It is late, very late, and the convention centre is emptying up pretty quickly. There are only a handful of us here still churning out the last snippets of energy for the day. There have been a couple of issues that still have to be sorted out; some which are pretty crucial.
Adaptation
For starters the issue of financing for adaptation mechanisms is proving to be quite a hustle. There is still the issue of provision of funds for the Adaptation program is essential yet not yet finalized. The kitty is running out. In fact, it is in the red in terms of the amount of funds available. The gist of the position of particularly developing countries is that there is a need to sort out the issue of provision and access of ADEQUATE financial and other resources to facilitate adaptation mechanisms as regards climate change. These funds are crucial to the efficient operation of the National Adaptation Programs for Action (NAPA) since they draw upon these resources. Conversely, the issue of compensation and rehabilitation in addressing the issue of adaptation is also pending, and crucially depends on the finances available. The window of opportunity has been closing since there are still three days to go before conclusion of the talks. For now we must keep our fingers crossed.
Mitigation and Ambition
Another issue of importance has been that of raising ambition. This is in regard to the overall responsibilities or targets of parties in relation to issues such as carbon emissions reduction targets. This aspect touches on mitigation mechanisms for the parties. There is a growing concern about the unresolved issues such as access to sustainable development and the re-assessment of a long term temperature goal. There are some countries, particularly those from annex 1 parties, which comprises of developed states, who still act as hurdles to an enhanced common and binding position in an international temperature goal. Moving forward, the goal is to ensure that the relevant organs dealing with adaptation and mitigation carry out their work in order to see to it that there is a global binding deal by 2015 at the very latest
Surplus Emissions Again!!
Surplus emissions seem to be the elephant in the room. As referred to earlier, the Kyoto Protocol expires at the end of the year and the pressure is on the parties to “extend the mandate” of the protocol. It seems fairly simple really: meet, agree, and ratify. There is a problem, however, some parties (again developed countries are reluctant to commit to a second agreement) essentially stalling the process and jeopardizing the conclusions. Some countries have already pulled out.
There are some proposals that are being thrown among the pigeons when it comes to increased ambition. Increase of ambition is crucial to deal with climate change in the next ten years. The targets set in the years preceding 2020 have to be increased so there can be a result of increased carbon reduction.
Moving on
The issue of oil subsidies is also causing some ripples particularly among developing countries. Oil subsidies threaten any decisive action by some parties, particularly those in Annex 1. Phasing these out would do a great deal in ensuring that the movement towards realization of the targets set are met.
Coal is also critical. A reduction in the utilization of coal is key in reducing carbon emissions and hence reduces the effects of climate change. Parties have been put under quite some pressure to ensure that these talks end up fruitfully. Despite this fact, the hopes for a concrete binding agreement are quickly fading. We all watch with bated breath to see what Parties will come up with.
The call for more action has been made; the time is fast running out, the message is clear…Make Doha Count!!
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