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.

***

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.

Canada Rakes in Fossil of the Day Awards

Canada has quickly become a fan-favourite at the notorious Fossil of the Day awards ceremony held daily at the conference centre at 6pm (Poznan time).

The first, second and third place fossil awards are given to the country (or countries) deemed to be the worst offenders for stalling negotiations or for acting as barriers to progress in the talks. Winners (or losers, depending on how you look at it) are determined by members of Climate Action Network (CAN).

So far, Canada has been a laggard on a number of important issues. Here's a quick run-down on some of the key areas where Canada has failed to make progress in the negotiations:

- Canada is one of the few developed countries that hasn't agreed to IPCC scenario target reductions of 85% at 1990 baseline levels by 2050 (instead are proposing 50% reduction by 2050);

- Is backsliding on mitigation commitments, and is pursuing options (along with Japan and Australia) to move off the 1990 baseline year for the next phase of negotiations. The baseline year was agreed to by Canada under Kyoto;

- Is not supporting a new technology transfer mechanism under the COP structure;

- Is trying to incorporate carbon capture & storage (CCS) within the Clean Development Mechanism, as established under Kyoto; and

- Argues that it should get a break for it's emission reductions responsibilities in order to protect the tar sands industry.

So far, Canada has raked in five fossil awards, which ties them with Japan for top spot in the overall COP-14 fossil rankings.

After taking a quick holiday on December 8, the Fossil of the Day award ceremony will return on Tuesday December 9. You can check it out via the live stream video application I've attached here.

You can also view various other CYD events taking place at the conference through this feed!

Will Canada make it 6??? You'll have to tune in to find out!

Canadian Youth Announce No Confidence in Current Climate Policy

The following is a press release sent out by the Canadian Youth Delegation on December 4.

Young Canadians attending the UNFCCC conference announced today that they have lost confidence in the Canadian government for being unable to effectively address climate change.

Members of the Canadian Youth Delegation delivered their message following the ‘Fossil of the Day’ mock award ceremony at the UN Climate Change Conference in Poznan, Poland. Canada swept the Fossil awards – a dubious distinction for the country considered to most obstruct or delay negotiations during the annual conference.

The youth delegates delivered their message holding Canadian flags and surrounding a banner that read: No Confidence. They will also release a companion video online conveying their message.

As the federal Conservative government faces a possible confidence vote on December 8 in Parliament, young Canadians attending the climate talks are demanding responsible direction from political leaders to deal with climate change. Recent polls show eighty-three per cent of Canadians want strong action on climate change.

“By failing to show leadership on this issue, failing to cooperate with the international community, and establishing policies that seem to ignore the science on climate change, young Canadians have lost faith that the current government can bring about the much needed change on this issue,” said Canadian youth delegate Rosa Kouri.

“Young Canadians have already lost confidence, the rest of the country needs to catch up,” continues Kouri. “Because our political system is so dysfunctional, we doubt that postponing an inevitable no confidence vote will solve our problems. The majority of Canadians are behind strong action on climate change and it’s time for Canadians to unite behind this issue.”

“There is a real sense of urgency among young Canadians to address this climate crisis now,” said delegate Nicolas Nadeau. “Our future is on the line and we need a government that fully understands this.”

The Canadian Youth Delegation is a non-partisan group of 26 young Canadians from across the country who have come together to share the voice of Canadian youth with policymakers and connect young people across Canada to the international community. The CYD seeks to engage Canadian youth to create positive change in the international climate policy process.

Are Controlled Demonstrations Really Demonstrations?

One thing I've learned being here at the COP for five days now, experiencing the madness first hand, is that there is a rather twisted approach to actions and demonstrations on the conference grounds.

The United Nations Secretariat responsible for actions and demonstrations in Poznan wields considerable power over the sytle, content, length and location of actions run by participating organizations.

Interestingly enough, these actions generate quite a bit of international media coverage, creating powerful images. These actions, most of which are developed by the Youth International Delegation, are created as a means to express to delegates the urgency in the climate crisis, to demand accountability for governments that stall the UN negotiations process, and to illustrate the many hypocrasies in government actions (I just finished watching an action that targeted governments' willingness to bail-out banks but that refuse to invest in climate mitigation and adaptation measures).

To the extent that the UN is able conrol these demonstrations, the question is are they really demonstrations? Are they really conveying the mood of delegates to the conference? Are they really democratic?

On a few different occassions, the Canadian Youth Delegation received verbal reprimands from the UN Secretariat following peaceful demonstrations, once for making too much noise outside of the conference centre and once for handing out candies to delegates inside the centre (an action entitled "Treat 'n Meet") at the wrong time of day.

Essentially, the message conveyed was three strikes and you're out.

It's unfortunate (terribly unfortunate actually) that the UN is sending youth strong and conflicting messages. On the one hand, youth are looked to as a group able to push the envelope... to pressure countries to take climate talks seriously... and to hold countries accountable who are a barrier to progress. Conversations between Yvo De Boer (head of the UNFCCC Secretariat) and youth representatives confirmed this point.

And on the other hand, youth are given clear restrictions on how they do this, where they do this and when they do this.

Is their a legitimate fear that uncontrolled youth action during these climate talks will result in anarchy, preventing negotiators from doing their work? Or that giving young delegates the freedom to demonstrate how they feel, in their own words, will harm the reputation of the UN or the UNFCCC process?

Can unruly youth action at the UNFCCC cause dysfunction in the neogtiation procees? Or does dysfunction in UNFCCC process prompt unruly youth action?

So far, it seems all signs point to the latter.

CYD meets with chief Canadian climate negotiator

On Tuesday December 2, members of the Canadian Youth Delegation met with Canadian government representatives, including newly appointed Chief Negotiator and Ambassador for Climate Change Michael Martin.

I had the opportunity to sit in on the meeting, which went very well. The youth delegation asked Martin a number of important and pointed questions including Canada's position on adaptation funding measures, it's ability to achieve real gains in negotiations as well as it's approach toward developing a Shared Vision - one of the goals of this year's Poznan conference, which aims to move countries toward an agreement on global emission reduction targets for 2050.

Not surprinsgly, there were few definitive answers to any of the questions and the answers that were given weren't terribly inspiring. Particularly uninspiring was the response that Canada would undergo "dramatic transformations" should they choose to follow emission reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol.

Despite this, the discussion was open, honest, informative and respectful. The government also offered the CYD additional space to discuss and debate issues at future meetings with them during the conference.

Martin suggested that there may be an opportunity for the CYD to meet again with the Canadian delegation along with Environment Minister in the coming days.

Youth delegates closed the meeting by suggesting that the next discussion focus on the current economic crisis and the need for climate policy to support a national jobs strategy.

Most interesting thing of it all is that Prentice may not be the Minister who attends!

On Message but Off-Point: Opening Day of COP-14

The global economy is in crisis, but that's not a good enough excuse to stall progress on international climate policy on the road to Copenhagen. We need immediate action.

This message echoed through the opening plenary speeches delivered (almost in carbon copy) by Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk, UN climate panel head Rajendra Pachauri, UN climate secretariat head Yvo De Boer, and Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

Encouraging words to launch such a critical conference in Poznan at such a critical time.

Rasmussen probably said it best when he remarked that long after the financial credit crisis has been dealt with, the international community will still be stuck with a looming environmental disaster to consider. Environmental damage is long-term.

I spent most of my time nodding in agreement to the messages in these speeches but was struck by one point Rasmussen made. He drew a parallel between aggressive action for global solidarity on climate policy and the need to encourage global economic development through free trade and globalization.

It was at this point that the inspiring message was lost.

There is a strong correlation between climate change and the rise in global emission levels driven by an increase and intensification of the movement of goods from one end of the globe to another. This is not a new argument, and was made quiet effectivley in an environmental impact assessment of the US-Australian free trade agreement by Oz Prospect. Free trade agreements, and other tentacles of globalization, have facilitated a system that makes little (if any) consideration for it's environmental and social impacts.

Additionally, the polarization of wealth between the global north and global south that has resulted from lop-sided and unfair trade arrangements is apparent. The wealth disparity, in itself, continues to exacerbate the climate crisis for the world's poorest.

How can we effectively deal with the global economic and environmental crisies without first examining their common causes?

To frame this convention by arguing for aggressive climate policy action on the path to a Copenhagen on the one hand, and in the same breath re-assert the principles of an economic system that has lead our world down a dangerous path, may be telling of what's to come over the next two weeks in Poznan. Which road to Copenhagen are we on exactly?

International Youth United: 4th Conference of Youth (COY-4) in Poznan

Over 500 international youth delegates gathered at the fourth international Conference of Youth (COY-4) prior to the official start of the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

This year's COY ran from November 29-30, drawing delegates from countries across the world. By design, the COY is a space where youth come to learn about the nuts and bolts of the COP, formulate common strategy on direct actions, messaging, communications, policy positions and share inspiring stories, with a sprinkle of uplifting cheer, to motivate and energize delegates to participate in the UN conference. The COY has also played a tremendous role in establishing what is no doubt a growing youth movement.

I spoke briefly with a long-time COY participant from the United States who told me that the turnout this year is simply overwhelming, and that he had never seen so many young (registered) delegates at the COP before - although he did note that there was a similarly overwhelming crowd of young participants at the 2005 UN conference in Montreal, many of whom were not registered delegates.

One of the most inspiring tales came from the Australian youth delegation, who organized a 40-day land-only trek to Poznan. Rather than flying, the group of 5 young people make an incredible effort to substantially reduce their carbon footprint.

The COY serves as a clear signal to the international community that young people demand a voice in the climate change debate. They are conscious of the impacts that climate change will invariably have on their future. And they've proven their ability to mobilize, in building a diverse, well-informed, movement.

Although many of the participants received accreditation through large NGOs to attend the conference, many of them have come as individuals and joined with national youth delegations - leaving their personal organizational affiliations behind. Others have funded their own way to Poznan and have joined up with established national youth delegations while here.

This, in itself, is a testament to the strength and commitment of individuals in this movement.

If there's one thing I've learned so far (well, not really learned as much as confirmed) is that young people have an incredible propensity to think creatively.

On shoe string budgets, the international youth group has lined up an assortment of clever and well-organized actions that will roll out over the coming weeks. It's inspiring to watch this group feed off each other's energy while brainstorming action ideas!

International youth are primed and ready to go. COP starts tomorrow. First action starts in the morning, so stay tuned!

A short (and helpful) backgrounder on the COP

I've received piles and piles of background information on the UN Climate Conference, it's structures and programs, thanks to the the near endless string of emails sent via the Canadian Youth Delegation listerv! I did my best to mine through these documents on the plane ride over to Poznan and found a number of them to be quite helpful.

As we are now less than 48 away from the official start of COP-14, I wanted to take a moment to break down "The Conference" into small, manageable (and explanatory) bits for anyone who is looking for a quick crash course. I hope that this will provide a guide to some of the strange looking acronyms that will, no doubt, find their way into this blog over the course of the next two weeks.

Of course, for the sake of space, I'm not going to touch on all of these structures. So, I've condensed what I consider to be the most important in to this post. I'll be sure to provide background notes on anything relevant I don't cover here.

****

In June 1992, the international community adopted the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) (also known as the Earth Summit) held in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

The UNFCCC is a treaty that aims to stabilize global greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere, responding to the growing body of scientific evidence that linked GHG emissions with damage to the Earth's climate system: with catastrophic results.

The UNFCCC, itself, is a non-binding treaty. It sets no limits on greenhouse gas emissions for individual nations and did not contain any enforcement provisions. There are currently 192 member countries to the UNFCCC.

Despite it's lack of 'teeth', the treaty does provide for protocols that would enable mandatory GHG emission reduction targets to be set.

Fast forward ten years later. December 1997, the Kyoto Protocol to the Convention is established. The Protocol includes binding emission reduction targets for developed countries for the period 2008-2012.

Negotiations of the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol take place at different times throughout the year, and culminate at the UN Climate Change Conference - usually held at the end of the year. The UN Climate Change Conference is where the Conference of Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC meet.

The UN Climate Change Conference is also where the overseeing body of the Kyoto Protocol meets (referred to as the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol - or CMP for short).

In December 2007, the "Bali Road Map" was reached, and involved representatives of both developed and developing nations. It was a landmark decision of the UNFCCC parties to launch formal negotiations on a deal for long-term co-operative action once the timelines for the Kyoto Protocol expire. The Bali Road Map came on the heels on an Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC)report earlier in the year (the leading review body on climate change science) that stated global climate change is in fact accelerating, much of it because of GHG emissions through human activity.

Negotiations for the Bali Road Map (and post-Kyoto commitments) are set to conclude at the UNFCCC in Copenhagen, 2009 and come into force no later than 2012. Poznan will play an important role in pushing this objective forward.

Following the Bali Road Map, two additional working groups were established to play a role in reaching a Copenhagen deal.

The Ad-hoc Working Group on Long-Term Cooperative Action under the Convention (AWG-LCA) - which assembles all 192 Parties to the UNFCCC - deals exclusively with negotiations on the Copenhagen deal. It focuses on key issues for the deal including mitigation, adaptation, technology transer and financial instruments.

The Ad-hoc Working Group on further commitments for Annex 1 Parties under the Kyoto Protocol (AWG-KP) was established to negotiate further commitments of industrialized countries under the Kyoto Protocol.

Both of these Ad-hoc Working Groups will meet in Poznan. Negotiations will wrap up in 2009.

Now that you've got a sense of some of the major bodies to the UN Climate Change Conference, and the roles they play, check out the official COP-14 Poznan website for conference schedules, agendas and information on additional subgroups to the Conference that may be of interest.

For a more thorough backgrounder produced by the UNFCCC, click here.

CYD Gather for Pre-Summit in Toronto

After months of conference calls and regular working group meetings, the Canadian Youth Delegation is ready to meet in person, for the first time tomorrow afternoon (November 26).

This first meeting has been billed a "pre-summit," and is being hosted by the good folks at TakingItGlobal in Toronto. The pre-summit offers delegates some basic skills training in areas of climate policy (e.g. key issues to watch out for in Poznan), media messaging and the use of new media, anti-oppression, and even a quick lesson on basic Polish. What an amazing way to build a stronger, more engaged group of participants!

The CAW was asked by CYD pre-summit organizers to participate in a delegate mentorship program, which aims to educate delegates on climate challenges and solutions from a variety of perspectives - including workers. Nick DeCarlo, of the CAW Health, Safety & Environment department is scheduled to speak at this event along with folks like Clayton Thomas-Mueller of the Indigenous Environmental Network and Cheryl Ratchford of the Ecology Action Centre.

I'm hoping to upload some materials, as well as photos, from this event to share with those following this blog. Understanding these different perspectives on climate change is so vital in our efforts to build bridges of solidarity across progressive movements, and may be of use to many of you out there... wherever you are!

Before leaving for Poznan on Friday the 28th my goal is to provide a short debrief on the pre-summit (which runs from the 26-27), some background material on the UN Climate Change Conference itself (and all of it's complexities) as well as all relevant policy, media and action-oriented material produced by the CYD over the past months. Enough reading to keep you occupied for weeks!

Poznan 2008: The Stage is Set

This year's UN Climate Change Conference (COP-14) in Poznan, Poland comes at a critical time for working people (especially young workers) in Canada and throughout the world.

The international community's inability to take coordinated and meaningful action to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions is pushing us closer and closer to catastrophe. Already we are seeing the impact of climate change on the economy and many societies. At the same time as we stare down this global climate crisis, we face a financial market meltdown that has brought to light the inherent flaws in our financial system, networks of global capital, free trade agreements and other free-market mechanisms.


Without a doubt, COP-14 is situated at the crossroads of these two major crises. How the international community frames and responds to these environmental and economic challenges over the coming weeks will provide a clearer picture of the path that international climate policy will take for years to come. This is especially important as the Poznan conference is considered a major stepping stone on the path toward a new (post-Kyoto) international climate agreement on long-term cooperative action that will be established in 2009.

For young people, the future will be shaped by the important decisions made today. This is why the Canadian Youth Delegation will play such a critical role at COP-14 in Poznan bringing the voice of young Canadians forward. Just like it has done in previous years (at COP-11 in Montreal, COP-12 in Nairobi and COP-13 in Bali).

For the first time CAW members will be actively involved in the CYD (which is made up of a diverse group of 26 young leaders from across the country - check out the delegation here) - including young members Steven El-Helou (CAW Local 444, Windsor) and Stephan Cronin (CAW Local 88, Ingersoll). The delegation also includes representatives from the environmental movement and student communities.

Through this blog I hope to capture many of the highlights and key developments on climate policy at this year's conference and share them with you. It's a jam-packed agenda that includes policy and media work as well as on-the-ground activism... lots of activism!

Personally, I've never been involved in anything of this magnitude before (this is also my first blogging effort), so when I say I'm overwhelmed that's clearly an understatement!!

However, I can't hide the excitement in knowing that I'll have an opportunity to liaise and network with young people from all over the world, and to build contacts with other labour union delegations and Global Union Federations.

I hope that you'll join me on this journey to Poznan by following this blog. I welcome any comments, questions or feedback along the way. Check back often for new posts, pictures and (hopefully) video feeds for what promises to be a showcase of young worker activism.

Not only is the goal to help bring the voice of young workers to the table on the development of climate policy, but to illustrate the passion and energy through which young people have mobilized on this issue and the urgency in their message.