Monday, November 25, 2013
Postscript - The Warsaw Consensus
Since our return to Minnesota COP19 has officially ended, with consensus on some key issues that will continue to pave the way toward a comprehensive international climate change agreement in Paris in 2015. A summary of the advances made in Warsaw can be found here:
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/131124/key-points-the-warsaw-consensus
COP 19 - The final day
The negotiations are the major focus at COP 19 and it has been frustrating to hear some call this COP a failure. It must be understood that figuring out a proposal for virtually every country in the world to agree
upon is a complex task, especially with a major divide between the developed
and the developing countries. Once again this year, the Friday night deadline came and went, while
negotiations continued.
As the SES delegation's time at COP 19
comes to a close, these negotiations will continue. During the days and weeks to come, the
various countries will continue to work on a legally binding agreement, addressing
financing and the loss and damage mechanism. The negotiations aren’t the only
thing we are taking away from our experience here in Warsaw. We participated in
many side events during the second week, focusing on what small groups can do
to combat climate change. Small groups have implemented their ideas in
their own communities, and some of the ideas may be implemented in other parts of the world as well. I know the SES delegation
will be able to share what we have learned through this experience with the wider
community. We will be a small group of committed students that will work to
make a difference in our community, which eventually will impact the world.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Farewell to COP19!
Unfortunately, today was last day at COP19 for Kelly, Gillian, Mr. Johnson, and myself. There weren’t very many
side events to go to since many people were more focused on the negotiations
taking place. We had the opportunity to attend one press conference later in
the day and I have to say I found it very surprising. The panel consisted of
three young speakers that all expressed their strong opinion that this Warsaw COP has been a
failure, even though they didn’t know the outcome of the negotiations yet.
They also spoke about the walk out of 800 people that occurred on Thursday. A group of 800 people attending the COP all came together, wore similar t-shirts, and walked out of the COP. This was meant to convey their feelings of frustration toward the slow process of the COP and their overall disappointment with the COP19. It was also supposed to show how they were leaving the COP and focusing more on their local governments and change. Many were surprised by this walk out because it is now the largest “protest” the COP19 has experienced with its own NGO participants. After speaking about this event, they talked about how they considered this COP failure because of the lowering of ambitions for carbon dioxide emission reductions, specifically in Japan and Canada.
The one thing that bothered me about these speakers was that they had very black and white views regarding the conference. Instead of talking about or even considering the reasons the countries lowered their goals, the panelists deemed it a failure. Maybe it’s just because I am not a fan of such uncompromising thinking, but I found this extremely irritating. They also were very harsh towards the coal companies that emit a lot of CO2 and questioned their presence at the conference. However, many feel that it is important that they attend the conference so the companies can learn different ways to improve their methods, reduce their emissions, and even transition to different energy sources. I personally agree with this and understand that although these companies are emitting (which obviously isn’t good), they do it because there isn’t a feasible alternative in their eyes.
Although I enjoyed this press conference because I found it interesting to hear about other people’s views about what was going on, I came out a bit confused. However, through this experience I was also able to gather my own thoughts about the conference and come to the realization that much of what needs to happen doesn’t solely rely on the global decisions, but on what local communities are doing to reduce emissions and the pressure that is put on governments to implement positive action. Anything is possible when small groups of people are committed and push for change.
They also spoke about the walk out of 800 people that occurred on Thursday. A group of 800 people attending the COP all came together, wore similar t-shirts, and walked out of the COP. This was meant to convey their feelings of frustration toward the slow process of the COP and their overall disappointment with the COP19. It was also supposed to show how they were leaving the COP and focusing more on their local governments and change. Many were surprised by this walk out because it is now the largest “protest” the COP19 has experienced with its own NGO participants. After speaking about this event, they talked about how they considered this COP failure because of the lowering of ambitions for carbon dioxide emission reductions, specifically in Japan and Canada.
The one thing that bothered me about these speakers was that they had very black and white views regarding the conference. Instead of talking about or even considering the reasons the countries lowered their goals, the panelists deemed it a failure. Maybe it’s just because I am not a fan of such uncompromising thinking, but I found this extremely irritating. They also were very harsh towards the coal companies that emit a lot of CO2 and questioned their presence at the conference. However, many feel that it is important that they attend the conference so the companies can learn different ways to improve their methods, reduce their emissions, and even transition to different energy sources. I personally agree with this and understand that although these companies are emitting (which obviously isn’t good), they do it because there isn’t a feasible alternative in their eyes.
Although I enjoyed this press conference because I found it interesting to hear about other people’s views about what was going on, I came out a bit confused. However, through this experience I was also able to gather my own thoughts about the conference and come to the realization that much of what needs to happen doesn’t solely rely on the global decisions, but on what local communities are doing to reduce emissions and the pressure that is put on governments to implement positive action. Anything is possible when small groups of people are committed and push for change.
Friday, November 22, 2013
REDD+ in Indonesia
Because Nicole made a connection with Mr. Heru Prasetyo of Indonesia during the first week of COP 19, the SES delegation was invited to a high level dinner on Thursday night, celebrating the successes of REDD+ in Indonesia and discussing the transition of the program from preparedness to implementation.
The UN REDD+ Program is the United Nations Collaborative Program on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries. The high level dinner, sponsored by the Indonesian government and highlighting a new national implementation program for REDD+ in the country, was an amazing opportunity for us and we were very appreciative of the invitation. It was the first and only opportunity the seven SES student delegates had to attend a COP related program together, so we were all very excited to be able to have a chance to be with each other at such a high-level event.
The event included inspiring and informative speeches from Mr. Donald Ramotar the President of Guyana, Ms. Tine Sundtoft, Norwegian Minister of Climate and the Environment, Mr. Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP, and Mr. Heru Prasetyo, Deputy Director of the Indonesian President's Delivery Unit for Development Monitoring and Oversight, among others. They spoke on behalf of their country or organization about their involvement with REDD+ in Indonesia and offered congratulations for what had been accomplished.
One presenter who has stood out during conference sessions for me has been Mr. Achim Steiner. His message at the dinner was one that connected with all of us. He spoke about the importance of looking at forest resources in a new way. Looking at a forest differently causes a shift in perception, perhaps allowing people to see forests, "not as an alternative to development, but perhaps an alternate development." There are difficult decisons that need to be made concerning forests and their role in climate change action, and he commended people with the courage to lead in facing these difficult issues. Steiner spoke about the value of leadership, and his appreciation for the people willing to lead the REDD+ initiative in Indonesia.
He reminded the audience that having a vision for something before it is tangible is hard and that those who don't always look like they're leading, whether that be in hallway discussions at the conference or working for five years behind the scenes to create the REDD+ program now being celebrated, are sometimes really the unspoken leaders and believers.
Norway was a focal point of the dinner because of their partnership with Indonesia and major financial contribution of one billion dollars to the the Indonesian REDD+ effort. Norway was commended for their country's contribution to the global community in addressing climate change. More countries should step up like Norway, and make tangible efforts to aid the international community in the managment of climate change impacts. There should be a shift toward funding climate change mitigation and adaptation from all nations with the means to do so. It will take a lot of work, but it in the long term is better than the alternative.
The event included inspiring and informative speeches from Mr. Donald Ramotar the President of Guyana, Ms. Tine Sundtoft, Norwegian Minister of Climate and the Environment, Mr. Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP, and Mr. Heru Prasetyo, Deputy Director of the Indonesian President's Delivery Unit for Development Monitoring and Oversight, among others. They spoke on behalf of their country or organization about their involvement with REDD+ in Indonesia and offered congratulations for what had been accomplished.
One presenter who has stood out during conference sessions for me has been Mr. Achim Steiner. His message at the dinner was one that connected with all of us. He spoke about the importance of looking at forest resources in a new way. Looking at a forest differently causes a shift in perception, perhaps allowing people to see forests, "not as an alternative to development, but perhaps an alternate development." There are difficult decisons that need to be made concerning forests and their role in climate change action, and he commended people with the courage to lead in facing these difficult issues. Steiner spoke about the value of leadership, and his appreciation for the people willing to lead the REDD+ initiative in Indonesia.
He reminded the audience that having a vision for something before it is tangible is hard and that those who don't always look like they're leading, whether that be in hallway discussions at the conference or working for five years behind the scenes to create the REDD+ program now being celebrated, are sometimes really the unspoken leaders and believers.
Norway was a focal point of the dinner because of their partnership with Indonesia and major financial contribution of one billion dollars to the the Indonesian REDD+ effort. Norway was commended for their country's contribution to the global community in addressing climate change. More countries should step up like Norway, and make tangible efforts to aid the international community in the managment of climate change impacts. There should be a shift toward funding climate change mitigation and adaptation from all nations with the means to do so. It will take a lot of work, but it in the long term is better than the alternative.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Momentum for Change
Momentum for Change, an initiative
of the UNFCCC Secretariat, recognizes positive activities and
demonstrating results. These activities are innovative and
transformative solutions addressing climate change as well as economic,
social, and
environmental challenges. These "Lighthouse Activities" are divided into
three pillars: urban poor, women for results, and financing for climate
change. During this second week of the conference, there are five events
highlighting different areas of this initiative.
After observing two of these events along with my own research, I
really thought I understood what the initiative was all about.
The event started out with this amazing line up of speakers; Mr. Ban Ki
Moon, Ms. Christiana Figueres, and Ms. Kelly Rigg among others. It wasn't just who
these people are, but what they were saying. They spoke of the
17 Lighthouse Activities winners. These activities do so many different
things to change the lives of so many all around the world. During the
event one had to take a moment to be in awe of what is happening and who was around them.
 |
| Christiana Figueres s |
Wednesday evening's event titled, “Momentum for Change: Lighthouse Showcase” put this conference in perspective for me. I understood completely what our purpose here at the conference was. These programs or activities take everything that’s happening here at COP19 to reality. They are taking all these visions and dreams to action, to that next step of changing the world. They’re showing us how to take action while government leaders are in negotiations. They truly are changing lives for the better through their own initiative. They’re not waiting around but leading, teaching and most importantly, inspiring.
Tonight I realized the true meaning of
these initiatives; after all the frustration of negotiations not making anywhere near enough progress, COP19
brings us hope and inspires us to do all that we can to make this world
better. The activities this initiative highlighted show how wise Margaret Mead was when she said, "Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful, committed citizen can change the world; it is the only thing
that every has."
Day 2, Week 2 - The High Level Opening Ceremony
On our group's second day at the
conference, I had the amazing opportunity to observe and attend the official
Opening of the High Level Segment where negotiations and decisions are made during
the rest of this week. Mr. Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Marcin Korolec, President of COP 19/CMP 9, Mr. John Ashe, President of the United Nations General Assembly, and Ms. Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC all spoke at the event.
The main
purpose of this opening ceremony was to direct negotiators to the goal of this
conference in Warsaw and remind everyone of the responsibility we each hold to
create a cleaner and better environment in the world. The prime minister of
Poland was the first speaker and deeply resonated with me. Although he was
speaking in Polish, a language I do not understand at all, I could sense the
emotion and conviction through his voice and facial expressions, broadcasted on
large monitors on both sides of the stage on which he was speaking. Each person in attendance received a headphone set that translated the speaker’s words into various
languages so each individual could understand what was being said. He started out
his speech by comparing the earth to a house and stated that there is a “great
universal need for caring for our universal house: the earth”. Thinking of it
this way made me realize how crucial it is to take action and do it now;
although it seems everyone’s interests are different, no one wants to lose
their home. Mr. Tusk also brought up the fact that Copenhagen COP15 had failed
to come up with an anticipated global agreement and we didn’t want another
failure now.
This sense of urgency was echoed throughout each of the speakers. Iceland and the rapid melting rate of its glaciers was introduced by Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, showing how extreme the impacts of climate change are currently and where they are heading. He specifically emphasized this sense of urgency by mentioning the importance of our legacy. He urged the audience to think in terms of their love for their neighbor and their neighbor’s neighbor, as well as their children and their children’s children; how will the decisions and efforts at the COP affect them? Mr. Marcin Korolec made sure the audience knew that “the clock is ticking” for the earth as well as for the negotiators as the deadline for an international agreement at the 2015 COP21 Conference in Paris approaches. Not only did he speak to us on needing to implement our ideas faster so that there will be less of a rush in 2015, but also because the world is becoming increasingly frustrated with the pace at which decisions are, or aren’t, being made. This is because they recognize the urgency for action and are now creating awareness in the world outside of the UN Climate Change Conference. Now is the time to take action- today! Korolec related his own message with the idea of legacy by ending his statements with, “do not do it for yourself, do it for the children in the present and yet to come”. Ms. Figueres concluded the Opening speeches by also emphasizing the need for action. She pointed out the nations that have been severely affected by climate change effects and their compelling call. She reminded us that we are responsible for a response to that call and identifying the decisions and actions that must be taken. One sentence was particularly powerful: “The cost of inaction has never been higher”.
While listening to these strong and inspirational speakers in my small seat hundreds of feet away from the podium, I could feel myself getting a bit anxious even though I have no part in the official negotiations. What I do have a part in though is taking back these experiences and making my own community aware of the risks of climate change and how we can best solve them. By attending this conference I took on some of that responsibility. As the Prime Minister of Poland said when comparing climate change consensus to soccer, “every player competes with his colleagues on the yard, but in fact the players only win the game as a team”. May we all take these wise words to heart and realize that we must discuss with one another the different ways in which we can address climate change in order to learn from each other, but the entire community must also work together if it is to achieve the greater goal of reducing emissions and eliminating the affects of climate change.
This sense of urgency was echoed throughout each of the speakers. Iceland and the rapid melting rate of its glaciers was introduced by Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, showing how extreme the impacts of climate change are currently and where they are heading. He specifically emphasized this sense of urgency by mentioning the importance of our legacy. He urged the audience to think in terms of their love for their neighbor and their neighbor’s neighbor, as well as their children and their children’s children; how will the decisions and efforts at the COP affect them? Mr. Marcin Korolec made sure the audience knew that “the clock is ticking” for the earth as well as for the negotiators as the deadline for an international agreement at the 2015 COP21 Conference in Paris approaches. Not only did he speak to us on needing to implement our ideas faster so that there will be less of a rush in 2015, but also because the world is becoming increasingly frustrated with the pace at which decisions are, or aren’t, being made. This is because they recognize the urgency for action and are now creating awareness in the world outside of the UN Climate Change Conference. Now is the time to take action- today! Korolec related his own message with the idea of legacy by ending his statements with, “do not do it for yourself, do it for the children in the present and yet to come”. Ms. Figueres concluded the Opening speeches by also emphasizing the need for action. She pointed out the nations that have been severely affected by climate change effects and their compelling call. She reminded us that we are responsible for a response to that call and identifying the decisions and actions that must be taken. One sentence was particularly powerful: “The cost of inaction has never been higher”.
While listening to these strong and inspirational speakers in my small seat hundreds of feet away from the podium, I could feel myself getting a bit anxious even though I have no part in the official negotiations. What I do have a part in though is taking back these experiences and making my own community aware of the risks of climate change and how we can best solve them. By attending this conference I took on some of that responsibility. As the Prime Minister of Poland said when comparing climate change consensus to soccer, “every player competes with his colleagues on the yard, but in fact the players only win the game as a team”. May we all take these wise words to heart and realize that we must discuss with one another the different ways in which we can address climate change in order to learn from each other, but the entire community must also work together if it is to achieve the greater goal of reducing emissions and eliminating the affects of climate change.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
A high-level opportunity
Yesterday I had the opportunity to sit in on a side event of a lifetime. Getting to the room early and squeezing my way to the front for a nice seat, I found myself sitting between a professor from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom and a Duke law student. "How many high school students are doing this in class today? One." I thought, as I realized the magnitude of the opportunity I had as a high school student sitting in a room of professionals, scholars, executives, and world leaders. I felt an extreme sense of appreciation to have been given the opportunity to be in attendance; appreciation not only for the people sitting on the panel and the things that they do and for the people who planned the side-event, but also for the teachers that have taught me about these issues and the teachers who brought me here.
The topics discussed during this session were described as using "systems as a catalyst for climate action to promote sustainable low-carbon development". Each person on the panel was from a different organization, place in the world, and involved in jobs and projects of such a wide range that I could only begin to comprehend them all with the help of the nice man sitting next to me. Everything from ozone neutral fruit in Costa Rica, to the implementation of new low energy light bulbs, to financial decisions made by the World Bank, and back again. The intricate weaving of topics and systems done by panel moderator Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP, was truly skillful and really showed the relationships and how it was all connected
Due to prior obligations, Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, arrived for the second half of the session, and the room took on a feeling of higher prestige when he arrived. He spoke about the United Nations guidelines and framework by which they can operate, and called a meeting that would be held in September of 2014 for high-level officials and world leaders to discuss climate change mitigation, adaptation, and finance.
Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations Secretary-General
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