The end of Poznan and the road to Copenhagen...

It was definitely anti-climactic. UN climate negotiations came to a close at about 4am Saturday morning without much fanfare, without much hype.

Going through the list of accomplishments reached at the Poznan conference it's actually quite fitting that the conference ended the way it did.

Reports trickled through an email listserv in the early hours of the morning indicating that:

- Agreement was reached to move to full negotiating mode, 'in order to shape an ambitious and effective international response to climate change, to be agreed in Copenhagen at the end of 2009';

- Parties endorsed the Global Environment Facility's "Poznań Strategic Programme on Technology Transfer" (increases investment for mitigation and adaptation technologies);

- Parties agreed to the final pieces of the Kyoto Protocol's adaptation fund, enabling the fund to receive projects in the course of 2009. Parties agreed that the fund (CDM), fed by a share of proceeds from the Kyoto Protocol's clean development mechanism and voluntary contributions, would have a legal capacity granting developing countries direct access;

- Additionally, progress was made on issues relating to adaptation, finance, technology, and REDD;

Unfortunately, there is little substance to these achievements... at least in the context of the work that still needs to be done.

A deal for a post-2012 agreement must be finished in Copenhagen. And while it's all well and good that parties have agreed to shift to "full negotiations mode" (what, I ask, were they doing before?) the most politically charged and controversial issues are still left hanging in the air.

Most notably, the issue of whether industrialized countries will set quantifiable emission targets and whether these countries will assist least developed countries through technology transfer mechanisms, remains to be seen.

Sitting in a number of sessions, listening to NGO debriefs and talking with delegates, it's clear that there was an overarching reluctance to make substantial moves in Poznan. Many countries (particularly the rich countries) are waiting to see how the negotiations will shift once President-elect Barack Obama takes the helm.

Whether U.S. influence on these negotiations is real, or whether the changing tide of American politics is being used as a scapegoat by rich countries to stall the process, remains to be seen. Regardless, it's quite clear that Obama's promises to get aggressive on climate change and the message of hope that resonated so quickly throughout the world was present in Poznan - from opening addresses noting the latest U.S. election on day 1 to the hoards of young people chanting 'Yes We Can' during an unofficial action in the conference centre on day 12.

Failing to make substantial progress on a new deal in Poznan, 2009 is shaping up to be the most important year of climate negotiations in history. So much rides on the next 12 months and it's vitally important to stay closely tuned to these developments.

There are four major UNFCCC gatherings scheduled for 2009. The first two are being held in Bonn (March 29 - April 8 and June 1-12), the third will be held in August/September and the fourth will be in December in Copenhagen.

For more info on upcoming UN climate talks, click here.

Canadian youth meet with Environment Minister Prentice

On December 11 the Canadian Youth Delegation met with federal environment minister Jim Prentice. We were given an open forum to talk with the minister about Canada's negotiating objectives heading into the final days of the UN climate conference as well as our expectations.

I actually had the opportunity to ask the minister a question in the forum. I asked him whether the federal government had any transition strategy in place (or any plan for that matter) to help Canadians adjust to the double whammy of economic and environmental crises - the massive job losses reported by the Labour Force Survey in November provided a fitting context.

Suffice it to say, the minister had little to offer by way of an answer. Other than a bit of a song and dance on the importance of creating jobs in new energy industries, he failed to acknowledge the loss of 400,000 manufacturing jobs and what's in store for that vital sector and it's workforce.

Most disappointing was that after a thorough discussion, where youth delegates raised a number of concerns over Canada's mitigation objectives moving beyond 2012, as well as issues related to adaptation, REDD, and the importance of Annex 1 countries taking a leadership role, working towards strong reduction targets and support of the world's least developed nations, the minister failed to address any of these during his official address to the UN plenary session.

It was in one ear and out the other.

The minister did however take the time to acknowledge the dozens of Canadian youth delegates in the room, to the ire of those who thought some of their comments had resonated with him.

In fact, it appears Canada, like many other developed nations, are happy to be sitting on their hands instead of helping the international community make progress to address climate change. It was interesting to note the obvious distinction forming (at least it was evident over the past two weeks) between the global north and global south. Rather than being a bridge-builder, or a leader, Canada is contributing to the negotiating stalemate between rich and poor countries that is hampering progress.

I've attached an excerpt from a CYD press release sent out shortly after the Minister delivered his speech to the plenary session:

Young Canadians Encouraged by Dialogue, Disappointed in Canada’s lack of Green Vision

(POZNAN, POLAND) Members of the Canadian Youth Delegation were encouraged after holding an open and honest dialogue with Environment Minister Jim Prentice earlier today, but were disappointed after the Minister failed to address the important issues raised by the delegation in his speech to the UN conference in Poznan.

After a frustrating and emotional meeting with Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner on Wednesday, youth delegates left today’s meeting with Minister Prentice feeling cautiously optimistic that he had listened to their call for Canada to reform its bad behavior on the climate crisis, particularly by setting strong emission reduction targets and helping to invest in a new, green economy for future generations.

However, they were disappointed when they heard the content of his speech to the plenary later in the day.

“The Minister’s official address to the assembly did set a new tone from those of previous ministers, particularly his predecessor John Baird. The address was more civil and the Minister seemed open to talking, but unfortunately he just didn’t say enough,” says youth delegate Rosa Kouri.

“There’s no green vision here. He deliberately withheld the strong commitments necessary for Canada to become a leader in international climate negotiations. At this point in the talks, this is unacceptable. He can and should do much better, “ continues Kouri.

Delegates were disappointed that the Minister still hasn’t mentioned science based targets in the range of 25-40% reductions by the year 2020 – which is the basic requirement for preventing runaway climate change.

“He’s leaving our generation out to dry. Canada is heading down a dangerous path, and it’s clear the Minister doesn’t understand this. There are major financial and social costs attached to inaction and it’s our generation that’s going have to foot the bill.” Says youth delegate Nicolas Nadeau.

Young delegates are further disappointed that the Minister is waiting to endorse the principles of Project Survival, an initiative launched by international youth in Poznan. By signing their commitment, countries agree to the right to survival of all peoples and countries from the impacts of climate change.

“We don’t understand what there is to think over with an issue this clear,” said youth delegate Francois Decary-Gilardeau. “Over 80 countries signed on to this right away, and we hope that Minister Prentice will sign it soon.”

The Conservatives really don't have a clue...

I was fortunate enough to have participated in a rather interesting meeting with Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner at the UN climate conference.

The meeting was organized by the CYD and took place on December 10. The delegation seized the opportunity to take direct aim at the Alberta government's economic, environmental and social policies surrounding the province's rapid tar sands development (or, as Renner was quick to correct, 'oil sands' development).

Understanding that Alberta needs to play a role when it comes to carbon emission reductions, citing nuclear as well as CCS programs as viable options, Minister Renner effectively delinked Canada's obligations for emissions reductions set under a new global agreement based on science (on the one hand) and Alberta's responsibility to help reach those targets by reeling in tar sands growth (on the other).

In fact, Alberta's current climate plan will allow emissions to remain above Kyoto targets in 2050. Canada has already set a reduction target of 21% between 2005 and 2020. Should Alberta's emissions grow as expected, Canada will have to reduce it's emissions by 40% to meet those same targets.

In a twisted bit of logic, Renner posed a hypothetical to the group. Suppose - he said - for a second that our planet actually did meet the IPCC scenario reduction targets and reduced global emissions 80% from 1990 levels by 2050. There would still be a gap of 20%, which suggests that the world cannot entirely kick it's carbon habit. Even under the most aggressive plan, oil still needs to be pumped and Alberta can help provide the world with that oil, he noted.

One of the youth delegates was quick to point that, in fact, 13% of global emissions actually come from naturally occuring sources (flatulant cows as one example). Without even realizing, Renner's market opportunity immediately slipped to 7%.

Another of Renner's gaffes came after one of the delegates talked about the health implications of tar sands development, especially in First Nations communities located in close proximity. Someone mentioned cases of deformed fish being found in nearby communities, like Fort Chipewyan as an example.

Renner's response: you can't draw these types of correlations between mutations and the tar sands because they're unproven. In fact, mutations are uncovered all over the world and not all that uncommon.

Needless to say, the meeting was incredibly emotional (many delegates stating their opinions passionately and with teary eyes) and reminded us how far the Alberta Conservatives are from the realities of this crisis and they're overall reluctance to act, despite the science and despite the urgency.

One a different, but related note:

Following the meeting, members of the CYD erected a booth in one of the main corridors in the conference centre with images of the tar sands mounted on poster boards. The banner atop the pictures read: Canada's Dirty Little Secret.

The booth was up for only a few hours before the UN Secretariat demanded that it be taken down. Reportedly, the UN's instructions came after Canada had filed an official complaint.

This incident received quite a bit of news coverage in Canada, particularly in Calgary where the story made front page of the Herald.

Click here to read the story published by CanWest.

Canadian youth to meet with Environment Minister Prentice at UN climate talks

The Canadian Youth Delegation (CYD) will meet with Minister of the Environment Jim Prentice in Poznan on Thursday December 10 as talks at the UN Climate Change Conference enter the final stretch.

Youth delegates will voice their concerns to the minister on what they see as Canada's reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue on a shared vision for post-Kyoto commitments as well as the government’s proposed coalition with Australia and Japan, shifting away from emission reduction targets established at the UN conference in Bali, Indonesia last year.

Youth delegates will also argue for an ambitious economic stimulus plan that addresses the need for sustainable development and creating green jobs.

Canadian youth are part of the 83 per cent majority of Canadians (a figure released in a recent McAllister poll) who want immediate commitments to strong action on climate change, said Alex Doukas, CYD member and a resident of Calgary, Alberta.
"Canada's current position on climate change is completely unacceptable. So far, they have put forth extremely weak reduction targets which will leave our generation vulnerable to the worst effects of climate change,” said Doukas, a constituent of the Minister’s Calgary Centre-North riding.

"Minister Prentice needs to realize that Canada’s image as a leader is being tarnished as we continue to drag our heels at this conference.”

Prentice is set to arrive in Poznan this week for what many consider to be the most crucial part of the conference. It is in the final days when top elected officials from participating countries and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Boon join the conference for its "high-level" segment.

The youth delegation is making arrangements to meet with all opposition MPs attending the conference in the coming days.

Canada Breaking the Bali Road Map?

In a move that has drawn fierce criticism from various groups at the UN climate conference, Canada is seeking to eliminate the reference target of a 25-40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions at 1990 levels by 2020. News surfaced on this move during informal talks of the Kyoto Protocol ad-hoc working group.

Joined by the governments of Australia, New Zealand and Japan, Canada is attempting to break with the reduction targets set by the landmark Bali Road Map struck in 2007. Instead opting for weaker targets set well below the IPCC-scenario baseline.

This move, reported by La Presse, comes on the heels of comments from Environment Minister Jim Prentice who said he will not commit to reduction targets that are unrealistic, citing possible damage to the Canadian economy.

The CYD is adamently opposed to the idea that there is a trade-off between the economy and environment, and sees this current crisis as a perfect opportunity for Canada to start investing in economic infrastructure that promotes sustainable development.

Although Canada is one of the worst carbon emitters on a per capita basis, Prentice emphasized the need for countries like China, India and the U.S. to also shoulder the burden.

It appears Canada has no intention of showing leadership on this issue and is content to sit on its hands.

Poznan may be a path to a final global climate deal in Copenhagen in 2009, but unless the framework is put in place over the next days there will be little room to work with.

It is terribly unsettling to see that Canada has not only broken it's own commitment by reneging on the Kyoto Protocol, but it is now also breaking a commitment it set in Bali.

Canada needs to stop this dangerous political to-and-fro and start working toward an international cooperative progress now. This is not the time to break from the pack.

What's needed is for a country to step up and show leadership. If not us, then who?

Labour Unions Gain Official Status at UNFCCC

After years of contributing to the UNFCCC process, trade unions have won an important and symbolic victory by being granted official constituency status at the climate convention.

Currently, labour has been given temporary observer status at the climate convention and will now have permanent observer status, similar to environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGO) to the conference.

The gesture recognizes the important voice of workers in the climate change debate as well as the critical work labour unions are doing around the issue, especially the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). In fact, the most recent draft text produced by the AWG-LCA includes reference to the latest ITUC statement on climate change and jobs.

I've copied in the official press statement made by the ITUC following the UN's decision. There is a link to the ITUC statement at the bottom of the page.

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Labour Movement Gains Official Recognition

Brussels, 8 December 2008: In recognition of the important work on climate change conducted by the trade union movement, the UN body dealing with climate change (the UNFCCC) has granted the ITUC the select formal status of being an "official constituency" in the Climate Change process for the ITUC's contributions and its participation from now on.

"Trade unions believe climate change is not only an environmental issue, but also is about social rights and rights to development, and that is the contribution we bring to the UN process," said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder. "Combating climate change will imply huge transformations in production, ones that are necessary in order to change our unsustainable, carbon-intensive societies to address climate change challenges but which require significant government intervention. It is how well this economic transformation is managed that will determine whether the new jobs created will be more numerous than those lost, whether it is socially just or traumatic, and whether it is broadly supported or encounters resistance from labour."

Trade Unions specifically call for a "Just transition framework" to be introduced into the negotiations. This means promoting the opportunities offered by the 'Green Economy' (the promotion of green & decent jobs and the greening of workplaces, based on sustainable industrial development and an equitable share of losses and gains) and the design and implementation of accompanying measures for all the productive sectors that will have to adapt to the constraints arising from a low-carbon economy.

"The UN must place workers and workplaces at the core of its strategy to tackle climate change," said Ryder. "Unions are calling for innovative multilateral solutions, without which the main victims of climate change will be the workers, in particular in developing countries."

The ITUC recognises the urgency of taking action and supports the 2020 and 2050 targets set in the IPCC conclusions on the need for a reduction of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of at least 25%-40% by 2020 below 1990 levels in order to attain a global reduction of 85% by 2050. The ITUC's groundbreaking policy statement to the UNFCCC conference in Poznan clearly affirmed its commitment towards reaching a socially fair and climate-engaged agreement by the end of 2009, and put forward concrete demands to ensure a fair transition.

"The necessary transformations in production to meet these targets are of such magnitude that they cannot be effected without a basic consensus in society and involving workers," concluded Ryder. "Formal social dialogue with trade unions, employers´ organisations, and other civil society actors needs to be integrated and ensured at international, national and workplace levels."

The Trade Union delegation at COP14 is composed of more than 100 delegates from 40 countries.

Click here to read the full ITUC statement.

Youth Demand Climate Action Now, December 6

Young people from all over the world rallied at Freedom Square in downtown Poznan on December 6 to mark the 2008 Global Day of Action on climate change.

In a colourful and lively display of banners, flags and costumes, over 1000 young people participated in the rally, which drew international media attention.

Hundreds of young participants dressed up as clowns, demanding world leaders and climate negotiatiors make a serious effort to reach a global deal on reducting carbon emissions, pleading for them to stop "clowning" around.

Following the rally, young people took to the streets, marching from Freedom Square to the conference centre where climate negotiations are being held. Led by what seemed an orchestra of rythmic drumbeats, young people danced and sang their way through the streets despite the cold weather.

Youth were joined in solidarity by representatives of Polish labour and political groups.

The Poznan rally was one in a list of hundreds of demonstrations that took place across the world to mark December 6 as an international day of action. In Canada, rallies were held on December 7 so as not to conflict with December 6 as the national day of rememberance and action on violence against women.



The global day of action has been organized with the intent of raising the public's awareness of the dangers associated with climate change. According to the official website the coordinated actions target world leaders, demanding they take "urgent and resolute action that is needed to prevent the catastrophic destabilisation of global climate, so that the entire world can move as rapidly as possible to a stronger emissions reductions treaty which is both equitable and effective in minimising dangerous climate change."

The website also includes a comprehensive list of event details for climate actions that took place in 94 countries around the world.

Prior to the Poznan rally, hundreds of people took part in a critical mass bicycle ride that snaked it's way through the streets of Poznan, ending at Freedom Square.