co-operatives addressing the climate threat... together

Saturday, 19 December 2009

Copenhagen failure ? There are mixed views


So, Copenhagen has been and gone.
Was it a failure, as many observers claim? OR,
Was it a step forward as claimed by many leaders and politicians ?
Probably, in truth, it is some of each. It would be fair to say that there was some progress, and that the worldwide position is better than it was 6 months ago. The USA, China, India and Brazil have agreed something. There is money on the table to assist poor countries. What has been agreed is described as a start.
However, all that has been agreed has to be a major disappointment to co-operators who care.
The Agreement is weak and lacking in appropriate targets. Co-operators called for a Fair, Ambitious and Binding Agreement - have we got one - No is the answer. There is insufficient ambition in emissions reductions and so, given that 20% of the world's population have caused 70% of the accumulated greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, it is clearly not Fair. Some co-operators are uncomfortable with the notion of Binding targets. However, none of us would dream of directing our co-ops in the absence of plans and budgets to inform everyone concerned of the organisation's objectives. Given the spectacle we have just observed in Copenhagen, there surely must be absolute clarity over what is expected of each country and what they have agreed to. Without this, it would quickly break down as countries took expedient decisions to avoid their contribution to the worldwide effort.
For further information on interpretations of Copenhagen access your own news stations or see:-
What happens next is not clear - ACT ! and the worldwide co-operative community will need to reflect on this. We will keep you informed.
One thing we can promise you is this - the need for co-operative leadership to address the Climate Threat is not diminished; It is just as important as ever, because the case for all of our governments to do the right thing is clearly not won sufficiently.
So, we will continue to support and encourage co-operatives to join together to maximise their contribution and impact ACT ! to Address the Climate Threat.
Posted by Bob-at-ACT at 02:26 5 comments
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Thursday, 17 December 2009

It's on a knife edge - co-operators want a deal


The Copenhagen conference enters its final scheduled day today (Friday 18th) and the likely outcome is still unclear.
But, there are concerns that the deal will fall short of what is needed to keep teperature increases below the 2 degree threshold. There is still a big gap between the emissions reductions that have been offered and those that are necessary.
See below for an article outlining this position :-
If only we could do more to push the negotiations in the right direction !!!!
Posted by Bob-at-ACT at 23:56 2 comments
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Can Obama do it ?


As the progress towards the Agreement that co-operators want from Copenhagen falters, speculation rises about the impact there will be when US President Barack Obama arrives.
The reality is, at present, that the US offer of emissions reductions is disappointing, amounting to only about 4% against 1990 levels by 2020.
This is clearly inadequate; It is less than the world needs, and it will not stimulate other countries into making their own ambitious reductions.
So, we hope that President Obama will step up to the plate in Copenhagen and that America will show that it can provide the right kind of responsible leadership.
See below for a draft of the speech that many people hope that Obama will make :-
What do you think ?
Posted by Bob-at-ACT at 01:26 2 comments
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Agreement in doubt as talks reach climax


According to reports from Copenhagen, much of Wednesday was wasted on talks about procedural matters rather than the content of the
all-important global climate Agreement that
co-operators want.
Wedneday also saw the resignation of the Summit chair, who was replaced by the Danish prime minister.
However, it is not easy to establish what progress, or lack of it, is really being made, as conflicting versions of events are posted in the media. There follows one from the UK below :-
Let us know what you think, please
Posted by Bob-at-ACT at 01:10 2 comments
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Wednesday, 16 December 2009

Why we should Address the Climate Threat

Many of us have encountered a difficulty from time to time, as ACT ! supporters, in trying to persuade others of a more sceptical persuasion, of the importance of taking action to Address the Climate Threat.

I recently came across a neat short film on YouTube that provides a very good argument why we should take action, rather than take the risk of not doing so.

Have a look at :-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zORv8wwiadQ

Enjoy !!! and tell me what you think, please

Bob

Posted by Bob-at-ACT at 07:16 1 comments
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Hello from Bob



Hi - I'm Bob Burlton, Principal of ACT ! and Boardchair
of CFS, Co-operative Financial Services Ltd. in the UK.
My ACT ! colleague, Richard Mason is off from tomorrow on a well-deserved holiday over Christmas and the New Year.


So, I will be covering for him and trying to keep you informed about Copenhagen and other relevant co-op news.


Please bear with me, as I try to master the technology !!!!!
Posted by Bob-at-ACT at 06:55 1 comments
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Latest From Outside the Copenhagen Talks as Protestors Clash with Police


Police have fired tear gas at protestors as they tried to break beyond the perimeter fence surrounding the Bella Centre venue in Copenhagen.





Protestors in Copenhagen have already clashed with police earlier this week, however today's unrest was linked to the new restrictions placed on the attendee list. While national leaders and governments confirmed their attendance, organizers were forced to limit the number of protestors allowed in the Bella Centre. This move angered many protestors including NGO's such as Friends of the Earth who were amongst those denied access as they queued for hours to enter the centre earlier today.



Executive Director of friends of the Earth, Andy Atkins claimed it was an affront to democracy.



"It is a crisis of democracy when campaigning charities like Friends of the Earth are prevented from speaking up on behalf of communities around the globewithin the talks themselves,” he said."We were stunned to discover that every Friends of the Earth delegate has been banned from attending these crucial talks - if this is a consequence of our roleas one of the most prominent groups calling for a strong and fair agreement, this is even more disturbing"



"This draconian measure is completely unjustified - the Copenhagen conference is fast becoming an international shambles." he told the UK newspaper the Telegraph.



It is estimated about 15,000 delegates, journalists and civil society representatives have been refused access to the talks.




One section of the protests joined inflatebale matresses together, to act as a makeshift pontoon across the river outside the Bella Centre. Protestors then moved along the matresses throwing sausages at the police dogs on the other side.







Reports suggest that over 200 protestors have been arrested after this most recent clash with police.







Posted by ACT! at 06:20 1 comments

Tuesday, 15 December 2009

A Defining Moment in History



World leaders "face a defining moment in history", UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said as the Copenhagen conference formally entered its high-level stage yesterday.


As heads of state from across the globe began arriving in Copenhagen today, it was yesterday that Ban Ki-moon, opened the final high level stage of COP15.


"We know what we must do. We know what the world expects. Our job here and now is to seal the deal, a deal in our common interest," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said according to AFP, while adding that the world's leaders face "a defining moment in history".


The Secretary-General also said that "three years of effort have come down to three days of action. Let us not falter in the home stretch. No one will get everything they want in this negotiation".


According to Reuters, Ban Ki-moon labeled the negotiations lying ahead over the next three days as "the most complex and ambitious ever to be undertaken by the world community".


The possibility of complete failure is real and the reality is that there is no hope of any deal that will respect the most up to date science. The targets are too low and developed nations such as the US, appear to want to move away from the Kyoto Protocol towards a none legally binding agreement, one which would see countries work towards targets not based on scientific evidence, purely out the goodness of their heart.


While the politics of climate change are being battled inside the Bella Centre, we must take a moment to appreciate the protestors in their thousands that have flocked to the cold city, in an attempt to place pressure on governments. The march on Saturday, in Copenhagen was one of the largest most diverse protests to ever occur. People from every corner of the world, representing an array of different organisations, groups and businesses stood in the freezing cold of Denmark to make their voices heard. Reports have shown unrest and subsequent, if not slightly heavy handed police action this week, in response to protests, that were on the whole peaceful, except for a very small minority of individuals.


Many co-operatives across the globe have had a long history of protesting and standing up for what is right, over issues such as working rights, civil rights and environmental issues that engage with the movement's values and principles. The many individual protestors in Copenhagen, like co-operatives around the world, cannot ensure a deal is signed on Friday; however we should not underestimate the longer term effect that both groups can potentially have. Climate skeptics and in particular climate skeptic businesses, currently far outnumber those calling for action. However an organisation the size of the co-operative movement and the integrity of the co-operative movement can, if united, offer hope. It may still be a minority group of individuals across the globe calling for climate action but it is growing and will only get bigger. Co-operatives are in a unique position to stand up and represent this voice and to act together on climate change. The Rochdale Pioneers started out as a small set of individuals that protested against issues such as working conditions and unfair supply, issues that at the time would have been unthinkable to overcome. All great revolutions have begun with small groups of people uniting, until politicians are forced to act, you only need to look at the civil rights movement in America and the fact that a black President (although regrettably not a green one) will be representing the US in Copenhagen on Friday.


CECHODAS are represented in Copenhagen offering clear ways in which we can achieve emission reductions in line with current science. Consumer co-operatives in the UK made up part of a 50,000 strong climate march in London on the 5th December. The agricultural sector has proposed ways in which it can play a major part in global emission cuts. Co-operative banks can and in many cases do play a key role in financing new green technologies. Co-operatives across all sectors have the answers and the member mandate to lead the way on climate change. ACT! hope that by uniting together, co-operatives will receive a just level of recognition for their work and create a universal brand that stands out from other business models. Our time is now.

Posted by ACT! at 08:11 0 comments

Responsibilities and the Significance of Developed Nations Derailing the Kyoto Protocol



The Copenhagen talks are back on, following the walkout instigated by the African nations yesterday. However fears of new drafts and developed countries skirting responsibility hang over the talks and it remains unclear whether or not any agreements can be forged in the remaining few days. ACT! takes a look at the dangers of scrapping the Kyoto Protocol.



The walk out of developing countries, led by the African nations, was a result of anger towards developed countries who are attempting to move away from the legally binding treaty, the Kyoto Protocol that puts top priority on emission reductions of developed countries. Yesterday evening Connie Hedegaard, the Danish Environment Minister held an emergency meeting with developing nation leaders to try and alleviate fears that the Danes were planning to introduce their own draft proposal to world leaders on Friday.



It remains unclear whether the talks will overcome the rifts of the last few days and reach an agreement on Friday.



Developed countries have clearly attempted to derail the Kyoto Protocol; this is what caused the mass walk out yesterday. Many reports suggest Copenhagen is where a new agreement will be reached to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012, suggesting this is the only time in which this can happen. This is completely incorrect. The Kyoto protocol was split into two periods, the first being a 'commitment period', which legally bound developed countries to cut emissions by 5.2% by 2012 based on 1990 levels. The protocol clearly mandates members to enter a second phase following 2012, Copenhagen is the final summit, following four years of negotiations where this second phase can be agreed.



The EU's announcement in October that they would work towards a single agreement indicated that they wanted to leave the Kyoto Protocol along with nations such as Australia and Japan and forge a new treaty that would include America.


The US seek a 'pledge review system', which would not include any binding targets, instead they would announce what cuts they are able to make and these would then be peer reviewed by other countries. This is a reversal of the top down approach taken under the Kyoto Protocol, in which countries decide what global emission cuts are needed and then negotiate each country's responsibility.



The Kyoto Protocol's 'second period' has been a long time coming with negotiations being incredibly slow over the past four years. This leaves the next few days to grind out an agreed treaty, while at the same time rumours suggest possibly all the developed nations wish to scrap the Kyoto Protocol; an action that I believe conflicts with co-operative values. We inhabit a finite planet and we cannot continue to live beyond our means. Developed countries are not arguing whether or not climate change is happening but fighting to sustain what is an unsustainable development at the cost of the development of others in poorer countries. It is these actions that are responsible for angering the developing nations over the past few days.



The 'pledge review style' treaty that developed nations seek, brings obvious problems, even in collecting the commitments of different nations. Recent estimates suggest that developed countries national targets, including the US, currently total 18% cuts by 2020 based on 1990 levels. When offsets are removed from this total the level of national emission cuts is considerably smaller still and certainly a long way off the 25%-50% demanded by the science and also developing nations.


So as the worlds focus remains on climate change and the need to act, we face the prospect of the developed nations responsible for climate change not only moving away from a legally binding treaty, but also significantly reducing their mitigation commitments. This kind of action does not fit with the co-operative values and principles of sustainability and equity and no one can argue otherwise.



Developed countries are attempting to shift the burden of adjustment to developing nations, which was never part of the mandate for the present Copenhagen talks, which were decided two years ago during the dramatic talks in Bali.

The UN population projections predict that if we were to adopt the developed nation's plans of 50% emission reductions by 2050, with developed nations reducing emissions by 80% and developing nations by 20% per capita, developing nations would in fact be responsible for reducing emission per capita by 50% due to population increases in the developing world. Clearly and undeniably this shifts both responsibility and the burden of climate mitigation, to the nations least responsible for the present levels of green house gases.

If developing nations are forced to cap emission levels at such low levels then the technology transfer and financial support from developed nations must match this, to avoid massively constraining economic and social development in the world's poorest nations.



The talks in Bali two years ago set out a three point plan on mitigation. First of all, developed nations would agree on a 'second period' of the Kyoto protocol, which would include deep emission cuts in line with the science. Secondly, it would see the US, who refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol under Bush administration, agreeing a comparable effort. Thirdly, for the first time developing nations, supported through finance and technology, would agree on mitigation actions that would be "measurable, reportable and verifiable".



The first point is already on the brink of collapse as developed nations attempt to strike up a new treaty, and Obama has failed to pass any meaningful US emission cuts through the American senate, we face developed nations reaching a combined emission reduction target that is unthinkably low and ignores any scientific evidence.



Developing nations are now demanding that those countries that put most of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and that promised to take the lead in global actions to combat climate change live up to that promise in Copenhagen. Thus they call for the survival of the Kyoto protocol, and the commitment to credible emission cuts by each country to be top priority at Copenhagen.


Martin Khor, of South Centre, Geneva told the Guardian UK newspaper,

"The next few days will tell if Copenhagen ends as a partial success, with enough progress to propel another year of talks to success, or as an utter failure, with the unraveling of the global climate regime amid a finger pointing blame game".

We need to think co-operatively and think globally; our planet and whole existence depend on it.


Posted by ACT! at 04:27 1 comments

Talks Restart Ahead of the Arrival of World Leaders

Following Monday's suspension of talks on points raised by the African group, supported by the wider G77-China bloc of developing countries, some sessions ran long into the night as negotiators tried to make up lost time.

The Danish conference hosts had been accused of trying to sideline negotiations on the Kyoto Protocol by packaging discussion of outstanding difficult issues from across the various strands into a single informal session.

Developing countries are adamant that developed nations still inside the protocol - all except the US - must commit to further emission cuts under its aegis.

After discussions with the Danes and UN climate convention officials, the informal talks were split as the G77-China bloc had demanded.

One group, chaired by Germany and Indonesia, is examining further emission cuts by developed nations under the Kyoto Protocol.

Another, chaired by the UK and Ghana, is looking at long-term financing to help poorer countries develop along "green" lines and protect themselves against impacts of climate change.


 


 


 
Posted by ACT! at 03:06 0 comments

Monday, 14 December 2009

Day 8- Climate Talks Suspended Following Mass Walk Out Of African and G77 Nations

The main sessions of U.N. climate talks in Copenhagen were suspended today, following a protest led by African nations accusing rich developed countries of trying to derail the existing U.N. Kyoto Protocol. African delegations were angry at what they saw as moves by the Danish host government to sideline talks on more emission cuts under the Kyoto Protocol.

The group of G77 nations refused to continue negotiations unless talks on a second commitment period to the treaty were given priority over broader discussions on a "long-term vision" for action on climate change. The Kyoto protocol is the only track of negotiation currently being discussed at Copenhagen, that includes legally binding mechanisms for emission cuts from rich countries.

"This is a walk-out over process and form, not a walkout over substance, and that's regrettable. A range of developing countries have expressed their concerns and acted accordingly. This is not the time for people to play procedural games. We need to resolve the process issues and get onto the substance," said the Australian Climate Change Minister Penny Wong.

Blocs representing poor countries vulnerable to climate change have been adamant that rich nations must commit to emission cuts beyond 2012 under the Kyoto Protocol. But the EU and the developed world in general has promoted the idea of a new agreement. Developing countries fear they would lose many of the gains they made when the protocol was agreed in 1997.

Jeremy Hobbs, Executive Director of Oxfam International said: “ Africa has pulled the emergency cord to avoid a train crash at the end of the week. Poor countries want to see an outcome which guarantees sharp emissions reductions yet rich countries are trying to delay discussions on the only mechanism we have to deliver this – the Kyoto Protocol.
This not about blocking the talks – it is about whether rich countries are ready to guarantee action on climate change and the survival or people in Africa and across the world. Australia and Japan are crying foul while blocking movement on legally binding emissions reductions for rich countries. This tit for tat approach is no way to deal with the climate crisis.”

The Danish hosts have been heavily critisised for attempting to move away from the Kyoto protocol and Chair Connie Hedeggard today came under fire.
"Connie Hedegaard is absolutely committed to violate any democratic processes," said G77 chief negotiator Lumumba Di-Aping as he explained the latest development.


Kim Carstensen, director of the global climate initiative with environment group WWF, said that much more movement was needed on the Kyoto Protocol negotiations.
"The point is being made very loud that African countries and the wider G77 bloc will not accept non-action on the Kyoto Protocol, and they're really afraid that a deal has been stitched up behind their backs," he told BBC News.

While understanding the G77 position, he said the suspension could affect progress towards a deal.
"We're losing time, and that's a serious matter, because every minute we lose on one issue the chances of getting to the bottom of the next issue diminish."
Posted by ACT! at 04:24 1 comments

Sunday, 13 December 2009

Danish Police Condemned After Aggressive Treatment of Climate Protestors



Over 100,000 protestors gathered in Copenhagen yesterday, in a historic protest, calling for a binding deal that would bring between 25- 40% emission cuts. The marches included co-operators and members of several NGO's from across the globe.


99% of the protestors, protested peacefully, however reports suggest a small part of the crowd began throwing stones at police officers. This was despite an extensive clean up of the streets, to remove anything that could be used as a missile, prior to the event.


The protestors present have hit back with harsh words aimed at the Danish police authority, after as many as 1000 people are thought to have been arrested amid clashes with riot police as the authorities used "kettling" tactics to contain marchers. Those throwing stones were pinned in along with innocent, peaceful protestors as arrests were made. Those detained complain that they have been held in freezing conditions, with no water and no toilets. The police handcuffed up to a thousand people and sat them in lines on the street, before transporting them in buses from the scene. People were left for several hours as the police struggled to get the transportation through the crowds.


Mel Evans from Climate Justice Action told the BBC "People were there in freezing conditions urinating on themselves and being held in lines like, essentially like animals."


Danish law bans protestors from wearing masks and it is believed that a small minority of the crowd decided to wear black masks, which may have sparked further police action.


The World Development Movement's director, Deborah Doane, has condemned the authorities for what she said was a "complete violation of the right to protest and a step towards the breakdown of democracy".



Posted by ACT! at 05:08 0 comments

Saturday, 12 December 2009

Social and Co-operative housing providers from across Europe will lobby politicians for support for green retrofitting at the Copenhagen summit





Social and cooperative housing makes up 12% of the EU's housing stock, if 4% of stock is refurbished annually, backed up with a sustained change in residents' behaviour, this can help deliver 30% reduction in energy consumption by 2020. The Offer to fight climate change from Europe's cooperative and social housing providers explains more in details what is the potential and the missing strategies to reach a refurbishment rate of a million dwellings annually, representing the creation of almost 350.000 jobs across Europe each year.


CECODHAS – HOUSING EUROPE will present its Copenhagen Offer at the conference Climate Neutral Cities: Plans, Projects and Partnerships which will take place on the 17th of December as an official Side Event within the United Nations Climate Change Conference.




The initiative has so far met the support of a number of EU officials:


"Realizing the energy savings possibilities in buildings clearly has a number of environmental, social and economic benefits. Addressing specifically social housing is very important as it


improves the living conditions and reduces the energy bills of the most disadvantaged Europeans while at the same time creates jobs locally. That is why I fully support this initiative."


– Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs




"This is an excellent initiative. Members of Cecodhas can play a leading role in improving the energy efficiency of existing homes in great numbers, not only increasing quality of life for less


privileged people, but setting the right example for private and commercial houseowners and authorities. Governments and local authorities should finally prioritize energy efficiency over


increasing energy supply and the buildings sector has the largest potential."


– John Hontelez, Secretary General European Environmental Bureau




"In the past years, the European Parliament has always considered energy efficiency in the housing sector as an opportunity which was not sufficiently considered by EU policies. The recent


changes in eligibility criteria to structural funds, allowing energy improvements in housing to be supported as request by the Parliament, will partly fill this gap. The CECODHAS proposal could


surely be a step forward in using this new opportunity."


– Mr. Jan Olbrycht, MEP




"Housing is one area where the full potential to reduce the carbon footprint has not yet been realised, despite many obvious social, economic and environmental benefits. So, I warmly


welcome this pledge from the social housing sector to take a lead by reducing its emissions and hope that the EU will talk the talk on climate change by facilitating the commitment. "


– Ms. Caroline Lucas, MEP




CECODHAS – HOUSING EUROPE is the European Committee for social and cooperatives housing, a network of national and regional social housing federations gathering public, voluntary and cooperatives housing organisations. Together the 45 members in 19 EU members States manage 25 millions dwellings.


CECODHAS members work together for a Europe that provides access to decent and affordable housing for all in communities which are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable and where all are enabled to reach their full potential.

Posted by ACT! at 13:27 1 comments

Friday, 11 December 2009

A Road To Safety, The Important Issues

The Copenhagen Climate Summit, the biggest environmental meeting of all time, opened on the 7th December will run until the 18th December. As we approach the end of the first week we take a look at what the different stakeholders are calling for.


A Road to Safety, The Important Issues

  • Economically Developed Countries- Must agree to cut emissions between 25-45% by 2020, based on 1990 levels, rising to 80-95% by 2050, if the world is to avoid catastrophic climate change and a temperature rise over even 2C. Developed countries have grown rich on fossil fuels and are still guilty of emitting huge amounts of greenhouse gases per person. So they have a responsibility to make the largest cuts.

    Measure of Success- Agreed
    Emission cuts of between 25-45% by 2020, based on 1990 levels


  • Emerging Economies- Nations such as India, China and Brazil have surging levels of greenhouse gas emissions, due to rapid economic growth. Any global curb in emissions must include a reduction in emissions from these countries. In comparison to more developed countries, they still have very small emissions per person, and contain large populations of people in severe poverty. Emerging economies argue that they must continue to pollute in order to raise the standard of living in their countries.

    Measure of Success- Agreements to lower the amount of carbon emitted, compared to a business as usual scenario. Somewhere in the range of 15-30% by 2020.


  • Small Island Nations- The group who are least responsible for the current effects of climate change, will be urging the other groups to make deeper, more immediate cuts. The first week of the summit has seen this group call for cuts that will limit temperature increases to no more than 1.5C. Funding is crucial for climate mitigation within these countries.

    Measure of Success- Other groups listen to their calls for a 1.5C temperature target not 2C.


  • The Cost of Climate Change- A future of low carbon technologies may well be cheaper than our current fossil fuel driven society and it may hold great hope for Co-operatives, but there is a short term cost. It is agreed that the small island nations have done the least to cause climate change and funding to prevent the worst of its effects in these nations must be agreed. Richer countries will need to pay billions to support this going forward. The EU has already agreed €7.2bn between 2010 and 2012. The cost of switching to a non fossil fuel future, through introducing large scale renewables will also be costly in the short term. Emerging economies will be looking to avoid a carbon intensive industrial revolution, but instead bypass it by develop a green economy, something the developed world will be expected to initially fund.

    Measure of Success- The current offer on the table of €100bn per year, proposed by the EU must increase according to experts to anything from €200bn per year to €600bn a year.


  • Politics of the Summit- Developing nations want to continue with the Kyoto protocol, with developed nations having clear responsibilities outlined. Emerging economies want a new protocol that would increase emission targets for developed nations. Developed nations want a climate fund run by the World Bank, where they have more control, developing nations seek continued UN rule as they are better represented within the organisation.

    Measure of Success- Any mutual agreement will be a success.


  • Deforestation- With 17% of all current emissions being a result of deforestation, an agreement must be reached that stops deforestation. Issues of ownership, verification and ligitiate claims are all current issues that hinder deforestation work.

    Measure of Success- The cost of cutting emissions must be dealt with, however an agreement will have to be reached on who will police deforestation. Options could include an international governing body, or a more advisory body.

Posted by ACT! at 07:44 1 comments

Swedish President Announces £7.2bn EU Climate Fund



EU leaders have agreed to pay 7.2bn euros over the next three years to a fund to help developing nations adapt to climate change.




Announcing the deal, Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt said all 27 EU member nations would contribute. The pledge is more than the EU target of 6bn euros ($9bn; £5.5bn) by 2012, that was originally being discussed. Mr Reinfeldt said the EU was taking its "fair share" to Copenhagen and he hoped other rich nations would do the same.




The deal should boost UN climate talks in Copenhagen after a document prepared by one of the Copenhagen summit's chairmen calls on developed nations to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25-45% from 1990 levels by 2020. The document is only a draft but leaves the exact figure open to negotiation and does not mention a specific temperature target, following the high profile disputes over the last few days, surrounding the 2C ceiling. Current calculations suggest that a 17% reduction by 2020, based on 1990 levels is currently being tabled. The draft spells out that the emission reductions of developing countries will be managed by the existing protocol and dismisses the idea of creating an entirely new protocol, something many developed nations have been calling for.




Last night, EU leaders battled over how much to pay the international global warming fund, during a climate conference in Brussels.


French President Sarkozy and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, held a joint press conference earlier today. The show of solidarity, outlined plans for the two countries to donate £1.5bn and encourage Europe to increase it emission reduction to 30% by 2020, based on 1990 levels.


The plans of other EU nations remained unclear, as the UK and France join the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark as the only other countries to firmly propose funding. Germany and Eastern European countries remained silence. The details of the different national contributions to the €7.2bn fund remains unclear.


Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament, in reference to the emission reduction targets, told EU leaders on Thursday, "swift, binding, global decisions" were also needed on climate targets.


"I call upon you - put a figure on the table. We demanded this in the European Parliament resolution in November," he said.


Sarkozy gave hope that the EU nations would agree to up their efforts to a 30% emission cut by 2020, based on 1990 levels.







Posted by ACT! at 04:43 0 comments

Thursday, 10 December 2009

Day 4, Emerging Economies Announce Their Own Climate Draft, On A Day That Obama Accepts The Nobel Peace Prize

Following the temperature issues that were highlighted by the island of Tuvalu yesterday, more than half the world's countries say they are determined not to sign up to any deal that allows temperatures to rise by more than 1.5C - as opposed to 2C - which the major economies would prefer.


But any agreement to reach that target would require massive and rapid cuts in greenhouse gas emissions combined with removal of CO2 in the atmosphere. An extra 0.5C drop in temperatures would require vastly deeper cuts in carbon dioxide and up to $10.5 trillion (£6.5tr) extra in energy-related investment by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency.


Holding temperatures to an increase of 1.5C compared to preindustrial levels would mean stabilising carbon concentrations in the atmosphere at roughly 350 parts per million (ppm), down from a present 387ppm. No technology currently exists to feasibly remove CO2 from the atmosphere on a large scale.

"Tuvalu has taken a strong stand to put the focus back on their bottom line. Nothing but a legally binding deal will deliver the strong commitments to urgent action that are needed to avoid catastrophe, especially to the most vulnerable countries and people," said the Oxfam spokesman Barry Coates.


Today the Alliance of Small Island States (Aosis), a grouping of 43 of the smallest and most vulnerable countries, including Tuvalu, said any rise of more than 1.5C was not negotiable at Copenhagen. They are backed by 48 of the least developed nations.


The UN conference chief Yvo de Boer, today implied this morning that the proposal had little chance of being adopted. "It is theoretically possible that the conference will agree to hold temperatures to 1.5C but most industrialised countries have pinned their hopes on 2C," he said.


The 2C figure, which was included in the leaked 'Danish text'by has emerged as the figure favoured by large economies and the likeliest to be adopted. But the poorest countries say that latest science implies that a 2C warming would lead to disastrous consequences – for example from sea level rise.

"We have two research stations, one in the Pacific and one in the Caribbean. They both suggest a rise of 2C is completely untenable for us," said Dessima Williams, a Grenadian diplomat speaking for Aosis.

"Our islands are disappearing, our coral reefs are bleaching, we are losing our fish supplies. We bring empirical evidence to Copenhagen of what climate change is doing now to our states," she said.

350.org have campaigned throughout the year for CO2 levels to be reduced from current levels rather than limited to two degrees, along with other NGO's such as Tck, Tck, Tck they have backed the call for a deal that limits warming to 1.5C.


Emerging economies add their proposed climate draft, in light of the developed nations leaked 'Danish Text' and the unveiling of the Tuvalu proposal yesterday


The major emerging economies have called on rich countries to reduce their carbon emissions by more than 40 percent.


China, India, South Africa and Brazil, the four major emerging economies finalised an 11-page draft, during a closed door meeting in November– the "Copenhagen Accord." It requires a "binding" amendment to the Kyoto Protocol and calls for rich countries to reduce their carbon emissions by more than 40 percent compared to 1990 levels, AFP reported.


The initiative, led by Beijing, was conceived as a rebuttal by developing countries to the "Danish text" allegedly written by the UN conference's host country leaked to the press yesterday.


According to AFP, the "Copenhagen Accord", posted on the website of French daily Le Monde, embraces the objective of limiting global warming to two degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. It calls on rich countries – committed to CO2 reductions under the Kyoto Protocol of at least five percent by 2012 – to "multiply by eight" and points out that reductions should be made "mainly through domestic measures" and this will not include the purchase of so-called "offsets" outside their borders in developing countries.



Regarding funding, the world's major emerging economies call for the creation of a special fund under the authority of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).




Posted by ACT! at 15:38 0 comments

Sweden pledges 800 million Euros for climate change fund

Sweden says it will give 800 million euro (1.2 billion U.S. dollars) to help developing nations fight climate change.



Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, will announce Sweden's donation to a European Union program for a so-called "fast-start financing fund today.


Sweden who currently hold the rotating EU presidency, will push during an EU summit in Brussels due to end Friday, for clarity on the amount of finance that member countries are prepared to provide towards climate adaption in vulnerable countries, over the next 3years. It is hoped that a decision, which will remain secret until high level negotiations begin in Copenhagen next week, will add momentum to the so far volatile COP15 summit.


Sweden's pledge of 800 million Euros compliments the 160 million Euros already pledged by Denmark, as the UN call for international funding of 7 billion Euros a year between 2010 and 2012.


A Swedish government spokesperson told reporters that not all member nations would be contributing as some face serious financial difficulties.

According to the Danish daily Politiken, Mikolaj Dowgielewicz, Poland's minister for European affairs has insisted that the target "can not be raised without a study on the economic consequences".



The summit in Brussels will also discuss whether the EU should raise it emission targets from 20% by 2020, to 30% by 2020.





Posted by ACT! at 03:58 2 comments

Wednesday, 9 December 2009

Day 3- Developing Nations Enraged Over Leaked Documents, As Protests For New Protocol Cause A Break Down In Talks








The 'Danish Text' was leaked to the UK newspaper, The Guardian, earlier today.



The text is a draft proposal for the final political agreement that should be signed by national leaders including Barack Obama and Gordon Brown at the end of the Copenhagen summit on 18 December. It was prepared in secret by a group of individuals known as "the circle of commitment" but understood to include the US and Denmark. It proposed a green fund to be controlled by a board, most likely run by the World Bank and not the UN. It also included emission reductions for developing countries, something that has not previously been discussed during negotiations.



Instant reaction to the leaked document



Three hours after the 'Danish Text' had been leaked, Lumumba Di-Aping, the Sudanese chairman of the group of 132 developing countries known as G77 plus China, explained why the developing countries he represents were so incensed. "The text robs developing countries of their just and equitable and fair share of the atmospheric space. It tries to treat rich and poor countries as equal," he told the conference.



Five hours later, the UN's, Yvo de Boer, said: "This was an informal paper ahead of the conference given to a number of people for the purposes of consultations. The only formal texts in the UN process are the ones tabled by the chairs of this Copenhagen conference at the behest of the parties [involved]."



But the representatives of developing nations at the conference, made it clear that they felt betrayed by the intent of the proposals in the text.



"This text destroys both the UN convention on climate change and the Kyoto protocol. This is aimed at producing a new treaty, a new legal initiative that throws away the basis of [differing] obligations between the poorest and most wealthy nations in the world," said Di-Aping.



Antonio Hill, climate policy adviser for Oxfam International, told the Guardian: "This is only a draft, but it highlights the risk that when the big countries come together, the small ones get hurt."



A spokesman for Cafod, a development charity with close links to some of the poorest countries in the world, said: "This draft document reveals the backstage machinations of a biased host who, instead of acting as nonpartisan broker, is taking sides with the developed countries.



"The document should not even exist. There is a UN legal process which is the official negotiating text. The Danish text disrespects the solid, steady approach of the UN process."



Ban Ki-moon speaks out over 'Danish text'



The United Nations secretary-general, Ban Ki-moon, later this afternoon re-asserted ownership over the Copenhagen climate change meeting after the "trust issues" between developed and developing nations was exposed in the leaked 'Danish text'. He said he was confident of getting a deal for immediate action on global warming.



In a press interview, Ban said he believed the negotiations remained on course for a strong deal, sweetened with the early release of $10bn in aid to poor countries and set down in international law within six months. He was also adamant that deal would hinge on the core elements of the Kyoto protocol, which developing countries feared was being sabotaged in the 'Danish text' document.



The leaked document has clearly exposed a large distrust between industrialised and developing countries. Ban Ki-moon and others must now work to ease relations ahead of over 100 world leaders arriving to draw up a deal next week.



Support for 'Tuvalu protocol' exacerbates the disruption caused by 'Danish Text'



Negotiations at the UN climate summit in Copenhagen dramatically broke down for a second time today after developing countries split between those who favour a new protocol and others who want to continue with the legally binding Kyoto agreement.



Tuvalu, a Pacific island state politically and financially close to Australia, proposed a new protocol which would potentially force deeper global emission cuts, but could lead to other developing countries - rather than rich nations - having to make those cuts.



Many developing nations cherish the legally binding commitments that Kyoto places on industrialised nations and fiercely oppose proposals that would change this.



Tuvalu was immediately supported by other small island states, including, Trinidad and Tobago and several African states. But it was opposed by 15 countries, which included the powerful nations of China, Saudi Arabia and India. One of the two negotiating tracks was suspended for several hours as a result of no consensus being be reached.



Civil society groups including the TckTckTck campaign and 350.org demonstrated outside the meeting in favour of Tuvalu, chanting: "Tuvalu is the new deal."



Observers, told press that, a G77 plus China rift at this early stage in the conference was a serious setback for the big developing countries. Small island states, least developed countries and Africa have so far worked together in public with the G77.
















Posted by ACT! at 15:13 1 comments

Tuesday, 8 December 2009

Bangladesh Demand 15% of Any Climate Fund




Even before any climate adaptation fund has seen the light of day, in Copenhagen, Bangladesh ask for 15% of any such fund.




The Bangladeshi State Minister For the Environment and Forest, Hasan Mahmud, commented that, ""The population of our one coastal district is bigger than the entire population of all island countries and in that consideration at least 15 percent of any climate fund should come to us."




A leading economist, Qazi Kholiquzzaman, who is also part of the Bangladeshi negotiation team in Copenhagen added, ""We are not begging any mercy from anyone. Rather we want justice as the worst victim of climate change."





Posted by ACT! at 07:49 1 comments

Gordon Brown Speaks Out On EU Position Of ‘Wait and See’





British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, today spoke out against the current EU position on emission cuts.


While Andreas Carlgren the Swedish Minister for the Environment, who currently holds the rotating EU presidency, has said the EU will not reveal its emission cuts until the very last moment, Brown argued against this in an interview to the Guardian newspaper in the UK.


"It's not enough to say, 'I may do this, I might do that, possibly I'll do this'. I want to create a situation in which the European Union is persuaded to go to 30 percent," Gordon Brown tells The Guardian.

"We've got to make countries recognize that they have to be as ambitious as they say they want to be," he added.


The EU has already pledged 20% reductions below 1990 levels by 2020, but have agreed to deepen this to 30%, should an ambitious deal be reached at Copenhagen.





Posted by ACT! at 07:36 1 comments

Monday, 7 December 2009

ACT! Coverage of Copenhagen Climate Summit



Over the coming weeks Co-operatives Europe will use this blog along with Facebook and Twitter, to update co-operators all over the world of what is happening in Copenhagen and the importance of the decisions being reached. While we endeavor to make the voice of the co-operative movement on climate change heard at the political level, we will be commentating on the conference as things unfold. The ACT! website itself will change considerably as the project develops to incorporate post Copenhagen plans and the previous climate petition, that will be delivered to national political representatives and the UNFCC, will evolve into a show for co-operative climate action, as we hope to build support behind our movements efforts.


Be sure to continue to spread the word on ACT! to others and join us on here on the ACT! website and blog, Facebook and Twitter to get the very latest on COP15!




After some confusion regarding entry, which led to large queues outside the main building, the long awaited Copenhagen climate summit was opened today slightly behind schedule, with the screening of a deeply moving film, showing a young child having a nightmare about climate change. The focus remained on children as a teenage choir from Denmark performed in front of a crowd of thousands of journalists and political delegates, before the Prime Minister of Denmark was welcomed to the stage.


Lars Lokke Rasmussen, officially opened the 11 day UN summit, reminding the world that climate change would affect everyone, of all ages.


"Global warming knows no borders. It does not discriminate, it affects us all," he told the summit.


"We can change, and we have to change."


Mr Rasmussen said the task facing negotiators and world leaders was very tough, saying he was "painfully aware" of differing perspectives on the issue of global warming. But he gave an optimistic verdict.


"A deal is within reach, together we can accomplish what must be accomplished."


Negotiators from 192 countries have gathered in the Danish capital to try to forge a new deal to tackle global warming. World leaders have made some progress towards a deal in recent weeks, with countries such as India the USA and China talking about targets, but big problems still remain over who should cut greenhouse gas emissions, and who should pay.


More than 100 world leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, US President Barrack Obama and several EU leaders will attend the conference late next week and attempt to forge an agreement. More than 15000 people are attending the summit, including 3500 journalists.

Posted by ACT! at 10:37 2 comments

Wednesday, 2 December 2009

A risk Assessment of Climate Change- Evidence for Action, for Even the Hardest of Climate Skeptics

Despite the mass of scientific evidence to support climate change, there remains a worryingly large proportion of the population that opposes any action.

Illegal email hacking recently gave climate skeptics the chance to generate a new wave of climate denial and Australia's opposition party chose to elect a new leader on the basis that he opposes action on climate change.

We want to share with you a demonstaration of a simple climate change risk assessment. The presentation highlights the point, that whether you are a complete climate skeptic or an active climate protestor, the real burning issue is not whether climate change is occurring or not, but whether we should act or not.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zORv8wwiadQ.


As the video suggests co-operatives must act on climate change, our values of equity and social responsibility mean that whether we believe the science or not, it is mandatory for co-operatives address the climate threat. Other business models may be willing to ignore the risk assessment in the pursuit of profit but co-operatives cannot.

We have a responsibility and opportunity to lead the way to a low carbon future.


We hope that you find this video resource useful.
Posted by ACT! at 10:11 1 comments
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