Report on Cancun COP16

Report on Cancun COP16

www.isciences.com February 1, 2011

The 4th installment in an ongoing series on multilateral agreements related to climate change

Kyoto and Beyond

IntroductionKyoto and Beyond is a series of presentations on the evolving international climate treaty process that began with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

* Available at http://www.isciences.com/spotlight/kyoto_and_beyond.html

Report on Cancun COP16 is a summary of the process of negotiations that transpired during COP16, Nov. 29-Dec. 10, 2010.

Other presentations in the series include*:• Kyoto and beyond: the Evolution of Multilateral

Agreements on Climate Change (2008)• Report on Copenhagen COP15 (2009)• Road to Cancun COP16 (2010)

Looking Towards the Future

Issues Still Looming

Thoughts and Opinions

The Cancun Agreements

COP16 Overview

Contents

Nov. 29 – Dec. 10, 2010

Image credit: Wikicommons

The talks were so downplayed that

some Heads of State and top government

officials did not attend.

Due to the frustrations that resulted from COP15 in Copenhagen, COP16 was intentionally under-publicized in order to avoid giving the public false expectations.

The tone leading up to COP16 was subdued, a mood that remained through the entirety of the talks.

For a day-by-day account of COP16 see slides 38-50.

COP16 in Cancun Mexico

By its conclusion, the climate meeting was deemed an overall success and the UNFCCC climate treaty process was rejuvenated.

The UNFCCC Process Moves Forward

“The Cancun Agreements” were considered substantive steps and were favorably reviewed by global climate analysts.

The “Agreements” demonstrated that the UNFCCC process could achieve progress.

Three of the world’s major carbon emitters, the US, China, and India, all approved the agreements.

COP16 Overview

Most importantly, COP16 resulted in a text titled “The Cancun Agreements” consisting of five main elements:

1) Financing through the Green Climate Fund

2) Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+)

3) Increasing transparency through monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV)

4) Formalizing the emissions reduction pledges made at COP15 in Copenhagen, Denmark

5) Creating a new Adaptation FrameworkDraft of the agreement is available at: http://www.isciences.com/spotlight/Report_on_Cancun_COP16/The%20Cancun%20Agreements.pdf

The Cancun Agreements

However, no second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol was established, leaving the future of the Protocol uncertain as it expires on December 31, 2012.

On opening day of COP16, Japan, Canada, and Australia announced their refusal to consign to a 2nd commitment period, citing that the Protocol does not bind two of the top emitters: China, “a developing country”; and the US, which rejected the treaty in 2001.

Towards the end of COP16, Russia also announced its opposition to a 2nd commitment period.

The future of the Protocol was postponed once again, tabled until COP17 in Durban, South Africa.

Unresolved Issue

For background on the Kyoto Protocol see slide 37

During negotiations Bolivian Ambassador and representative, Pablo Solon, protested decisions, claiming them to be “hollow,” and charging that developing nations were “bullied” by developed nations into accepting outcomes.

Image credit: http://theforeigner.no

Espinosa overruled Solon’s objections, asserting that involved delegates felt the fate of the consensus should not be determined by one objecting party in an otherwise unanimous vote.

COP16 President Patricia Espinosa’s role in the negotiation process was crucial to the outcome. Her leadership paved the way for official acceptance of the Cancun Agreements.

Process Breakthrough

Coutesy: http://www.mexicool.com/15/mexico-map-of-mexico/

Upon the start of COP16, Mexico was under pressure to create an atmosphere that would increase the likelihood of a legally binding agreement being created.

Prior to the talks, Felipe Calderon, President of Mexico, had made climate change a top priority through the development of domestic legislation as well as investment in international climate change policy.

The success at COP16 proved Mexico’s willingness and ability to produce positive results. It also provided evidence to the international community that developing countries have significant influence and play an important role in the process.

Upon the end of the talks, the U.S. praised the decisions made by Patricia Espinosa and congratulated Calderon for his leadership and for Mexico’s contributions and work.

Mexico’s Pivotal Role

India played a significant role during the talks. Jairam Ramesh, India’s Environment Minister, claims that many of India’s contributions were incorporated into the final text agreement.

Contributions initiated by India included the idea for International Consultation and Analysis, a transparency mechanism created to ensure that developing countries carry out the necessary domestic mitigation actions.

Image credit: http://www.daylife.com/topic/Jairam_Ramesh/photos

NOTE: India’s total carbon emissions are expected to reach between 4 billion and 7.3 billion tonnes by 2031.

“India should be seen as part of the solution.” – Jairam Ramesh

COP 16: Role of the Big Emitters

China offered, for the first time, to consider making its emissions reductions target binding. The offer is anticipated to inspire increased action in developed nations. China was also adamant that countries should commit to a 2nd period of the Protocol.

China’s target is viewed as one of the most ambitious of the participating countries, with a goal of cutting carbon intensity by 40-45% from 2005 levels by 2020.

Image Credit: http://thebreakthrough.org/blog/2009/12/chinas_carbon_intensity_pledge.shtml

However, China’s reductions remain voluntary for the time being, and the issue of reducing its total emissions budget is not addressed.

COP 16: Role of the Big Emitters

U.S. representative Todd Stern, Special Envoy for Climate Change, emphasized upon arrival that the U.S. would not be accepting a text that resembled a “watered down” version of the Copenhagen Accord.

Image Credit: http://tinyurl.com/4tyqu68

This meant insistence on a more balanced package including elements such as the establishment of a Green Fund and improvements on adaptation and REDD+

NOTE: The United States is the world’s 2nd largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Recently, the U.S. invested 90 billion dollars into renewable energy to reduce negative impact.

Stern also stressed the commitment from the United States and President Obama to work alongside the global community to find a solution to climate change.

COP 16: Role of the Big Emitters

The Cancun Agreements

COP 16 Verdict

Available at: http://www.isciences.com/spotlight/Report_on_Cancun_COP16/The%20Cancun%20Agreements.pdf

The Green Climate Fund To be initiated in 2020, the Green Climate Fund will

allocate $100 billion towards helping developing nations reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The fund will assist developing nations adapt to negative effects of climate change that have already occurred. This includes using shifting agriculture towards drought-resistant crops and building sea walls that protect against rising ocean levels and storm surges.

A portion of the funds will be contributed by developed countries. (To view a table of the current pledged funds see slide 36.)

The board that governs the fund will consist of 25 people representing developed and developing countries equally.

The World Bank will be the trustee of the fund.

The Cancun Agreements

Reducing Carbon Emissions from Deforestation (REDD+)

The deal reached at COP16 emphasizes need for countries to reduce harmful emissions made from deforestation (see slide 35).

An agreement was made to increase funds towards REDD+.

Calls for the creation of incentives for local people, governments, and industries to alter their practices towards to agricultural methods that do not rely on the clearing of land by cutting down trees.

The decision made on deforestation reduction was considered to be one of the most crucial agreements made during COP16.

The Cancun Agreements

Transparency Provision: Monitoring, Reporting, and Verifying

Both developed and developing countries are required to give more frequent reporting of emissions through submissions of biennial reports.

Developing countries will undergo international consultations regarding these reports. The agreements stress that this must be done in respectful, non-invasive manner.

Reports are to be analyzed by technical experts. The provisions are meant to improve the reliability and

quality of country pledges. The Cancun Agreements also call for the creation of

workshops to clarify country targets and help estimate emissions reductions that could occur post-2012.

The Cancun Agreements

Incorporating the Copenhagen Accord into the UN Process

The deal brings the non-binding emissions reduction pledges made in the Copenhagen Accord from COP15 into the formal UN process.

BAU = “Business As Usual”

Image Credit: http://www.iie.com/realtime/?p=1173

NOTE: These voluntary pledges are anticipated to become legally binding in the future.

The Cancun Agreements

Cancun Adaptation Framework

The framework calls for assistance to the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to create national adaptation plans and climate change strategies.

The framework has established an Adaptation Committee in order to assure that issues related to adaptation are handled with more attention and focus under the UNFCCC.

Certain small island states have already experienced damage due to climate change which has disabled adaptation in these areas. To address this issue, the Alliance of Small Island States proposed a plan to compensate countries for loss and damages. The plan includes possible insurance policies and rehabilitation.

The Cancun Agreements

To view thoughts and opinions see slides 29-34.

Ban Ki Moon, UN Secretary

Todd Stern, U.S. Special Envoy for Climate Change

Christina Figueres, UNFCCC Executive

Secretary

Felipe Calderon, President of Mexico

Patricia Espinosa, President of COP16

Pablo Solon, Bolivia’s UN Ambassador

Thoughts and Opinions

Scientists have stated that the current emissions reduction pledges could result in a temperature rise of 3.2°C instead of 2°C as sought in the UNFCCC process. Some even estimate a 4-5°C rise.

Image adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8635765.stm

Scientific range of uncertaintyObservations

Estimates

Projected Global Temperature IncreaseTemperature Rise from Pre-industrial Time

Credit: Rogelj et al, Nature

Issues Still Looming: Temperature Rise

The Gigatonne Breakdown: Prior COPs stressed the need to prevent a global temperature increase of more than 2C in order to avoid “dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.” Reducing the annual global GHG emissions budget to 44 Gigatonnes (Gt) by 2020 is required to limit warming to +2C.

However: Expected emissions for 2020 range between 48.8 to 51.2 Gt of CO2-equivalent, based on whether high or low emission reduction pledges will be fulfilled.

A best-case scenario: If countries implement promised cuts, we would still produce between 0.5 and 8.8 Gt per annum over what scientists see as tolerable.

The likelihood of limiting increase of global average temperature to no more than 2°C is increasingly remote.

Issues Still Looming: Temperature Rise

The most anticipated issue at COP16 was the future of the Kyoto Protocol, and many hoped for an answer on whether there would be a 2nd commitment period.

No answer was determined, due to opposition from countries to sign on to an agreement that does not include binding emissions reductions for emerging economies such as China and India.

The Cancun Agreements include a segment stating the goal to make a decision about the Protocol’s future as soon as possible. This would avoid a significant gap between the 1st and 2nd commitment periods.

Developed nations are willing to extend the Protocol as long as all countries are committed to making emissions cuts, developing countries included.

A final answer is anticipated at COP17 in Durban, South Africa

Still Looming: Future of the Kyoto Protocol?

Between 30 to 40 thousand heads of state, government officials, and climate change activists are expected to attend COP 17, scheduled on December of 2011 in Durban, South Africa.

There will be heightened pressure on COP17 compared to COP16 due it being the last chance to reach a new climate change deal before the end of the first commitment period of the Protocol.

There is an increase in global confidence that a deal can be found in Durban, whereas people were skeptical of a deal being reached during COP16 due to the perceived failure of COP15.

Image credit: http://www.cop17durban.com/Pages/default.aspx

Looking Towards the Future

Although COP16 signified a step in the right direction, many feel there is still much to be done. Nations risk dangerous impacts due to climate change, and feel there is need for further legislative action and increased international efforts.

COP16 succeeded in restoring international faith in the UNFCCC’s climate change process. It restored confidence that UNFCCC Conference of the Parties convocations are able to facilitate agreements and set higher hopes for COP17 in Durban, South Africa.

Kyoto and Beyond will keep you informed as these important events continue to unfold

Conclusion

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http://change.nature.org/2011/01/18/boiling-down-“29-pages-of-dense-text”-in-the-cancun-climate-agreements/Finamore, Barbara. "China’s Carbon Intensity Target." Switchboard from NRDC. 27 Nov. 2009. Web. 29 Jan. 2011. http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/bfinamore/chinas_carbon_intensity_target.htmlHarmeling, Sven. "Progress on Adaptation at Cancun – but Still Plenty to Do in 2011." AlertNet. 5 Jan. 2011. Web.

http://www.trust.org/alertnet/blogs/climate-conversations/progress-on-adaptation-at-cancun-but-still-plenty-to-do-in-2011Hewitt, Bill. "Christina Figueres." The World Affairs Blog Network. 31 Dec. 2010. Web. http://climatechange.foreignpolicyblogs.com/tag/christina-figueres/Hewitt, Bill. "Temperature 2010." Climate Change: The World Affairs Blog Network. 12 Jan. 2011. Web. http://climatechange.foreignpolicyblogs.com/tag/the-met-office/Houser, Trevor. "Evaluating Copenhagen: Does the Accord Meet the Challenge?" Peter G. Peterson Institute for International Economics. 4 Feb. 2010. Web. http://www.iie.com/realtime/?p=1173"India Carbon Emissions to Triple by 2030." ARY News. 3 Sept. 2009. Web. http://www.thearynews.com/english/newsdetail.asp?nid=33317Johnson, Brad. "Calderon on Climate Talks: “As We’re Squabbling, the Plane Is Going Down.”."Climate Progress. 11 Dec. 2010. Web.

http://climateprogress.org/2010/12/11/calderon-climate-change-squabbling/Mann, Simon. "Climate Offer from Beijing Spurs Talks." Sydney Morning Herald. 8 Dec. 2010. Web.

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/climate-offer-from-beijing-spurs-talks-20101207-18obx.htmlMax, Arthur. "Christiana Figueres: Countries Need To Deepen Commitments To Cutting CO2 Emissions." The Huffington Post. 20 Dec. 2010. Web.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/21/un-climate-official-do-mo_n_799207.htmlMoon, Ban-Ki. "Remarks to Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP16 High-Level Segment) - as Delivered." UN News Centre. 7 Dec. 2010. Web. http://www.un.org/apps/news/infocus/sgspeeches/statments_full.asp?statID=1028Morgan, Jennifer. "From Copenhagen To Cancun: Formalizing Emission Reduction Pledges." World Resources Institute. 19 Nov. 2010. Web.

http://www.wri.org/stories/2010/11/copenhagen-cancun-formalizing-emission-reduction-pledgesMorgan, Jennifer. "Reflections on the Cancun Agreements." World Resources Institute. 144 Dec. 2010. Web. http://www.wri.org/stories/2010/12/reflections-cancun-agreementsMurray, James. "Cancun Green Fund to Dominate Global Climate Finance." Business Green. 13 Dec. 2010. Web. http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/1931989/cancun-green-fund-dominate-global-climate-financeNewman, Alex. "Cancun: Global Hysteria, Wealth Redistribution." The New American. 29 Dec. 2010. Web.

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http://www.thenewamerican.com/index.php/world-mainmenu-26/north-america-mainmenu-36/5479-cop16-reaches-non-binding-climate-deal-un-rejoicesOko, Michael. "Final Hours in Cancun: Climate Talks Make a Comeback." World Resources Institute. 13 Dec. 2010. Web.http://www.wri.org/stories/2010/12/final-hours-cancun-climate-talks-make-comebackOsornio, Juan P. "Viva Mexico – Challenges and Opportunities for the COP16 Host." Worldwatch Blogs. 26 Jan. 2010. Web.

http://blogs.worldwatch.org/revolt/viva-mexico-–-challenges-and-opportunities-for-the-cop16-host/"Press Release." Bolivia-UN.org. 30 Nov. 2010. Web. http://boliviaun.net/cms/?tag=cop16&paged=2Romero, Frances. "Climate Change Envoy Todd Stern." TIME. 26 Jan. 2009. Web. http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1874152,00.htmlSchmidt, Jake. "Cancun Agreements: A Foundation for International Action on Global Warming."Energy Now. 11 Dec. 2010. Web. http://www.energynow.com/node/2131Shultz, Steven. "Good Summary of COP16 in Cancun." Journey from Copenhagen. 7 Jan. 2011. Web. http://hopenhagen.wordpress.com/2011/01/07/good-summary-of-cop16-in-cancun/Smokelin, Jennifer. "Cancún or Can'tcún? Summary of COP 16." Environmental Law ReSource. 13 Dec. 2010. Web.

Http://www.environmentallawresource.com/2010/12/articles/air/cancan-or-cantcan-summary-of-cop-16/Tong, Xiong. "Global Consensus Grows to Act on Climate Change." Xinhuanet. 05 Nov. 2010. Web. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sci/2010-11/05/c_13592392.htm"U.N. Urges More Climate Cuts to Match Cancun Pledges." Reuters. 20 Dec. 2010. Web. http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6BJ30820101220UNFCCC. Web. http://unfccc.int/2860.php"UN-REDD Programme Applauds the COP16 Agreement on REDD+ Reached in Cancun." UN-REDD Programme. Web. http://www.un-redd.org/NewsCentre/COP16_Press_Release_en/tabid/6595/Default.aspx."U.S. Statement at COP-16." U.S. Department of State. 9 Dec. 2010. Web. http://www.state.gov/g/oes/rls/other/2010/152621.htmWerksman, Jacob. "Q&A: The Legal Character and Legitimacy of the Cancun Agreements." World Resources Institute. 17 Dec. 2010. Web.

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Sources Used

When referencing this slideshow please use the following citation:

ISCIENCES, L.L.C. Report on Cancun COP16. A slideshow; 4th installment in the series: Beyond Copenhagen. February 1, 2011. Ann Arbor, Michigan. www.isciences.com.

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Citation

The following slides provide support for information presented in the preceding slides.

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Appendix

COP15 was unable to accomplish the objective of establishing a new agreement that would follow the Kyoto Protocol. The Protocol, a commitment to reduce GHG emissions, expires Dec. 31, 2012.

Though discussions occurred on the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and on adaptation, the general consensus was that COP15 was unsuccessful.

Independent of the official process, The Copenhagen Accord, a non-binding voluntary agreement on GHG emissions reductions was drafted on the last day by the U.S. and Brazil, South Africa, India, and China. (BASIC countries)

ReturnImage credit: Wikicommons

COP 15: A Brief Review

On Climate Change:

“Business as usual cannot be tolerated, for it would condemn millions – no, billions – billions of children, women, and men around the world to shrinking horizons, and smaller futures.”

“This is a marathon race, not a sprint. Climate change was not created overnight. It will not be solved overnight either.”

On COP16:

“I am deeply concerned that our efforts so far have been insufficient…that despite the evidence, and many years of negotiation, we are still not rising to the challenge.”

“Parties need to agree on how – and when – to move forward after Cancun on issues still under discussion.”

“My High-Level Advisory Group on Climate Financing concluded that it is challenging but it is possible for developed countries to realize their goal of raising $100 billion dollars a year by 2020 to support climate action in developing countries. I encourage Parties to use the Group’s findings as inputs to your climate finance negotiations.”

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Thoughts and Opinions of Ban Ki Moon

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On Climate Change:

“Climate change is beginning to make us pay for the fatal errors we as humanity have committed against the environment. “

“ As developing states grow, we are going to emit greenhouse gases ourselves. We’ll all be worsening the problem. And the sad and paradoxical thing is that the smaller the states, the more vulnerable they are. They haven’t in the past, nor today, aren’t emitting gases. They are not just vulnerable, they are on the point of disappearance. I think we need new terms. “

On COP16:

“ It is less than what is needed, but it represents a significant step in the right direction.

“ It would be a tragedy if our inability to see beyond our personal interests, our group or national interests makes us fail. “

Thoughts and Opinions of Felipe Calderon

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On Climate Change:

“ In the arena of climate change, the list of vulnerable nations is long, and growing. “

“ Climate change will affect all aspects of the water supply. To make matters worse, water is already being badly managed in many locations. “

“ No sector will be immune to climate change … Sooner or later, all businesses will need to climate-proof themselves. “

On COP16:

“ The deal here in Cancun will not guarantee all your short-term national interests, but reaching no outcome here in Cancun will endanger everyone's long-term well-being. “

“ Cancun was a big step, bigger than many imagined would be possible. Governments renewed their trust in each other, but to succeed fully they need to press boldly ahead with what they have agreed. “

Thoughts and Opinions of Christiana Figueres

On Climate Change:

“ There is a growing consensus on the need to act as quickly as possible. “

“ Dealing with climate change is in reality an intensely political matter that goes to the very heart of development strategies and to the way our economies are run. It is an issue that demands close guidance from the highest levels of government. “

On COP16:

“ Throughout 2010, and in our meetings here in Cancun, we have sought to build understandings while also enhancing confidence. Every party must know what is happening and see that its views have been considered. In negotiations between sovereign States, no group small or large can take decisions in the name of everybody else. We will need every single delegation to engage others in the building of compromise proposals in this final stretch. “

“ I believe that an ambitious, broad and balanced package of decisions is within reach. That does not mean that we already have it in our grasp “

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Thoughts and Opinions of Patricia Espinosa

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On Climate Change:

“ The time for denial, delay and dispute is over. “

“ Evaporation and rainfall are increasing; glaciers are retreating; sea ice is shrinking; sea level is rising; permafrost is melting; wildfires are increasing; storm and flood damage is soaring. The canary in the coal mine is singing for all she's worth. “

On COP16:

“ What we have now is a text that, while not perfect, is certainly a good basis for moving forward..the negotiations in the future will continue to be difficult “

“ I think that it’s a positive thing to see a worldwide agreement, one that includes all of the major economies. “

Click here to view video of Todd Stern’s remarks on COP16

Thoughts and Opinions of Todd Stern

On Climate Change:

“ Bolivia is a small country. This means we are among the nations most vulnerable to climate change, but with the least responsibility for causing the problem. Studies indicate that our capital city of La Paz could become a desert within 30 years. What we do have is the privilege of being able to stand by our ideals, of not letting partisan agendas obscure our principal aim: defending life and Earth. “

“ We face an unprecedented crisis, and false victories won't save the planet. “

On COP16:

“ For us, this is not a step forward. It is a step back, because what is being done here is postponing without limit the discussion on the Kyoto Protocol. “

“ The text replaces binding mechanisms for reducing greenhouse gas emissions with voluntary pledges that are wholly insufficient. These pledges contradict the stated goal of capping the rise in temperature at 2C, instead guiding us to 4C or more. The text is full of loopholes for polluters, opportunities for expanding carbon markets and similar mechanisms – like the forestry scheme Redd – that reduce the obligation of developed countries to act.“

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Thoughts and Opinions of Pablo Solon

The IPCC’s Fourth Assessment Report mentions that reducing deforestation would have the largest carbon stock impact in the short term.

Global forests cover around 30% of the Earth’s land surface. Total carbon content is estimated at 638 Gt for 2005; this is more than the amount of carbon in the entire atmosphere.

Deforestation, resulting in the immediate release of carbon stored in trees as CO2, is estimated at 13 million hectares per year.

It is estimated that deforestation results in the emission of 5.8 Gt of CO2 per year to global greenhouse gas emissions. According to John Podesta, the President and CEO of the Center for American Progress, global emissions from deforestation are equal to total emissions from the transportation sector.

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Facts about Forests and Climate Change

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Country Amount pledged ($USM)Japan 15,000

European Union 9,595

France 1,697

Germany 1,680

Sweden 1,068

Norway 1,000

Spain 500

Netherlands 467

Canada 396

Denmark 216

Belgium 201

European Commission

133

Ireland 133

Finland 110

Portugal 48

Luxembourg 12

Slovenia 11

Malta 1

The process of raising and delivering the funds will be conducted with increased transparency.

This will hold countries accountable and facilitate trust and cooperation while helping to bridge the gap between developed and developing countries.

Information collected from: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/interactive/2010/nov/26/cancun-crucial-climate-data

COP 16: Climate Finance Pledges

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The Kyoto Protocol

The Protocol is a multilateral agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Developed countries were assigned limits on emissions relative to 1990, and targets vary by nation.

The protocol was signed by 84 countries and ratified by nearly all who signed. The US did not ratify. Countries who ratified are now bound by Protocol requirements.

The Protocol, part of the UNFCCC, has been in force since 2005. The first commitment period ends in 2012 and no binding framework has been established post-2012.

Four Conference of the Parties have taken place since the Protocol entered into force. Each COP has been accompanied by a CMP, a meeting specific to the Protocol.

Monday, November 29th

2010

Tuesday, November 30th

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Wednesday, December 1st

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Thursday, December 2nd

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Friday, December 3rd

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Saturday, December 4th

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Sunday, December 5th

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Monday, December 6th

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Tuesday, December 7th

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Wednesday, December 8th

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Thursday, December 9th

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Friday, December 10th

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Click one of the following dates for an account of the events.

Return to Presentation

COP 16: The Process

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Key Events Monday, November 29th 2010

A welcoming ceremony took place to mark the beginning of COP16 Climate Change Talks in Cancun, Mexico with President Felipe Calderon in attendance.

Barack Obama and David Cameron, UK Prime Minister, not in attendance.

Meetings related to the Kyoto Protocol, side meetings with groups such as the Alliance of Small Island States, and meetings of non-governmental organizations began.

Anticipation in the air of whether or not the talks would produce a concrete agreement.

Click here to view an official write up of 11/29/2010

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Key Events Tuesday, November 30th 2010

The Presentation of EU report on fast start financing took place, where the European Union and member states presented a report on the progress in implementing a fast-start financing commitment.

An update was given on the progress of the finance portal being developed for climate change by the UNFCCC.

Bolivian Ambassador Pablo Solon presented Bolivia’s perspective of the Cancun Agenda including the multilateral process at COP16, the need for a 2nd commitment period of the Protocol, the dangers of carbon markets, and the relationship of climate change policy to human rights

Click here to view an official write up of 11/30/2010

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Key Events Wednesday, December 1st 2010

Day was titled UN Water Day as it was centered around dialogues for water and climate change.

Meetings included: Panel on Droughts, Panel on Water Food and Energy, and the Economics of Adaptation to Climate Change.

Click here to view an official write up of 12/1/2010

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Key Events Thursday, December 2nd 2010

Some meetings focused on climate change in the media and the difficulties within the media to correctly portray climate change.

Journalists from both developed and developing countries discussed issues that both separate and unite media experts from different nations with diverse cultures from one another.

Other significant meetings included: The Impact of Fires and U.S. Climate Change Assistance to Developing Countries.

Click here to view an official write up of 12/2/2010

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Key Events Friday, December 3rd 2010

Discussions occurred on China’s progress in becoming a world leader in clean energy technology which, in turn, increased the pressure on the U.S.

The Environment Minister for India claimed to have a possible solution to solve deadlock between developed and developing nations over how to equally share the burdens of climate change. Included in this proposal, countries would report actions they take to decrease the negative effects of climate change.

Other significant meetings included: Climate Change and Health, and Partnerships for City Adaptation Strategies in Megacities.

Click here to view an official write up of 12/3/2010

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Key Events Saturday, December 4th 2010

A week-end press conference is held in which Christiana Figueres assured listeners that governments were working cohesively and diligently.

Discussions were centered on the question of the future of the Kyoto Protocol and the importance of both participation and support.

By this day, expectations were still low that an agreement would be reached.

Click here to view an official write up of 12/4/2010

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Key Events Sunday, December 5th 2010

No meetings were scheduled.

COP16 President, Patricia Espinosa, held an informal plenary for country delegates and the Environment Ministers who had just begun to arrive. Espinosa announced a new method of working in which ministers from developed countries would be paired with those from developing countries to work on specific issues. Examples of the pairings include the following: Sweden and Grenada to discuss shared vision, Spain and Algeria to discuss adaptation, Australia and Bangladesh to discuss financing technology and capacity building, and the United Kingdom and Brazil to discuss the Kyoto Protocol.

Click here to view an official write up of 12/5/2010

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Key Events Monday, December 6th 2010

Informal groups and meetings were held to discuss climate change impacts, vulnerability, and adaptation.

Countries spoke about expectations for COP17 in Durban, South Africa as well as opinions of how “legally binding” can be defined.

Important meetings included: The Air We Breathe Isn’t What It Used To Be and U.S. State and Regional Climate Leadership

Click here to view an official write up of 12/6/2010

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Key Events Tuesday, December 7th 2010

This marked the day of the “high-level” segment of the talks, which is the portion that many of the important decisions and agreements are to be made.

Christiana Figueres gave a speech about the necessity of creativity and reason when developing an agreement as well as stressed the importance of increased cooperation amongst the participating countries. She brought to the table the question of vulnerability and requested that the Ministers consider those who are most vulnerable to climate change when discussing possible agreements.

UN Secretary Ban Ki Moon gave a speech noting that, while a final agreement is not required at COP16, there is expected to be progress on all issues in some capacity.

Felipe Calderon spoke and addressed the fact that billions internationally expected to see results from COP16 and that there could not be failure to deliver.

Click here to view an official write up of 12/7/2010

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Key Events Wednesday, December 8th 2010

Negotiations began to further intensify.

Delegates met throughout the day to discuss issues related to Clean Development Mechanism, Mitigation, the Adaptation Fund, and Joint Implementation.

There were also discussions focused on settling political differences.

Patricia Espinosa gave a statement mentioning the Mexican Presidency’s commitment to transparency.

At this point the cooperation was increasing and it became clear that all parties involved were determined to come to an agreement.

Click here to view an official write up of 12/8/2010

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Key Events Thursday, December 9th 2010

Informal meetings involving the Ministers were held all day, as was announced by Patricia Espinosa in order to promote transparency.

Espinosa was confident that a package could be found and agreed upon by the end of the talks. She requested that the Ministers share the findings of their discussions. These findings included: Sweden highlighting a temperature goal, a long-term goal for emissions reduction, and a peaking cap of global emissions; Norway and Ecuador spoke on REDD+ and issues related to financing and a connection between a national and sub-national level.

Consultations were encouraged to be held throughout the night to ensure that a decision would be made by the following, final day.

Click here to view an official write up of 12/9/2010

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Key Events Friday, December 10th 2010

The talks concluded with a final agreement made titled “The Cancun Agreements”

A text was created and announced the following day, December 11th.

Click here to view an official write up of 12/10/2010

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Carbon Intensity

Definition: The amount of carbon dioxide emitted per unit of economic output GDP.

NOTE: For China in particular, this will mean the carbon emissions from energy consumption and industrial activity, which are the source of most of the country’s emissions.