Negotiations Heat Up at Climate Change Conference

Dec 5th, 2008 3:44 PM UTC
By Beth Adler

Representatives from 192 nations are currently gathered in Poznan Poland for a round of climate change negotiations as part of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The conference, which runs from December 1st to 12th, aims to construct a collective vision of how to reduce carbon emissions and slow global warming. The talks mark the halfway point towards the target date (which was set last year in Bali) to develop a comprehensive plan to address climate change. The outcome of these talks – which culminate with a conference on Copenhagen in December of 2010 – will replace the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which set emissions caps for developed countries.

This conference is an excellent opportunity for the global community to address the concerns of developing countries around climate change. Evidence shows that climate change will have serious consequences for developing countries. It is the world’s poorest countries that will be hit first and hardest by the effects of climate change. Projected outcomes include a decrease in agricultural yields by 50% in 2050 and 90% by 2100. It is also possible that Africa will see an increase in malaria infestation with an additional 260-320 million people living in malaria-infested areas by 2080. In addition, increased water stress will be likely for 75-250 million people. Rising sea levels also could engulf some island nations and low-lying areas in the developing world.

Developing countries like Brazil, India, China, and 43 island nations are pushing developed countries like the U.S. to commit to particular targets for 2020 for reducing carbon emissions, in addition to committing funding to assist the developing world in implementing green technologies and adapting to the effects of climate change. The UN estimates that developing countries will need $130 billion per year by 2030 to adapt to global warming and curb their carbon emissions. Many are hoping that the conference will yield some innovative mechanisms that are linked to emissions reduction and financial support developing countries.

We’ll bring you updates on the negotiations next week, so be sure to check back here.

-Beth Adler

TAGS: Climate and Development, Policy News, United Nations