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.

My blogging station

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