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Ministerial Manners
5 Dec 2012
Most developed countries came to Doha eager to move on to a new track of negotiations, even while several critical issues from recent years of the talks are left unresolved. It is vital these issues are addressed before the talks move on. Like all good mothers, ECO wants to tell developed country ministers they can’t […]
We Stand With Philippines
5 Dec 2012
As climate talks enter their second week, the reality of a changing climate is striking home. In the LCA Plenary session Monday, a delegate from the Philippines said “instead of getting ready for Christmas, we may be counting our dead”, referring to the impending landfall of Super Typhoon Bopha. On Monday night, the storm caused […]
Which Way, Japan?
5 Dec 2012
ECO is concerned to hear that Japan may not keep up its 25% reduction target by 2020 compared to 1990, and instead is considering reducing it to around 5 to 9% (domestic reduction target). Of course, Japan has already undermined the momentum of the negotiations by rejecting the Kyoto CP2. If Japan now lowers its […]
Next Steps to Enhance the Review
5 Dec 2012
The start of the first periodic review (2013 – 2015) is approaching. This is intended to be a strong science-based instrument to increase ambition. But still there is no decision on which body will conduct the review. Informal groups have ongoing meetings but there has not been much convergence. The most convincing solution would involve […]
From a Pinch of Salt to “Pinches” of Gender
5 Dec 2012
One speaks of gender rights and environmental rights, but combining them on the UNFCCC track is important and can be a challenge. Women play a key role in day to day life, and are those who are most burdened by climate issues. Nevertheless, a focus on women in COP discussions is lacking. In Decision […]
Will Doha be an oasis of hope or doom for the poor?
5 Dec 2012
This generation has witnessed unforgettable catastrophes of climate change. The most affected are the rural and poorer people of developing countries, Africa in particular. The African continent has contributed the least to the problem and is the one least able to cope with the impacts, because we depend heavily on climate sensitive activities for our […]
COP 18 Doha: Pledge, People, Pledge!
5 Dec 2012
Towards the end of the most hilarious annual conference on climate change in the world, Doha's COP 18, finance is still a big issue to handle. The year of 2012 is crucial, because it is the last year for Fast Start Finance to flow, and, starting 2013, a USD 100 billion by 2020 should […]
Note to Self: This Week, Agree a Strong CP2
4 Dec 2012
Today's Thought for the Unwilling: why a strong CP2 is better for you… ECO would like to remind Parties that hold large amounts of Kyoto surplus units: Insisting on lenient use rules and refusing to agree to cancellation at the end of 2020 may get you the opposite of what you want. Why would […]
Fast Start Finance: Mixed Results
4 Dec 2012
Climate finance is not generosity or voluntary aid – it is a moral and legal obligation of developed countries, and an essential element of a solution to the climate crisis. But concrete commitments to financing are absent here so far. Now ECO has heard some grumpy noises from developed countries that their fast start financing […]
Tarnished: Dirty Oil Smears Canada’s Reputation
4 Dec 2012
Canada’s environment minister, Peter Kent, arrived in Doha yesterday under the long shadow of the tar sands. Since Durban, his government has been working hard to dismantle Canada’s environmental protection laws to speed up resource extraction, an initiative that government has been promoting under the Orwellian slogan of “responsible resource development.” ECO has warned […]