigation, the transfer of technology, long- term action, and resources for finance. It also addresses the importance of reducing emissions from deforestation and land development. Figueres presented a wide view of what was to come about at the Conference and I'm looking forward to see this happen over the two week period. 

Christiana Figueres participating in a YOUNGO Q&A session.

I was able to see Figueres once again at a YOUNGO meeting  later in the day. YOUNGO is the Youth Non-Governmental Organizations constituency which encompasses people ages 18 to 30. This session was question and answer based and allowed youth to have their voices heard.

The SES and ASD group at the end of our first day at COP18-CMP8.

 My first day at the Conference was everything I could have hoped for. I'm looking forward to the sessions I will get to observe and the people I will be able to connect with in the next two weeks! This is an incredible opportunity to have and I intend to get everything that I possibly can out of it.

-Cassie

The SESEF COP 18 delegation

The SESEF COP 18 delegation, a joint delegation partnership between the School of Environmental Studies and the American School of Doha, meets in preparation for the start of the conference on Monday.

Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (ENGOs)

It's hard to understand how NGOs work at COP 18, as they are such broad groups and their missions and goals related to climate change vary tremendously. In general all of the ENGOs work to conserve, preserve and restore aspects of the environment. Environmental NGOs are concerned about the impact of climate change on resources and sustainability of the environment. For example, the "Green Reef" NGO is specifically dedicated to the conservation of the Belize Barrier Reef and the associated marine environment in order to maintain the integrity of that ecosystem. Climate change is a big player in the health of the Belize Barrier Reef and its ecosystem. The increasing oceanic temperature has a large impact on barrier reefs due to the inability of reef organisms to adapt to temperature changes. The increased atmospheric CO2 associated with climate change is mixing into the ocean and increasing ocean acidity, another abiotic factor that impacts barrier reef organisms greatly. This is why Green Reef is interested in this conference and motivated to influence climate change negotiations.

Green Reef is just one of countless groups that will be attending COP 18 to represent their organization and ensure that their viewpoints and priorities are accounted for in the negotiation process. The climate is changing and the various organizations must present their views at COP 18 in order to come to a reasonable resolution that will be in everyone's best interest. Thus ENGOs will be sending delegates to achieve this goal and promote global sustainability.

- Cale

The Journey/First Impressions

We have arrived in Doha safe and sound after 20 some hours of continuous flying.  Although we were tired, the excitement of arriving in Doha seemed to wake us all up.  Passing through customs was a breeze, and it was there that I made my first connection in Doha.  My customs officer and I happened to have the same birthday!  I took this as a sign of good things to come.  After arriving at the airport we took off for the American School of Doha.  The entire ride was spent soaking in the feel of this new, foreign country. In Doha you must be prepared for traffic, hectic, crazy traffic.  Thank goodness I was not driving, otherwise we would not have made it to the school. After arriving at ASD (American School of Doha) we were able to finally meet the families we are spending the next two weeks with.  Everyone here is incredibly friendly, and we hit it off right away.  After a quick meeting to work out some details we were able to head off to our host families' homes.

On the ride home we made a small detour, and by small detour I mean a complete tour of Doha. My family was kind enough to take us on a ride around the city in order to help us get a feel for the culture and city in general. Our first stop was at the Marmara Istanbul Restaurant, my host family recommended that we try Shawarma, as this was the place to get it. The restaurant is pictured on the above, with the Shawarma underneath. And the Shawarma? It was  delicious.















After dinner we got a short tour of the city, driving past the Royal Palace, the Souq Waqif, and downtown, which our family called the west bay.

Pictured on the right is the Palace, it was beautiful at night.

The building on the West Bay. Doha is increasing at an incredible rate.  Eight years ago there was only 1 building to light up the skyline. Today the skyline could remind you of Minneapolis, but even larger and much more modern. The Doha skyline was incredible - here's a picture of my favorite skyscraper.

This was the sight from our balcony when we woke up this morning. Our family lives on one of the Pearls, which is a completely man-made island extending out into the Persian Gulf.









Now that we are all settled in Doha we are ready to go get our official credentials from the conference center. Tomorrow we finally get to begin our UN Climate Change experience.

Who has a say at COP? A little background on NGOs

The Conference of the Parties is one of the best places to get your voice heard and share your opinions.  All member parties of the UNFCCC send representatives to the COP to represent their respective nations.  However there are certain constituencies, that are not represented by these governmental bodies, who have an interest and stake in the climate change issue.  The constituencies are made up of groups of Non-Governmental Organizations or NGOs.

NGO's come in many different shapes and sizes, and represent different people from all around the globe. At COP they are organized into diverse but like-minded groups to more effectively advocate for their set of shared concerns. Here is a list of some of the NGO constituency groups who will play a role at COP18:

• IPO (Indigenous Peoples Organization)
• RINGO (Research and Independent Non-governmental Organizations)
• BINGO (Business and Industry Non-Governmental Organizations)
• TUNGO (Trade Unions Non-governmental Organizations)
• YOUNGO (Youth Non-Governmental Organization)
• ENGO (Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations)

-Michael

Subsidiary Bodies - Key supports for the COP

There is more to the structure and processes of the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties than meets the eye. Here's some additional background on the makeup and procedure of the COP:

The COP is advised by two permanent subsidiary bodies: the SBI and the SBSTA.

http://www.sustainus.org/docs/Youth%20Guide.pdf

The SBI, the Subsidiary Body for Implementation, supports the COP and the CMP by reviewing the success of the Convention's resolutions and the Kyoto Protocol. This includes looking over the present parties'  national communications and emission inventories, and reviewing the financial assistance provided to non-Annex I parties (mostly developing countries) to ensure that they were honoring their commitments to resolutions. The parties negotiate in the body to work towards the intentions of the original UNFCCC convention and other agreements. 

The SBSTA (some say "sub-sta"), the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice, acts as a connecting link between scientific information from expert sources (like the IPCC) and the policies of the COP. The body provides relevant information and advises the COP on scientific research and technology, focusing mainly on impacts and adaptation to climate change, deforestation emissions and impacts on developing countries, environmentally friendly technologies and their transfer, improving the guidelines for reviewing emission inventories from Annex I parties (mostly developed countries), and encouraging collaboration in climate change research.

The COP is the decision-making body of the UNFCCC, therefore its annual meetings are extremely relevant for all Parties. The upcoming conference in Doha, COP18, will be the 18th meeting of the Conference of the Parties since they began in 1995.

It's less than two weeks until all of these bodies, parties, and acronyms become very real!  We're all very excited and looking forward to attending this conference, and we're spending our last weeks learning the most we can about the negotiations we will observe.

-Georgia

What is a "COP"?

While this blog's title makes it clear that SES has a delegation going to COP 18, a little bit of background on what exactly the "COP" in COP18 is would probably be helpful.

COP is the Conference of the Parties. It is a meeting of "Parties" (i.e. countries) that have signed on to the UNFCCC, which is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The COP began in 1995 and has grown to 195 parties. There is an annual meeting to discuss the progress made over the past year as well as future developments on climate change, research, and policy.

http://www.robertsetiadi.net/articles/unfccc.htm

   

On a personal note, I am very excited to go to COP18 in Qatar. The countdown is on and everything is falling into place. It will be an incredible experience all around- both in terms of education and culture.

-Cassie

SES heads to COP 18

Four seniors from the School of Environmental Studies, will travel to Doha, Qatar November 23rd - December 9th to participate as official observers of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference. The delegation from SES will be attending as representatives of the School of Environmental Studies Education Foundation (SESEF) and will be the third SES student delegation to attend the annual conference since the Foundation was accredited as an official UNFCCC observer organization in 2009.  The students were selected to fill the delegation quota given to the Foundation by the UNFCCC based on a competitive selection process including a written application and oral interviews with SES faculty, administration, and SESEF Board members. The SES students will be hosted by the American School of Doha (ASD) and will form a joint delegation with selected faculty and students from ASD to observe official negotiation sessions, attend informational conference sessions on a wide range of climate change related topics, and report back to SES and the broader community via daily blog posts.