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This event discussed the ethical dimensions of climate change, including a recent report from TERI, entitled “Right to Sustainable Development: An Ethical Approach to Climate Change.”
During introductory remarks, Rajendra Pachauri, TERI, stressed that the right to sustainable development is increasingly important because of growing climate-induced disparities in areas such as water scarcity and food security. He called on any future agreement to explicitly target the removal of these disparities and to address inevitable impacts that will be borne by those with the least adaptive capacity.
Leena Srivastava, TERI, said the report calculates: historical and future equal per capita emission entitlements; individual countries’ share in the global carbon budget; and financial obligations to a “World Climate Debt Fund” that accounts for historical responsibility. She highlighted that Annex I countries’ actual emissions per human year from 1850-2010 is 13.97 tonnes of CO2, which far exceeds their calculated entitlements between 1850-2050 of 3.44 tonnes of CO2 per human year.
Jennifer Morgan, World Resources Institute (WRI), stressed the need to internalize and understand climate change issues ethically, but said the per capita framework may not be the most equitable approach. She also emphasized the need for new and predicable finance.
Olav Kjorven, UNDP, stressed that we not only need a fair and equitable agreement, but that “speed is a moral imperative.” He said a possible negative side effect of using a “climate debt-” based framework is that it implies that carbon is the “natural path” towards development.
Anil Markandya, Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3): questioned whether there is enough “carbon space” for a convergence of living standards; and stressed that we need to begin planning for a transition to a zero carbon society immediately. He emphasized that the concept of justice must be invoked, not only in terms of carbon justice, but also in terms of sustainable development.
Prodipto Ghosh, TERI, discussed work that was presented during a recent workshop on historical responsibility, stressing that when considered in the context of rights to “environmental space,” India and China have been part of the solution to climate change since 1850.
Participants discussed various issues related to incorporating ethical issues into climate change governance.
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L-R:
Michael Oppenheimer, Princeton University, US; James Meadowcroft, Carleton University, Canada; Heleen de Coninck, Energy Research Center, the Netherlands; Asbjørn Torvanger, CICERO, Norway; Philip Vergragt, Tellus Institute, US; and Jennie Stephens, Clark University, US.
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This panel focused on the risks, challenges and benefits of CCS from a social science perspective. In presentations moderated by Michael Oppenheimer, Princeton University, US, panelists elaborated research from a pilot project funded by The Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research (Mistra). Karin Bäckstrand, Lund University, Sweden, outlined the project’s main themes, namely: the role of CCS among other climate mitigation strategies; policy support, regulatory frameworks and social acceptability; and the international dimensions of CCS.
Heleen de Coninck, Energy Research Center, the Netherlands, provided an overview of CCS, pointing to the IPCC’s 2005 CCS report for further information. She noted that while some forms of CCS are still in the research phase, others already have mature markets.
James Meadowcroft, Carleton University, Canada, presented results from a recent book, “Caching the Carbon: The Politics and Policy of Carbon Capture and Storage.” He stated that CCS is not the only technological option, but that it may be critical politically to bring fossil-fuel dependent countries into the “climate coalition.” Jennie Stephens, Clark University, US, described the politics of CCS learning. She cautioned that a misalignment of international community and public perceptions of CCS could lead to controversy, mistrust and skepticism, and suggested that demonstration projects should be transparent and enhance social learning.
Asbjørn Torvanger, Center for Environmental and Climate Research (CICERO), Norway, presented economic perspectives on CCS investment, focusing on: policy frameworks and public support; government investments in mitigation; the role of carbon prices in determining CCS viability; and whether CCS is “too little, too late.” Philip Vergragt, Tellus Institute, US, said preliminary research findings suggest that CCS could lead to “fossil fuel lock-in.” He noted that biomass CCS could help break this lock-in, although he emphasized that it should be considered a niche, rather than a central mitigation solution.
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Jiaman Jin, GEI, stated that technology transfer has become embroiled in broader discussions about intellectual property rights. In response, she urged an increased focus on practical approaches to technology diffusion as a response to climate change. Douglas Whitehead, GEI, emphasized a need to provide rural energy production with short-term integrated solutions for developing mitigation options, and suggested that market mechanisms can accelerate technology diffusion.
A number of representatives from GEI then presented on various aspects of their work. They outlined, among other things, a Sri Lankan case study, which illustrated how the application of China's rural development programme related to biogas is assisting communities to mitigate climate change and generate other social and environmental benefits. They laid out the technical and financial barriers to increasing GHG-efficient light-emitting diode streetlights, and said GEI is responding by facilitating technology diffusion and partnerships.
Christine Tsang, Blue Moon Fund, introduced biochar as a means to mitigate climate change and generate multiple benefits, including reducing off-site pollution and waste, and improving soil quality. She looked ahead to carbon negative agriculture that will allow rural communities to access carbon markets. Thomas Peterson, Center for Climate Strategies, detailed how his organization is using macro-economic analysis to generate policy options, which illustrate that investment in solar power technologies and other renewable energy technologies lead to economic gains. He said State Climate Action Plans lead to technology diffusion, economic growth, job creation and income gains.
Participants discussed, among other things, China's historic GHG emissions, technology transfer to Africa, and CDM as a mechanism for facilitating technology diffusion.
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This event examined the role of biochar in dryland farming. Jim Fournier, Biochar Engineering, said the biochar community is driven by goodwill rather than corporate money, and stressed the importance of obtaining relevant information from peer-reviewed sources.
Sergio Zelaya, UNCCD Secretariat, highlighted the untapped potential of drylands for climate change mitigation and adaptation. He said the UNCCD is interested in joint collaboration to thematically assess biochar for soil enhancement in drylands.
Johannes Lehmann, Cornell University, US, provided an overview of biochar and its production. He highlighted biochar’s potential benefits, noting that these vary across soils, crops and conditions. He addressed the linkages between biochar residence time in soils and the ability for biochar to yield significant emission reductions. Lehmann said there is sufficient scientific information to justify a full investigation of biochar, yet insufficient scientific information and experience for a “global roll-out,” thus necessitating pilot projects with full and critical scientific monitoring, evaluation and documentation.
Guy Reinaud, Pro-Natura International, described how his organization produces biochar alongside green charcoal production in Senegal, using carbonized rice husks and reeds as inputs. He outlined preliminary results, showing that farmers growing onions and maize can increase their marginal profits by factors of 2.9-6.8 per hectare by applying biochar to their soils.
During discussions, panelists detailed how biochar can be produced at small scales, including from cooking stoves, and suggested that the benefits of carbon sequestration that result from biochar must be economically valued to demonstrate its additional value over biomass production. Participants: questioned the urgency of including biochar under the CDM; cautioned against plantations for biochar production; and questioned whether, over the short term, the benefits of biochar outweigh the emissions generated by producing it.
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This session highlighted the vulnerability of mountain regions and communities to climate change, and presented adaptation experiences and priorities from these regions. Felix Näsher, Liechtenstein, opened by noting his country’s success with sustainable management practices in its vulnerable alpine environments. Anton Hilber, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), noted that mountain regions are already experiencing the effects of climate change. Wilfried Haeberli, World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS), presented scientific findings of climate change impacts in alpine areas, stating that a “new science of disequilibria” is needed to model changes in the mountains. He underscored that emissions must be reduced.
Daniel Masserli, SDC, moderated the first panel, in which representatives from mountain communities in Peru, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco and Switzerland shared their experiences with climate change and adaptation activities through statements and videos. Based on their comments that mountain communities observe changes to river levels, glaciers and agricultural productivity in their environments, several panelists emphasized that local communities have a right to know why these changes are occurring.
Gregory Greenwood, Mountain Research Initiative, moderated a second panel, where representatives from Peru, Italy and the World Bank responded to the previous panelists’ comments. Eduardo Durand, Peru, emphasized the need for governments to work closely with local people and to draw on local knowledge and wisdom for coping with resource scarcity. Calling mountains a “global issue,” Nicola Manduzio, Italy, noted the value of hearing experiences directly from those immediately affected by climate change. Walter Vergara, World Bank, encouraged increased capacity building, research and monitoring, and political will.
Participants discussed: technological support for adaptation efforts; interaction between science and traditional knowledge; the urgency of mitigation; and community adaptation strategies.
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This event discussed the relationship between livestock and climate change, including a discussion of livestock emissions, livelihood concerns and national-level examples of livestock mitigation through avoided deforestation in Brazil.
Henning Steinfeld, FAO, opened the event, stressing that the world’s poor will not be able to sustain themselves without livestock and explaining that the event would highlight the latest scientific insights and offer some thoughts on how to reduce emissions from the livestock sector.
Noting that the world’s population would grow to almost nine billion people over the next 25 years, Carlos Seré, ILRI, overviewed the trade-offs associated with reducing emissions from the livestock sector. He detailed the linkage between livestock and livelihoods in developing countries, saying the sector employs at least 1.3 billion people and represents US$1.4 trillion of global assets. Seré noted that livestock accounts for 18% of global GHG emissions, highlighting that emissions occur not only from livestock production but also from feed production and other activities in the production chain.
He described a variety of mitigation options for livestock, including: changes in demand for meat in developed countries; changes in animal species; feed alternatives; and reduced deforestation due to cattle ranch development. He concluded that: livestock presents a complex set of issues in the context of climate change; social benefits must be met along with environmental ones; and understanding trade-offs will require a “multi-currency” approach that may include things such as emissions, water and nutrients.
Noting that livestock is a complex sector that requires an integrated modeling framework, Peter Havlík, IIASA, presented a Global Biomass Optimization Model that covers forest, agriculture, bioenergy and land use sectors. On cropland, the Model estimates yields depending on different types of management and generates potential environmental effects. At a macro level, the model shows that where shifts in production methods are possible, rises in commodity prices and deforestation are minimized.
Barbara Bramble, NWF, introduced the next two speakers, noting that they would discuss Brazil’s ability to promote GHG reductions from deforestation while maintaining cattle production levels.
Paulo Barreto, IMAZON, described opportunities in Brazil to reduce deforestation from cattle ranching. He detailed a recent law in his country that allows for the prosecution of people, such as retailers and banks, that fund ranchers and slaughterhouses and that purchase or support production of illegal products. He said as a result retailers have stopped buying illegal products.
Roberto Smeraldi, Amigos de Terra, reported on a study of estimated GHG emissions from cattle ranching in Brazil between 2003-2008. He said around half of Brazil’s emissions come from deforestation, burning of pasture and methane emissions from herds. To mitigate the effects of cattle production, he suggested strong regulatory measures to reduce deforestation, eliminate the use of fire in agriculture and improve degraded areas. He agreed that REDD can contribute to reversing this situation.
Participants then discussed various aspects of the role of livestock in addressing climate change.
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UNFCCC resources
Side event website
Summary of events
Timetable of events
UNFCCC News
UN resources
Gateway to the UN System’s Work on Climate Change
Informal Thematic Debate of the UN General Assembly on Climate Change as a Global Challenge
IISD RS resources
IISD RS coverage of the Forest Day 3, 13 December 2009, Copenhagen, Denmark
IISD RS coverage of the Agriculture and Rural Development Day 2009, 12 December 2009, Copenhagen, Denmark
IISD RS coverage of the Development and Climate Days at COP 15, 11-14 December 2009, Copenhagen, Denmark
IISD RS coverage of the Copenhagen Business Day, 11 December 2009, Copenhagen, Denmark
IISD RS coverage of the Barcelona Climate Change Talks 2009, 2-6 November 2009, Barcelona, Spain
IISD RS coverage of Selected Side Events at the Barcelona Climate Change Talks 2009, 2-6 November 2009, Barcelona, Spain
IISD RS coverage of the UNFCCC Technical Workshop on Advancing the Integration of Approaches to Adaptation Planning, 2-14 October 2009, UN Conference Centre (UNCC), Bangkok, Thailand
IISD RS coverage of the Bangkok Climate Change Talks - 2009, 28 September - 9 October 2009, Bangkok, Thailand
IISD RS coverage of the Bonn Climate Change Talks - August 2009, 10-14 August 2009, Bonn, Germany
IISD RS coverage of the Bonn Climate Change Talks - June 2009, 1-12 June 2009, Bonn, Germany
IISD RS coverage of Selected Side Events at the Bonn Climate Change Talks - June 2009, 1-12 June 2009, Bonn, Germany
IISD RS coverage of the UNFCCC Technical Workshop on Increasing Economic Resilience to Climate Change and Reducing Reliance on Vulnerable Economic Sectors through Economic Diversification, 28-30 April 2009, Cairo, Egypt
IISD RS summary report of the Thirtieth Session of the Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change (IPCC), 21-23 April 2009, Antalya, Turkey (English: HTML - PDF) (Spanish: HTML - PDF) (Japanese: PDF)
IISD RS coverage of the Bonn Climate Change Talks - March/April 2009, 29 March - 8 April 2009, Bonn, Germany
IISD RS summary report of the UNFCCC Workshop on Integrating Practices, Tools and Systems for Climate Risk Assessment and Management and Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies into National Policies and Programmes, 10-12 March 2009, Havana, Cuba (HTML - PDF)
IISD RS coverage of the Business Day at UNFCCC COP 14, 9 December 2008, Poznań, Poland
IISD RS coverage of the Forest Day 2 at UNFCCC COP 14, 8 December 2008, Poznań, Poland
IISD RS coverage of the Development and Climate Days at COP 14, 6-7 December 2008, Poznań, Poland
IISD RS coverage of the UN Climate Change Conference - Poznań, 1-12 December 2008, Poznań, Poland
IISD RS coverage of Selected Side Events at the UN Climate Change Conference - Poznań, 1-12 December 2008, Poznań, Poland
IISD RS coverage of AWG-LCA 2, second part of the AWG-KP 5, and twenty-eighth sessions of the SBSTA and the SBI of the UNFCCC, 2-13 June 2008, Bonn, Germany
IISD RS coverage of the Development and Climate Days at COP 13, 8-9 December 2007, Bali, Indonesia
IISD RS coverage of the Forest Day at UNFCCC COP 13, 8 December 2007, Bali, Indonesia
IISD RS coverage of the UN Climate Change Conference - Bali, 3-15 December 2007, Bali, Indonesia
IISD RS coverage of Selected Side Events at the N Climate Change Conference - Bali, 3-15 December 2007, Bali, Indonesia
IISD RS coverage of the Development and Adaptation Days at COP 12, 11-12 November 2006, Nairobi, Kenya
IISD RS coverage of the UN Climate Change Conference – Nairobi 2006, 6-17 November 2006, Nairobi, Kenya
IISD RS coverage of Selected Side Events at the UN Climate Change Conference – Nairobi 2006, 6-17 November 2006, Nairobi, Kenya
IISD RS coverage of the Development and Adaptation Days at COP 11, 3-4 December
2005, Montréal, Canada
IISD RS coverage of the UNFCCC COP 11 & COP/MOP 1, 28 November to 10 December 2005, Montréal, Canada
IISD RS coverage of Selected Side Events at the NFCCC COP 11 & COP/MOP 1, 28 November to 10 December 2005, Montréal, Canada
IISD RS climate and atmosphere page
Climate-L - A mailing list for news on climate change policy
Linkages Update - Bi-weekly international environment and sustainable development news
MEA Bulletin - Newsletter on key MEAs and their secretariats
Climate Change Policy & Practice - News and information on the actions of international organizations in responding to the problem of global climate change
African Regional Coverage |
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