Resume of Copenhagen Conference News - 14/12/2009

Copenhagen Conference 14/12/2009

Discussions suspended

A number of African nations walked out of the conference just before noon today amidst continuing tensions over the future of the Kyoto protocol. The African delegates want to see the Kyoto protocol remain in force post 2012, supplemented by additional measures involving the developing nations, whilst the rich nations mostly want to see new measures incorporated with Kyoto into a single treaty. Informal talks are attempting to resolve the issue and get the discussions back on track.

UN Report predicts major rise in Ocean Acidity

A UN report is today predicting that ocean acidity may rise 150% compared to pre-industrial levels by 2050. Such a change would constitute a major threat to shellfish, corals, and certain forms of algae which form acid soluble shells, and indirectly may lead to massive reductions in the biological productivity and ecological balance of the seas. Around half the oxygen we breathe is given off by marine plants, so that they are absolutely critical to maintaining a viable atmosphere. Increased acidity on the scale predicted would take more than 10,000 years to reverse with huge impacts on biodiversity.

Mayors meet to act on climate change

The mayors of 80 cities from around the world are meeting in Copenhagen today to discuss how cities can cut their greenhouse gas emissions. Two thirds of primary energy is consumed in cities which are responsible for 70% of energy related greenhouse gas emissions. Copenhagen reduced its emissions 20% between 1995 and 2005, is targeting a further 20% reduction by 2015, and aims to become carbon neutral by 2025.

A new model for climate funding

Norway and Mexico have jointly proposed the establishment of a green fund paid for from a mix of public money and the proceeds of emission permit auctions. The fund would provide developing countries with around $10 billion a year in 2013 rising to between 3 and 4 times this level by 2020 with which to carry out projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Will Africa’s leaders stay away?

A number of African leaders are threatening to stay away from Copenhagen this Thursday and Friday if there is no meaningful agreement ready to be signed. The Africa group of 53 nations are demanding that any new deal is based on continuation of the Kyoto protocol.

Forestry targets now less likely?

Deforestation is a major cause of increasing levels of atmospheric CO2 responsible for a little less than 20% of the total. Up until Sunday it had been proposed that measures be taken to reduce deforestation by 50% by 2020, however this proposal has now been struck from the discussion. The text now refers to funding without making specific reference to the amounts to be paid to the 40+ developing nations with significant forests in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The aspiration remains, but neither the amount of financing nor specific targets for reducing deforestation are currently on the table.

Asia Development Bank says financing inadequate

Haruhiko Kuroda of the Asia Development Bank warned today that if talks at Copenhagen fail, the carbon markets may collapse, threatening efforts to deal with climate change. He says that the developed nations have not yet brought sufficient funding to the table to pay for climate adaptation and mitigation measures in developing nations. If however sufficient financial arrangements are made, this will greatly facilitate the core aim of achieving agreement on greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Sea level rise underestimated by IPCC

New research indicates that the predictions of sea level rise made in 2007 by the International Panel on Climate Change are substantial underestimates. The panel predicted a rise of between 18-59 cm by 2100, however subsequent research modelling the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets indicates that a figure of 0.5 – 1.5 meters is now more likely.