The jet-lag is slowly wearing off, and life is gradually settling back to normal here at home, but I can't shake this sense of urgency. There is so much that needs to happen between now and Copenhagen in December 2009.
I'll post again with reflexions on the whole COP, but I just had a few thoughts I wanted to get down. The last few days were a whirlwind of emotions as we met with a parade of Canadian politicians, including Jim Prentice, federal minister of the environment, and Rob Renner, Alberta's environment minister.
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The UN Climate Change Conference - Poznan, Dec 08
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 Don't Backtrack Now, EU! - Posted By: Genevieve GilbertA large group of youth and environmentalists attending the UN climate negotiations in Poznan Poland woke up early this morning to take a train from Poznan to Warsaw for the day in support of a strong EU climate and energy package, which is vital to the final outcome of the negotiations in Poznan. The EU climate and energy package, to become law for the 27 EU member states by early next year, is currently being watered and EU countries are divided on how to adequately address both the climate crisis and the economic crisis. While traveling across flat, rural Poland by train, I asked a few youth why they had decided to go to Warsaw for the day and what they hoped to get out of it. Many expressed deep concern that the EU, traditionally seen as a leader on climate change in the international arena, could now jeopardize the establishment of a deal in Copenhagen because of its backpedaling. However, many also explained that, while they don’t agree with the position of Poland and Germany, they understand the economic concerns. Poland, a former soviet state with a very troubled political and economic history, relies on high pollution coal for more than 90% of its electricity. Amidst the global financial crisis, there are serious concerns that a strong EU package which includes tough caps on carbon emissions would further harm Poland’s economy. Kasia, a youth from Poland who is attending the UN negotiations in Poznan and traveled with us to Poznan said, “I understand the economic concerns. The biggest problem is that our economy depends on coal. Many people work in the coal mines and the trade unions are really powerful. It’s hard to say what Poland should do. There is no simple answer to this crisis. But we need to start investing in a green economy to save both the climate and the economy.” Upon arriving at the train station in Warsaw, we all gathered under an enormous Christmas tree to discuss the plan of action and finalize our demonstration materials, which included banners and signs saying “Yes Climate, No Coal” and “Tak dla Klimatu, Nie dla wegla.”   From there we walked for about 30 minutes through the streets of Warsaw to arrive at Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s House where he was meeting with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. A stage, loudspeakers and many media were waiting for us, as well as numerous polish security guards keeping watch. Ben Wikler, our charismatic and humerous organizer, quickly changed into his tuxedo behind one of the props and jumped on to the stage to welcome all in attendance. “We are here to save the EU package, which is necessary to save the UN climate negotiations, which, in turn, is necessary to save the planet,” he said. “We need Poland and Germany to support a strong EU climate change agreement.” There were over 45 different countries represented in the audience, a testament to enormous international support for an ambitious EU climate package and the serious long-term international implications of the decisions made by Merkel and Tusk.  Numerous speakers then took the stage to address the devastating impacts of climate change and the urgent need for sustained leadership from the EU. Anna Keenan, a youth delegate from Australia, explained that today Angela Merkel must make the right decision. “Can you hear us, Chancellor Markel?” Anna bellowed. “This is the voice of youth!! If Chancellor Merkel sets weak targets, this gives an excuse to Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to set weak targets, which in turn gives an excuse to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper to set weak targets. Please do not water-down the EU package!“ Germany’s position has changed significantly since last year, when Angela Merkel lead the development of EU climate change plan for a reduction in emissions of 20% below 1990 levels by 2020. However, over the past year Germany, Europe’s largest economy, has suffered a serious financial blow and is now more concerned about immediate job losses than supporting deep emission reduction targets and tough environmental regulations. There are critical factors needed for a strong EU climate package, the presenters explained, which include significant support to developing countries for adaptation and mitigation, as well as a target of 40% emissions reductions below 1990 levels by 2020. The demonstration was successful in communicating the fact that the world needs sustained EU leadership on the climate change file if we want any hope of an ambitious post 2012 agreement.
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 I can has mitigation targets?: New computer opens door to diplomacy - Posted By: Thea WhitmanSo, I was eating semi-delicious COPcake (is it cheesecake? is that a raisin? what is this chocolaty substance?) outside the "Apollo Butterfly" room where I'd been waiting 30 minutes for a 45 minute meeting to start when someone asked me, "Is that the new MacBook?" I turned around and saw a youngish Japanese guy. I resisted doing the customary check-out of his conference badge (different colours represent different statuses - I'm yellow, for NGO, while it's pink for negotiating parties that you've got to look for if you want to talk to someone with power), and I told him, "Yes, it is," and, "no, the glare from the screen isn't so bad, really." After a minute of talking, I introduced myself, and found out that he's the negotiator for Japan on adaptation (read: pink badge). I told him up front that we were very upset to hear that Canada and Japan had been advocating for the 25-40% range of emissions reductions that was agreed on in Bali to be removed. We also discussed the sectoral approach to emissions reductions, which Japan has been strongly advocating, and I expressed concern that taking a bottom-up approach to reduction targets (rather than deciding on a total reduction for all parties and then dividing it up) might not result in strong enough action. I also tried to get him to spill the beans on when Japan would release their mitigation targets, but to no avail. We talked about adaptation funding a bit, and, of course, the weather. I was pretty surprised at how easy it was to talk to him, although I guess it's unlikely that what we discussed will have a major impact on Japan's international climate policy. After 15 minutes or so, he suddenly realized that he was late for a meeting (or he was just being polite). Maybe that's why my meeting never started - the chair was networking with youth delegates?
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Wonders of Poznan - Posted By: CarolineAs an aside to the craziness of the climate change negotiations taking place in Poznan, I took a day over the weekend to explore the actual town, which I have managed to give little attention to over the past week in my UN conference tunnel vision. Poznan is a beautiful city indeed! I had a perfect day casually taking in its sights and sounds, of children singing Christmas carols in the town square and of a grand, ornately decorated basilica. Poznan really is a city full of wonders. Let me present you with the evidence. Exhibit A:  An ice sculpture in the town square, of a woman's body and below her, a representation of her womb with a detailed carving of a fetus floating within it! Amazing. Exhibit B:  A quick bite at a chocolate cafe, serving all manners of liquid and solid foods containing chocolate. The hot chocolate was thick as mud (but more delicious). We all happily suffered from chocolate comas as a result. Exhibit C:  A concert I stumbled upon, across the river in an area of town completely non-existent as far as I was concerned a few hours before. I sat in a cathedral listening to the seemingly holy sounds of violins and oboes, with the angelic chorus of a boys choir, singing Christmas songs to me in Polish and English. I was in pure delight for the entire length of the concert, and for that hour, was happily separated from the chaos of political negotiations, mitigation measures, and bad sandwiches.
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 La LNH et les changements climatiques - Posted By: François Décary-GilardeauIl est souvent plus difficile de capter l’attention en abordant la question des changements climatiques qu’en parlant de hockey. Il est vrai que les négociations sur les changements climatiques sont moins palpitantes qu’une bonne « game » de hockey, mais vous serriez surprit, les coups bas, surprises et rebondissements sont fréquents à l’ONU. En fait, ce qui arrive avec ces grandes rencontres internationales est que nous manquons de références, mais rassurez vous, des références ici, vous en aurez ! À bien des égards, de nombreux liens existent entre ce qui se passe dans la LNH et dans les négociations de l’ONU en cours à Poznan, Pologne. Vous ne me croyez pas, lisez ce qui suit. Avant tout, il faut nous situer, nous sommes présentement en pleine série éliminatoire, les négociations devraient se finir le 12, mais on pourrait assister à une supplémentaire. En effet, tant qu’il n’y a pas de gagnant, les joueurs doivent rester sur la glace. Par gagnant, on entend bien sûr des ententes satisfaisantes entre les parties. Plus les négociations avancent et plus le temps de jeu des étoiles est important, le 10 novembre, les ministres arriveront, peu à peu, le quatrième trio devra laisser sa place! Vous êtes déçu de la performance du Canadien de Montréal cette année ? Il est vrai que les attentes étaient élevées, tout comme on s’attendait que l’Union européenne soit empreinte de vision et porteuse d’espoir. Ces équipes ont plutôt fait preuve d’hésitation jusqu’à présent, est-ce que l’élection à venir d’Angéla Merkel y est pour quelque chose ? Ou bien le fait que le pays hôte de la conférence, la Pologne, tire environ 95% de son électricité du charbon ? C’est un peu comme marquer dans son propre but, n’est pas Ryan O’Byrne. Bon, cette année le Lightning de Tampa Bay est bon dernier dans la Conférence de l’Est. Pas tellement reluisant comme fiche, 6 victoires en 26 chances. Le Canada n’est pas impressionnant à Poznan non plus, toutes catégories confondues, le Canada est considéré par le Réseau Action Climat comme le pays ayant le plus entravé les négociations jusqu’à maintenant. Alors que la science insiste sur l’importance des pays riches de diminuer leurs émissions de 25 à 40 % d’ici 2020, le Canada trébuche dans des explications incohérentes, la crise parlementaire nous laisse sans direction claire, qu’est-il arrivé à Barry Melrose, l’entraîneur-chef qui s’est fait montrer la porte ? Les États-Unis n’ont toujours pas ratifié Kyoto, ils sont profonds dans la cave, et le règne Bush n’a rien amené de bon pour cette équipe. Mais, le nom d’Obama est sur toutes les lèvres ici à Poznan. On s’attend à un profond changement de la part des États-Unis dans les prochaines années. John Kerry viendra nous visiter demain, on voit finalement la lumière au bout du tunnel. Avez-vous entendu parler d’un certain québécois Derrick Brassard qui pourrait donner une nouvelle vie au Blue Jackets de Columbus ? L’environnement est certainement important pour Obama, mais plus que tout, cet homme à une vision claire du futur, les emploies ne sont plus dans les SUV, mais bien dans les technologies vertes. Saviez-vous que d’ici 2020, en Allemagne, plus de gens travailleront dans le secteur des énergies renouvelables que pour l’industrie automobile? Peut-être comme moi, vous êtes surpris de voir Boston au premier rang cette année, de mon côté, j’ai été surpris de voir le leadership de l’Afrique du Sud dans les négociations. Alors que la plupart des négociateurs maîtrisent l’art du discours vide, le pays de Nelson Mandela a très tôt mis les cartes sur la table, clarifiant ses attentes et faisant preuve du leadership nécessaire pour prendre la première place. Ils poussent pour des efforts de réduction ambitieux, mais également pour que des sommes soient débloquées pour que les pays les plus démunis puissent faire face aux impacts des changements climatiques présents et futurs. Bref, leur position s’inscrit dans l’esprit du Protocole de Kyoto. Une autre bonne équipe cette année est Nashville, ils ne sont pas en haut du classement, mais les Prédateurs surprennent. L’effort y est et ils doivent performer s’ils veulent survivre, avec une audience famélique comme la leur. Un groupe de pays connu sous le nom de l’AOSIS est très présent aux négociations et travaille avec acharnement pour freiner le réchauffement climatique. AOSIS vient de l’acronyme Alliance Of Small Island States, il comprend 43 membres dont Cuba, la Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée, etc. Ces pays, comme les Prédateurs, sont dans une position de grande vulnérabilité. Les pays membres de l’AOSIS craignent une augmentation du niveau de la mer qui signifierait leur quasi-disparition. Saviez-vous que 145 millions de personnes vivent à moins d’un mètre du niveau de la mer? Malgré ces liens légers et farfelus, la vraie grande différence le hockey et les changements climatiques est plus tragégique. Certainement, le hockey c’est sérieux, mais notre climat, c’est précieux, c’est ce qui permettra à nos enfants de bien vivre. Certainement le défi du siècle et notre chance de dire à nos petits enfants : « J’avais le choix, la technologie était disponible… j’ai eu le courage et j’ai pris les bonnes décisions ». * Avec la collaboration de Rémy Marcotte
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350 or Bust - Posted By: Lauryn DrainieSince the release of the IPCC’s Fourth Assessment Report, the 2°C target to prevent dangerous climate change has become largely accepted among major actors in the environmental movement. I know that personally, whenever I explain the importance of fighting climate change I have always cited this fact. It is only in the last few days that I’ve realized that the two degree target is appallingly inadequate from an ethical standpoint. A temperature rise of 2°C over pre-industrial levels indicates CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere of approx. 450 ppm - a level that effectively condemns small island developing states to extinction. Island nations are begging for urgent action. During last week’s negotiations, AOSIS and the LDCs called for stabilization levels of under 350 ppm of atmospheric carbon which would indicate a probable global temperature rise of no more than 1.5°C – numbers established by NASA’s previously suppressed Jim Hansen. It is not that negotiators outright deny AOSIS’s predicament, they just steer the conversation elsewhere in a gross display of willful ignorance. The international climate agreement we are working towards will be neither equitable nor ethical if we assume the suffering of the world’s most vulnerable. As youth, our strength lies in our moral sway, and in the fact that we do not have to make ideological or moral compromises. We should be demanding no less than an agreement that ensures the survival of all states. Exclusion within the Secretariat: From my vague understanding, the UN Secretariat books the hotels for the official negotiating parties. During an informal discussion yesterday with an official delegate from a small island state, I learned that his delegation was assigned to a residence that has neither phone nor internet access – talk about disenfranchisement. While other official delegations are setting up impromptu meetings and making snap decisions, delegations representing some small island developing states are left in the dark, unable to effectively do what I see as the most important work at the conference – demanding targets that safeguard the world’s most vulnerable.
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350 ppm CO2 is the safe upper limit - Posted By: Genevieve Gilbert
This morning many Canadian youth joined international youth and member s of 350.org to stage an aerial photo in Freedom Square. The weather was cold, wet and dreary but more than 200 people lay down on the ground to form the shape of a goddess rising from an island, embracing the number 350. This figure represents the safe upper limit for atmospheric CO2. The most recent science indicates that a concentration of CO2 greater than350 ppm will lead to catastrophic, irrevocable climate change. Prior to the industrial revolution, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was at approximately 275 ppm, but have since been steadily rising. Now at approximately 385 ppm, the concentration of CO2 is greater than at any time in the past 650,000. The science is clear. We need to radically reduce emissions today if we hope to avert the worst impacts of climate change. After shivering on the cold wet cement for about half an hour, smiling at the camera above us, we were enthused to be offered hot chocolate from members of 350.org and eager to discuss our hope that the image would be broadcast around the world to inspire the radical change necessary.
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 Canadian Youth Announce No Confidence in Current Climate Policy - Posted By: Adam MacIsaacCanadian Youth Announce No Confidence in Current Climate Policy December 4, 2008 (Poznan, Poland) 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.
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 CYD in Poznan Live Chat! - Posted By: Justine Castonguay-PayantTo all the delegates of the CYD in Poznan... It was a great pleasure to have had the opportunity to meet with some of you during the Live Chat on 7 December. I am impressed to see all the energy with which you make changes in current policies. I hope that this conference was good for you, and once back home, you will continue to work and inspire young Canadians to follow your footsteps. Good luck, and also, good trip back!
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"This is not the Canada I know" - Posted By: Jasmeet Sidhu"If you thought this week was intense, wait until next week," said one Canadian youth delegate to me on this Sunday as conference participants and delegates prepared for the second week of negotiations, which will certainly prove to be dramatic and emotional. My feelings for the coming week are mixed. Never before have I been so firmly entrenched and committing 24 hours a day into one single issue. My frustrations resulted in a few tears earlier this week, with the idea that my country was not showing the same sense of urgency that I felt on the issue, and putting forth proposals that have led several countries and conference delegates to question Canada's overall commitment to the environment and its concern for those that will be most impacted by climate change in the global south. Yet at the same time there is still that tiny glimmer of hope that all hands will be thrown into the air for an end of conference game changer that vaults Canada to become the leader and stop the climate rhetoric. I'm hoping and almost depending on it, for what has happened so far is not the Canada that I know. The Canada that I know recognizes that taking leadership on the most critical issue facing humanity could launch the world into a safe and equitable future. The Canada that I know has aware and concerned residents, the majority of whom want its government to take action on climate change. The Canada I know recognizes the big picture when it comes to climate change, and how it will seriously affect our way of living, our economy, our precious natural resources, and the people around the world who may soon become climate refugees at the hands of floods, droughts, famines and natural disasters. This is the Canada I know. I hope the Canada that is present here in Poznan will stop being a stranger to me, and become the country that we all know it is capability of being.
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Climate negotiations will reach climax this week as Ministers and heads of state arrive - Posted By: Jasmeet SidhuWith the arrival of Ministers, heads of state, and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for the "high-level" segment of the negotiations, conference activities will taken on a new tone of formality and urgency as the end of the conference looms and the deadline for a new global climate agreement is within sight. Formal negotiations will not resume until Tuesday to allow for the observance of the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha. On Tuesday the German and Polish prime ministers and half their cabinets will be meeting in Warsaw to discuss the climate package to be approved at the European Council on Dec 11 and 12. EU, normally seen as a leader when it comes to climate negotiations, has lately backtracked on a lot of their stronger proposals. A weak EU climate package would influence the Copenhagen process in a very negative way and would therefore make an ambitious global deal to combat climate change extremely difficult. Albert environment minister Rob Renner is set to arrive on Wednesday to discuss the Canadian oil sands and Canadian environment minister Jim Prentice will arrive on Thursday. The Canadian Youth Delegation is scheduled to meet with both Renner and Prentice this week to voice their concerns on Canada’s position on climate change. Some have already said that negotiations will run straight into the weekend, because of the delay and the slow progress of negotiations that have occurred last week. Only time will tell whether history will look back on Poznan as the turning point for a new deal on climate change, or a disastrous failure.
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Global Climate Action Day - Posted By: Jasmeet SidhuThe narrow cobbled streets of Poznan were filled with hundreds of youth from around the world on Saturday, demanding climate justice, and urging their country representatives to get serious about climate change. The scene was colourful under the grey Poland skies, as youth carried banners in several different languages, sang, danced and united in the cause to see their future uncompromised. "Over the last fourteen years, governments have shown astonishing negligence in dealing with climate change," said Kartikeya Singh, 24, of the Indian Youth Delegation. "Young people are uniting around the shared vision that the world so desperately needs." The event was part of a Global Youth Action Day on climate. For the first two weeks of December, over 500 people from around the world will attend the 14th annual UN Climate Change negotiations demanding global cooperation towards a strong, ambitious, and just climate treaty. I have had the pleasure of meeting many of these amazing young people, many of whom fundraised the entire cost of their trip to remind the negotiators that it is the our generation, not theirs that will live to see the disastrous impact of climate change. "These negotiations began when I was four years old. Time is running out, and I'm here to tell my leaders that my future is not negotiable. I want to know that rich countries will peak their emissions in the next four years and provide financial help for developing countries to do the same," said Liz McDowell, 23, a youth delegate from the UK. There is a strong history of youth participation at international climate negotiations that many said started with one 12 year old Canadian girl by the name of Severn Cullis-Suzuki at the 1992 UN Earth Summit, the daughter of David Suzuki. "Coming up here today, I have no hidden agenda. I'm fighting for my future," Severn said in a monumental speech to the UN delegates. 16 years later the problem is still present, if not gotten worse, and youth are still continuing to fight for their futures. However, for many negotiators, the presence at youth at these conferences are seen as unncessary, annoying or irrelevant. To that end, Svetlana Morozova, 25, a youth delegate from Belarus says: "Young people make up half of the world's population, and we will inherit the final agreement and its consequences. Our voices must be heard."
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"What's with Canada? I thought they were good on the environment" - Posted By: Jasmeet SidhuThese were the words that I heard from a woman after yet another Fossil of the Day awards, in where only one award was given out this Saturday - to Canada, yet again. The Fossil of the Day awards are given nightly to countries that block progress at the United Nations climate change negotiations. The winners are chosen by a vote each afternoon of the Climate Action Network, which comprises more than 400 NGOs from every region of the world. In the first six days of the conference, Canada has won 7 awards, the most of any other of the 190 countries present at the conference. On Saturday, Canada was selected for its hypocrisy in a workshop on research and development for claiming generous support for wind energy. Canada has failed to renew support for wind power R&D, with the possible risk of leaving millions of dollars of potential investment stranded. Research and development for nuclear power and carbon-capture and storage has increased by hundreds of millions of dollars. Personally, we as Canadians should feel a loss of national pride of what is occurring in Poznan. No matter which political party is in control of the government, 83% of Canadians are concerned about climate change, and should be concerned when those views are not adequately represented at the most critical negotiations of our time. As one delegate put it, "this is not my Canada, because my Canada cares about being a leader on environmental issues."
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The halfway mark in Poznan - Posted By: Jasmeet SidhuThe United Nations climate change conference in Poznan has officially reached the halfway mark, and the mood felt within the conference centre is one of pessimism and frustration with the progress of the negotiations. Some observers were commenting on what they saw as an apparent lack of urgency. "We're all busy, but I don't hear many people acknowledging the sheer magnitude of our task over the next year, or worrying about the closing window of opportunity here in Poznan," said a delegate. "This is the last conference before Copenhagen, and we're already halfway through with little achieved," said another. Others are frustrated by the lack of commitments being made by negotiators, with some blaming it in the fact that Poznan is not a "deadline" meeting giving room for countries playing the waiting game. The reality is however, that concrete proposals need to be put forward and agreed to in Poznan to allow a full, legal, binding agreement to emerge from Copenhagen. Obama's recent election and the wait for for clearer proposals on climate change from him leaves open the dangerous possibility of no agreements after the time the Kyoto Protocol expires.
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 Side Event on Youth: Thoughts by Yvo de Boer, UNFCCC Secretariat - Posted By: Derek PieperMembers of the Canadian Youth Delegation attended a UNFCCC side-event today entitled ‘Growing together in a changing climate’. The meeting was youth focused, and involved a series of panellists representing a diverse set of organisations including the United Nations Youth Program, UNICEF, British Council, 350.org, various members of the International Youth Delegation, and several official national level negotiators. Participants were asked to answer two questions: 1) How are your groups’ actions supporting solutions to climate change? 2) What are the most important compromises that must be made in order to achieve a meaningful agreement at Poznan? The highlight of the event was when Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC arrived to participate in the dialogue. The man is like the Bono of climate change politics. He captures the attention of every room he entrers at the COP. Naturally the question and answer period was directed mostly towards the chief UN climate diplomat. Mr. de Boer offered a number of candid responses to queries from the audience. In response to questions about how youth can amplify their voice and influence at the conference he offered a blunt assessment. Mr. de Boer said that in some respects it was too late (for youth to influence the proceedings of the conference). He suggested that youth should work at home to influence domestic policy in support of climate action. When pressed, Yvo suggested that youth attempt to contact all 192 country delegations at Poznan in order to maximize their lobby efforts. Many youth attending the meeting voiced concern about the lack of youth representation on official government delegations. Mr. de Boer noted that this would not continue to be a problem if nations simply lived up to their Rio promise from 1992 when countries committed to include youth in their delegations to such meetings. Clearly much work remains to be done in the youth movement to increase our representation at climate talks, but that should not distract from efforts to promote climate action in the public sphere. Advocating for domestic climate action on a consistent basis (between conferences and throughout the year) as well as promoting policy implementation at local and international levels will need to remain a central focus of the international youth movement as we move towards Copenhagen and the post-Kyoto framework beyond 2012.
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Wednesday: Canada disappoints, but no one is surprised - Posted By: CarolineDELAYED POST: THIS BLOG IS FROM WEDNESDAY! Today was the third day of COP14, and what a day it was. As a youth delegate following policy developments during these negotiations, there was a lot of talk, but nothing much substantial said. Let's take the AWG-LCA meeting this morning. This is a meeting for all the countries who signed onto the UNFCCC (the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), which almost all countries in the world have agreed to. So basically the entire world was represented at this meeting, crazy! A couple dozen countries took their turn to give brief presentations about their "shared vision" for long term action (basically what they want in terms of climate change action in the long term, around 2050 and later). Particularly riveting speeches: Bolivia shot down capitalism, questioned the global model of consumption, and said developed countries should pay for ALL costs to reduce emissions and adaptation to climate effects in developing countries. Applause from the audience! Gabon: Gabon is a developing country, but still it said that emissions reductions only from rich countries is "HERESY." Another quotable quote from Gabon: "Are we worthy of our planet? Our planet is burning, we are watching it burn.” Wowza, strong words, Gabon. This presentation was also applauded by the crowd. Fast forward a few hours to the afternoon, to the AWG-KP meeting about mitigation. As opposed to the meeting in the morning, many countries were represented, although the mandate was to talk about the Kyoto Protocol, which mandates emissions reductions for industrialized countries ONLY. The meeting began with a series of presentations from scientists, representing the IPCC (the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and a huge amalgamation of world scientists that research climate change) and other scientists. The thing to report from this meeting was Canada's presentation: Canada was one of six countries to make an 8 minute schtick on its position. Firstly, all other countries took up their entire time plus more. Canada took about five minutes. We had a great opportunity to talk about the huge issue of how we're going to mitigate our emissions, and we really underused it. Secondly, let's talk about content. Canada referenced a big report that was generated by the NRTEE (National Round Table on the Environment and Energy). Back home, our federal government has rejected the recommendations of this report to implement an economy-wide price on carbon, and to implement complementary regulations on certain sectors. Back home, the government funded this report to make recommendations to it, and then "thanks, but no thanks actually." But here at the meeting, "Oh yes this support suggests this and this is also Canada's position.” HUH?? Ex-squeeze me? Baking powder? Tricky, or what? Basically the rest of the presentation was on Canada's national circumstances, to imply why we shouldn't take on strong targets: We are a cold country We are spread out We are fossil fuel exporters We have a unique industrial sector so it's hard to reduce emissions WHAT? What about the industrialization process that got us to these 'national circumstances', that has produced these emissions in the first place? What about the fact that our emissions are some of the highest per capita in the world right now? What about the fact that historically, Canada has contributed REALLY disproportionately to this problem – maybe we should be doing more than others to fix it? After Canada's poor showing today, I may need one of these. 
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Youth fan-faced for Yvo - too bad he can't hear us - Posted By: Thea Whitman"Hey, Yvo de Boer's here!" That phrase wouldn't make most young people perk up and scan the room frantically, but at COP14, we are all climate nerds, and seeing the UNFCCC Executive Secretary is one of the best celebrity sighting you can make (especially in the first week before most of the ministers and high-level politicians arrive). If you can't get enough of him, he holds a press conference each day, or if you wanted to get really up-close and personal, you could have attended the "Next Generation Climate Change" side event today. Yvo appeared to take questions partway through the event, which was designed to air the views of youth and negotiators about the role of youth in the climate negotiation process. Although he stated clearly that, "the voice of youth is not being heard," he appeared reluctant to actively support requests for more youth representation in government delegations (only 3 countries' delegations here have youth representation), a youth constituency at the COP, or relaxing the stifling regulations around the daily actions put on by youth - one of our only ways of getting our voice heard here.
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Fossil of the Day Awards December 5th 2008 - Posted By: Adam MacIsaacTHIRD PLACE: RUSSIA Russia wins third place for its presentation at the AWG-KP workshop on mitigation the day before yesterday. (That's right: there's so much Fossilworthy behavior here that we're developing a backlog.) Russia tried to convince the world that these days, it's not really an Annex I "developed" country--but rather a vast, freezing wasteland selflessly producing fossil fuels and energy-intensive products for the rest of the world. In exchange for its suffering and sacrifice, the argument went, Russia should be considered more as a developing country--and shouldn't have rich-country-style emissions caps. Russia, we love you, but we love our habitable planet even more. Please accept this Fossil Award as a token of our appreciation. SECOND PLACE: JAPAN, AUSTRALIA, and CANADA Japan, Australia, and Canada share second place dishonours for the dangerous outbreak of backsliding at yesterday's AWG-KP contact group on mitigation commitments. When these countries signed the Kyoto Protocol, they agreed to limit their emissions relative to 1990 levels. But yesterday they appeared to be rethinking their vows. Japan piped up that the 1990 baseline year was "not fair," and proposed that the world should just "move on" from the 1990 baseline. Australia said this discussion should be "taken forward." And Canada said it was interested in "exploring" the Japanese proposal. Exploring the Japanese proposal! What an exciting exploration that would be. You might find rising sea levels... extreme weather patterns... and look! Over there! It's... a Fossil of the Day Award! FIRST PLACE: ITALY Italy? But Italy has been so quiet here in Poznan! Indeed, Italy wins First Fossil tonight for its delegation's deceptive silence--even as their colleagues in Brussels and Rome do all they can to destroy the Poznan process. Italy's weapon against Poznan? Deadlock the EU negotations by requesting revisions on the European Community's Pact on Energy and Climate. The Minister of Environment of Italy suggested that the 20% by 2020 commitment is unrealistic because Italy cannot quantify the costs or trust the scientific basis for increasing the use of renewable energy. We think it's unrealistic to expect us to swallow that excuse. And it's not just targets: By preventing a unified EU position, Italy is running away from any commitments on adaptation and technology transfer to developing countries. Italy is so confident that its trickery will undermine COP14 that its Minister suggested that if Poznan fails, then ALL targets should be reconsidered before Copenhagen. Italy, it's very clever. But the Fossil of the Day Supreme Command Council has eyes everywhere. Fossils for you! The Fossil-of-the-day Awards are given nightly at 6pm to countries that block progress at the United Nations climate change negotiations. The winners are chosen by a vote each afternoon of the Climate Action Network, which comprises more than 400 NGOs from every world region.
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 A nice break from the every day - Posted By: Stephan CroninThousands of people are here in Poland to participate in the UN Climate Change Negotiations. Meetings are scheduled and attended, usually occurring all at the same time. Scientific information, proposals and discussions taking place at each of these meetings. It`s a world fit for a policy or business person. However, day in and day out of the rigorous scheduling can cause even the most policy or business savvy person start to lose their minds. That`s where some of the side events come into play. Such an event is the ``Fossil of the Day Awards``. To anyone who hasn`t attended a COP or who doesn`t necessarily follow what is happening here, I`ll outline one of the greatest moments here. ``Fossil of the Day Awards`` happens once a day at 6pm local time. It has a structure resembling the Olympic first, second and third awards. They award the countries who have done the least to help negotiations or who have attempted to block them. The awards ceremony is quite elaborate and theatrical, which is a definitely change of pace. They have everyone get involved by applause, cheers and jeers. It truly is one of the moments of the day when you can take a break and be entertained.
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A Call To Make The USA Fossil Free - Posted By: Adam MacIsaacGeneration WE: The Movement Begins... from Generation We on Vimeo.
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  Shaken Awake by Climate Change - Posted By: Katherine TrajanA wide range of emotions and experiences punctuate the days of this United Nations conference. Yesterday I felt the weight of climate change upon me. I spent much of the day with tears in my eyes, feeling a huge disconnect between the political clamor of the negotiation floor, and the reality of this crisis that we are facing. The IPCC gave a summary of its Fourth Assessment Report, outlining how much global temperatures would increase by 2050 with different levels of atmospheric CO2, and how much it would cut into the global GDP to reach the various levels. Numbers and figures on a screen. Looking out across the sea of delegates (few, if any, who can expect to be alive in 2050), I was overwhelmed by a mixture of fear and resentment. Here the future of all living things is being negotiated, based primarily on the short-term economic outlook. Every country here is negotiating for its own short-term interests – the only countries actually calling for action now are already drowning, burning, or drought or storm stricken. While it should be no surprise that countries have sent delegations to represent their national interests, it is sobering and frightening to realize that nations would have to be dragged kicking and screaming, or lured with the guarantee of immediate wealth to come to the table with something to offer. Unfortunately for the sake of these negotiations, the real benefits to action now would be enjoyed in the relatively long-term (i.e. not in the current or coming fiscal year). I wanted to stand up and shout at the room. I wanted to demand that they listen to us who will be inheriting the results of these negotiations, us who will be trying to survive in the mess, us who can't sign on to any commitments on behalf of our countries, but who will take the reigns when it is too late to avert the disaster that is coming upon us. I realize that we cannot rely upon politicians to make the moves that will avert catastrophic climate change. That is why I am here. It is important for us youth to be here as a conscience for the delegates, but also for our own education. Myself - I am realizing that I do not want to ever be sitting in negotiations such as this, constrained as a delegate. In my life, I will take a role in which I can express my optimism. I will be a voice for hope. I will be a visionary for where we can go from here. I will see and to speak to the opportunities we have to work together. Perhaps most importantly, I will not allow my short-term economic outlook to compromise my commitment to long-term goals. Thank-you to all of the individuals and organizations that have already demonstrated this commitment by financially supporting myself and other youth so that we could be here.
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Please don't help me bury my garbage - Posted By: Thea WhitmanIf you offered to help someone bury their garbage in their yard, and they said they'd just rather you didn't, would you just let the matter drop? Not if you're Japan, Norway, Saudi Arabia, or Australia, and are getting something out of it. All these countries pushed their positions today in a contact group on the use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in geological formations under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). They want to be able to offset their own emissions by using CCS projects (capturing the CO2 emissions from major CO2 sources, like coal power plants, transporting it, and then injecting it into geological formations deep underground where it would be stored) in developing countries. Canada is, not surprisingly, also on board. There are many objections to the use of the CDM to begin with, such as "additionality" of projects - whether they actually result in behaviours that wouldn't have happened without extra funding, or the use of the CDM to allow developed countries to continue to pollute. There are objections to CCS as well, such as its role in "carbon lock-in", where societies are forced to maintain their dependence upon fossil fuels, continuing to aggravate global warming, the fact that it is used primarily in enhanced oil recovery - that is, to get more oil out of the ground, or fears of the leakage of CO2 from the geological reservoirs into which it would be pumped, causing environmental degradation and making the sequestration not truly permanent. Check out the IPCC 2005 CCS report for more details. However, it wasn't CCS or the CDM alone that were being debated, but, rather, the combination of the two. Although many countries still believe that CCS may play a major role in global mitigation efforts, there a few major reasons it should not qualify for CDM projects. Carbon Capture and Storage projects run counter to the principles of the Clean Development Mechanism. Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol states that Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects shall assist Parties in achieving sustainable development. Sustainable development, as defined in the Brundtland Report, is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Coal-based energy production runs counter to these principles. By using coal, or any carbon-based fuel for energy production, we are setting future generations on a path of carbon lock-in. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) legitimizes and encourages coal-based energy and inhibits the urgently-needed transition to clean energy. As the Alliance of Small Island States (a negotiating bloc, known as AOSIS) pointed out very little of the research on CCS has taken place in developing countries and the conditions under which it has been developed have been primarily for enhanced oil recovery, not long-term CO2 storage, which are fundamentally different. Furthermore, the CDM does not currently have the capacity to adequately monitor and regulate CCS projects. Technologies for monitoring over the necessary time scale have not been sufficiently developed and liability for potentially disastrous leakage events remains unclear. Many developing countries, such as Brazil, fear that projects would be initiated, earn credits for a few years, and then be abandoned, transferring the liability for the stored CO2 (and its potential disastrous release) to the host country for the rest of the time it must be stored - that is, forever. The use of developing countries as testing grounds for this potentially risky technology within a mechanism that is supposed to promote sustainable development is unjust, and has no place in the CDM. We created a 1-page position paper under the Canadian, US, Japanese, UK, Danish, and Indian youth delegations, outlining these points and distributed it to parties and other delegates before the meeting. When I handed it to one negotiator (from the UK or Australia, I think) and explained that all these youth delegations are against CCS in the CDM, he replied, "Oh, that's too bad." Our ideas were more in line with some of the parties, though - it was really cool to hear AOSIS and Brazil bring up all our points in their statements. Acknowledging all these concerns, the EU proposed that there be a "pilot phase" to try to work out these issues, but this suggestion would 1) be unlikely to work - the major issues of long-term liability and carbon lock-in are not going to be resolved by a trial period of a few years, and 2) strain an already overworked CDM board. The craziest thing about it all for me is that on top of these reasons to not include CCS projects in the CDM, all these developing countries are saying, "Please, no, we don't want you to do CCS projects in our countries," and the developed countries are still trying to push it on them. It just seems wrong.
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Soil Carbon at the COP (finally)! - Posted By: Thea WhitmanSince everyone else will probably cover the workshop from the Ad-Hoc Working Group for the Kyoto Protocol (AWG-KP), where Canada explained very nicely how we live far away from each other and it gets very cold here in the winter, so... you know... mitigation... what can you do?... I will fill you in on what's happening on soil carbon at the COP! There was a presentation today from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) where they discussed the role of agriculture in greenhouse gas mitigation from the last report from the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), payment for environmental services systems (where they pay farmers for using certain agricultural practices), and the results from the report: Challenges and Opportunities for Mitigation in the Agricultural Sector. Basically, 10-12% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions come from the agricultural sector and they are growing - between 1990 and 2005, emissions increased by 17% - and will likely continue to grow with the world's population. The major sources of emissions that you'll hear about are methane and nitrous oxide, from manure management, livestock digestion, or rice cultivation. However, soils also play a major role in agricultural emissions. Besides nitrous oxide emissions from nitrification processes in soil, soil carbon loss can also result in greenhouse gas emissions as well as soil degradation. There are a few methods for enhancing soil carbon stocks, such as no-till or reduced-till agriculture, cover cropping, or other land-use changes. However, the two major issues with these problems are that 1) there is likely an upper limit on the total amount of carbon that can be sequestered in soil, so the returns on carbon storage efforts diminish with time, and 2) if the new agricultural practices are changed, the stored carbon can be released relatively quickly, undoing the sequestration. The cool thing about adding biochar, or black carbon, to soil, is that these two problems are not an issue (plus there are other super-interesting positive effects for agricultural productivity and soil health). At the next meeting in Bonn in March, the Ad-Hoc Working Group on Long-term Co-operative Action (AWG-LCA), there's gonna be a workshop on agriculture and greenhouse gas mitigation - I'll be really excited to hear what happens, as I am sure you all will be!
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From Grassroots to the United Nations - Posted By: Jasmeet SidhuWith my flight leaving from Pearson tonight, 6,940 kilometres and two days separate me from the United Nations Climate Change conference in Poznan, Poland. With the conference so close, I was beginning to take stock of what participation in this high-level bureaucratic conference means to me, as someone who had grown up and taken joy in the grassroots environmental efforts that are often praised by politicians who attend such conferences. For years, taking part in environmental activities in Brampton and Mississauga were my tangible efforts in doing what I can for the environment. Climate change was something much larger and abstract to me for a long time. As I learned more about the issue I sometimes felt that all that I and others were doing in our local communities was fruitless if our government was not going to act in a substantial way to fight climate change. And that was the real issue that I grappled with for a long time as a young person – that my fate and future on this planet were in this hands of much older politicians who might not live to see the worst impacts of climate change -- and there was nothing that I could do about it. These feelings weren’t made any better when I was told (and sometimes condescendingly and self-righteously) that all I had to do was “turn off the lights”, when I knew that there was so much more to be done. However, what incensed me about the apparent disconnect between men and women in suits at these conferences poring over climate graphs, and the students, mother and fathers that toiled for environmental causes in communities across Canada is also the reason that I wanted to attend this conference. For much too long citizens have been disengaged with the climate negotiation process, and feeling like I had been feeling for a long time: skepticism, cynicism, and distrust with the process and all those involved. However every year with the climate situation growing worse, more and more youth and ordinary citizens around the world are pressuring their government for action at these often elusive conferences, reminding them what is at stake, who they are working for, and warning them whatever they do, it will follow them home. An example of this is the 4th annual International Conference of Youth, which annually brings together 500 youth from around the world at the United Nations conference who want a say in their future and the world that they will inherit. Getting involved reminded me just how powerful the grassroots was. In this critical moment of history before the potential tide of climate catastrophes, we need a growing consciousness amongst Canadians, with bottom-to-top pressure, a united bipartisan voice emerging from the masses, and the continued efforts made by young and old Canadians every day, so that change perhaps, will finally come. Do widzenia (Goodbye in Polish), and see you on the other side!
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Climate Trumps Economy - Posted By: Jasmeet SidhuClimate trumps economy, according to global survey In a survey done in 12 countries by a coalition of climate groups, nearly half of the 12,000 respondents chose climate change ahead of the economy, and want governments to stop haggling and start acting on climate change. Despite a global recession apparently imminent, 43% of the respondents chose climate change ahead of the global economy when asked about their current concerns. The survey was carried out for the HSBC Climate Partnership, a collaboration between the international bank and climate NGOs including WWF, the Climate Group, Earthwatch Institute and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Lord Stern, an adviser to HSBC on economic development and climate change and former adviser to the British government, said: "This research demonstrates the need for decisive action on climate change. The urgent challenge is to build a framework for a global deal so that consensus can be reached in Copenhagen next year and the discussions in Poznan are a critical stepping stone to achieving this. Now is the time to lay the foundations of a new form of growth that can transform our economies and societies."
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Poznan - Good Climate for Talks - Posted By: Jasmeet SidhuThe title of this post were the words that greeted me as I exited the airport and entered into the city of Poznan Saturday night. Indeed even for the most unobservant resident, it is hard to ignore all the hints that a major international conference was descending upon this picturesque town. From the store owners that were steadily arranging souvenirs in the front window, to the flood of new advertising on billboards that suggest some sort of environmental message, the town has transformed into ground zero for two weeks of climate, climate, climate. Starting Monday the town will be overrun with over eight thousand government and state officials, NGOs, civil society organizations and climate experts, all from over 180 countries. Expectations range from very hopeful to very pessimistic. Peter Gorrie, in a column in the Saturday Star commented that "soon, though, they'll settle comfortably into what they do best – long, inconclusive debates and secretive strategy sessions that lead to a dramatic last-minute agreement to hold more talks." The prospect of a non-progressive policy-filled two weeks didn't dampen the spirits of over 200 youth that gathered Saturday and Sunday for the 4th Annual Conference of Youth. With youth representatives from Sweden, India, Japan and Canada to name a few, they excitedly fine-tuned their strategies to have a prominent voice at the conference. In the backdrop of one of Eastern Europe's oldest city, will a breakthrough finally occur for a plan that will stave off climate change? Will the political tensions back home create some cracks in the official Canadian delegation? All that is left to do right now, is to just wait and see.
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UN Climate Talks Open With Calls for Cooperation - Posted By: Jasmeet SidhuThe United Nations Climate Change Conference opened in Poznań, Poland, today with a call for progressive negotiations in the backdrop of the global financial crisis for a new climate deal by 2009, so that it can enter into force in 2013 when the Kyoto Protocol expires. At the same time, Conference leaders cautioned that competing national interests and conflicting objectives should not trump that urgency of the issue and the need to reach a global climate agreement in time by Copenhagen next year. “Today we are starting our two weeks of difficult work. Don’t let particular interests obscure objectives and the need to change the present direction taken by humanity,” said Maciej Nowicki from Poland and this year’s COP President. “If our thoughts and actions head in the same direction, we will achieve success,” he said. “Progress will be possible only through concerted action for all of us. I believe this will happen.” The Conference is expected to continue negotiations began in Bali last year for a post-Kyoto protocol agreement. Poznań is expected to refine the negotiations that will lead to an agreement, with many contentious issues such as specific emissions reduction targets likely to be discussed. UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer warned about possible political factions that might arise in the next two weeks. “Focus on what unites you rather than what divides you,” he told negotiators. “Delaying action now will only make human action more costly.” The global financial crisis seems to have already affected negotiations, with several Conference leaders stressing the importance of pushing through an agreement despite it. “I feel confident the financial crisis will be overcome. However, climate change is not going to be less of a problem in the coming years,” said Danish Prime Minister Anders Rasmussen and host of next year’s conference. “On the contrary, climate change will only go stronger if we do not act now.” “There is no contradiction between economic growth and ambitious climate policies.” He commended U.S. president-elect Barack Obama, who was not present, on planning ambitious climate policies as part of a solution to the economic slowdown. Rasmussen called for continued leadership by industrialized countries, including declaring the European Union’s bold plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% below 1990 levels by 2020. During the initial ten days of the conference, most of the work will be carried out by experts refining proposals for reduction of CO2 emissions, adaptation, and increasing funds for mitigation. The most crucial part of the conference will be the final two days, when premiers, presidents and environment ministers from 150 countries and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Boon join the event for what is known as the “high-level” segment of the conference.
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"We are aware of the responsibility that rests on us" - Posted By: Jasmeet SidhuThe United Nations Climate Change conference officially opened this morning to a genial but somewhat somber mood this dreary morning in Poznan, Poland. With knowledge that the next two weeks will be filled with much hard work and discussion (without the tropical scenary that Bali offered, or the anticipation that an agreement would be reached like Copenhagen promises), the opening plenary session felt a little under enthused. At one point a few people began to applaud when President of the conference Maciej Nowicki from Poland said that industrialized countries should take the lead in reducing emissions, but their applause was scattered and quickly faded away in the large room. Nonetheless outside the plenary session buzzed with excitement as several NGOs set up their stalls, specially marked COP14 trams brought in new waves of delegates, and mass of networking across various country representatives was occurring. I came across the Indian Youth Delegation in the cafeteria who missed the opening ceremonies as they were preparing to meet with some representatives of their government. Sitting upstairs in the press room and casually speaking with some journalists, I quickly got the sense that not only were western media few and far between here at the conference, but many European journalists were often full time climate-beat reporters, whose sole job each day and every day back at their respective newspapers was to report about climate change and the process of negotiation meetings throughout the year. Though to be fair, my little informal survey was obviously skewed by the fact that European journalists need only to take a train ride into Poznan, versus the near 7000 kilometers that I had to travel.
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Obama, Obama, Everywhere - Posted By: Jasmeet SidhuObama, Obama, everywhere Despite the fact that he will not become President for another 50 odd days or that he nor his official representatives are at the conference yet, the names on everyone's lips seem to be Barack Obama. Obama was brought up this morning at the official opening ceremonies by Danish Prime Minister Anders Rasmussen praising him for planning ambitious climate policies as part of a solution to an economic slowdown. It was a clear public signal to the president-elect that climate negotiators are going to welcome him with open arms and happily move on from the headaches that the Bush administration seemed to have given them in the past. During the European Union daily press conference, roughly a third of the questions were pertaining to the United States and how the recent election of Barack Obama will impact the European Union's stance on emissions reduction. "We're going to keep this place warm," said member of the French delegation Brice Lalonde referring to the welcoming and almost impatient atmosphere the conference has for the new president-elect to become involved in negotiations. But has Obama-mania disguised the fact that Obama's "ambitious" proposal for greenhouse gas emissions are weak and far from the recommendations made by climate experts in comparison to proposals made by the European Union? The general mood seems that anything is better than nothing, the "nothing" being the United States' rejection of the Kyoto Protocol and what others have deemed "fruitless or negative action" towards the progression of a new climate deal. "There's no denying that we've had a lot of criticism - I can show you the scars," joked Dr. Harlan Watson the ambassador and special envoy to the conference at the U.S. press conference. Any productive, long-term and effective new climate is certainly going to need the cooperation of the United States, and Canada will mostly likely be closely implicated in their stance. The question remains as to whether the eleven months between Obama's inauguration and the 2009 Copenhagen deadline will be enough time to agree to a new climate deal, especially considering the current economic crisis.
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Fossil of the Day: Poland - Posted By: Jasmeet SidhuEvery day during the United Nations climate change negotiations, members of the worldwide environmental network, the Climate Action Network, vote for the country deemed to have made the worst input or have made efforts to blog progress at the negotiations. Today's fossil award went surprisingly to the host country - Poland. "Poland made history today by winning the sole Fossil Award - the first time ever that a host country has won a Fossil on the first day of COP," explained members of Climate Action Network, which was co-presented the award with members of the Canadian Youth Delegation. In his speech today, Prime Minister Donald Tusk made a call for global solidarity on climate change. However Poland has been undermining the plan of 100% auctioning of pollution permits by cutting a loophole for coal-dependent countries (like Poland) and putting a price ceiling into the cap and trade system. According to the presenters, Poland is also backtracking on the EU agreement to agree on a target of 30% reduction emissions by 2020.
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Thinking a Little Deeper: Gender and Climate Change - Posted By: Jasmeet SidhuGender and climate change? Its a dubious connection that perhaps need a little more explaining. "Gender justice in climate change policy" is just one of the many side events and forums that are occurring during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, an opportunity to discuss in-depth the social issues of climate change, as well as certain policy implications in-depth. Run by GenderCC a non-governmental organization, the forum gathered men, women and gender experts around the world to present their concerns and demands for making future climate policies that are fair to women. The main issue has been that not only will the disastrous effects of climate change affect mainly developing countries, but amongst populations of developing countries women will be most hardest hit. The social roles and responsibilities of women lead to a higher degree of dependence on the natural environment. Due to climate change, their work burden for family care, such as collecting clean water and gathering firewood, is increasing. Since women, both in developing and developed countries, are disproportionally affected by poverty, have less income and possess less wealth, they are also more heavily impacted by economic instruments that lead to higher energy prices. Of particular concern are the rising risks that women face following a natural disasters (which are exponentially increasing in the world due to climate change). Women have less access to information such as early warnings, due to inequitable distribution of aid they may receive less resources, and moreover, they are may be subject to sexual violence, as has been known to happen after major natural disasters such as Katrina and even women entering the sex trade after the South-East Asian tsunami of 2004. With these issues in mind, I couldn't help but coincidentally notice that the United Nations "power table" during the opening ceremonies consisted all of men. "If all those men had their wives here at the negotiations, we wouldn't be in the place we were right now," commented one man at the GenderCC session.
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Personal Reflections: Day One - Posted By: Jasmeet SidhuHaving been up at the crack of dawn, and one opening ceremony, four press conferences and two side events later, the end of the day is almost near. Any major international conference is bound to be intimidating and overwhelming, with government officials whizzing pass you, a dozen events to attend to at any given time, and the overly priced food options within the conference centre. The conference centre is huge, with several restaurants, hundreds of meeting rooms, and even places to send post and and get your shoes shined. However beyond the glamour that inevitably comes with a United Nations event, I couldn't help but feel this conference world filled with non-stop discussions, presentations and press conferences exists in a bubble from the "real world" that I was used to. The only time where I felt climate change was demonstrated to have a tangible impact on human life was at the GenderCC session which I wrote about earlier. "Climate change is about saving lives," they said. I hope this sentiment grows amongst the delegates in the coming days, because if it doesn't, I think we may all be missing the whole point.
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Fossils of the Day: the EU, Philippines and Saudi Arabia, the Umbrella Group - Posted By: Jasmeet SidhuGroups of countries were targeted today for having obstructed climate negotiations. 1st Place: The European union For "coming to Poznan without a credible position and mandate on financing mitigation and adaptation in the South". The European union has had a historic reputation for leadership on climate change but are moving away now from binding concrete commitments. 2nd Place: Philippines and Saudi Arabia Philippines for claiming that plenary was spending too much time on a "shared" vision (the emphasized theme of the conference) and Saudi Arabia for chiming in that the Philippines view should be given more weight because the Philippines represents the G77 countries...even though this particular view was not a G77 country. 3rd Place: The Umbrella Group (Australia, Canada, Iceland, japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federatoin, Ukraine and the US) For "attempts by the biggest emitters to avoid discussion on their emission commitments...or to push similar commitments on the rest of the world." The Fossil of the Day awards are presented each afternoon by the Climate Action Network, an organization that represents more than 400 NGOs from every region of hte world.
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Poland - The New Villain on Climate? - Posted By: Jasmeet SidhuAll good international conferences must have compelling story lines (or at least ones spun by the media), that inevitably draw out the "heroes" and the "villains" in this great tale of saving of the planet. Yesterday the Financial Times asked the question whether Poland has become the "hero" or villain" during this two week conference. Despite the generous hosting of the conference, it has received harsh criticism over its opposition to the EU's energy-climate package earning it a "Fossil of the Day" distinction on Monday, the first time it was ever held by the host country on the first day. "It's unfair and undeserved. It is sad that no one notices the effort we've put into organizing this summit," Deputy Environment Minister Janusz Zaleski told the Gazeta newspaper. China and the US, the "traditional" enemies of climate conferences may avoid the target this year. For China, more focused criticism on Poland may allow a little breathing room for the country that seems to get extremely defensive in the face of any criticism, while the United States (who were booed last year in Bali) will be forgiven this year for having an administration made up of outgoing delegates.
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"Are we worthy of this planet?" - Posted By: Jasmeet SidhuFrom a continuing drone countries claiming their support for a long-term action and emissions reduction at this morning's "Workshop on a shared vision for long-term cooperative action", one country emerged that excitedly challenged other country's climate rhetoric. The lone Bolivian representative spoke in Spanish (causing more than half the room to scramble for their translator handsets) about the perils that have led the world to where it is today and the lack of wool-spinning of development countries when it came to creating a new international agreement. Needless to say I was having trouble falling asleep, especially after Norway's pretty meaningless speech about agreeing that there should be cooperation, until the representative of Bolivia shook things up. Here are some snippets to her close to 7 minute speech: "We are not human beings with respect to capitalism, and because of capitalism climate change has become a business. Everything is converted into goods, waters, ancestry, justice, ethics and life itself." "We need to discuss the structural causes (of climate change) – what has failed here is this model of wanting to live better" "Two major groups earmarked 4 billion dollars to save banks, 300 times the amount than to development programs for climate change." "Climate is much more important than wall street stock markets." Many at the back of the room broke out into applause, while I'm sure many others were just relieved that for the first time the meeting today was finally getting exciting.
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The 14th Conference of Parties (COP 14) Begins! - Posted By: Taryn McKenzie-MohrAlthough COP began yesterday, I didn't have a chance to add this post yesterday so I'm going to back track... there aren't enough hours in the day to do these things!!! Once passing through airport-type security and stopping at the Document Center to pick up the Daily Program, we headed to the largest plenary where the welcome ceremony was held. The Prime Minister of Poland, the Prime Minister of Denmark (who will host the COP next year) and the COP President all addressed the plenary which was packed. All three speeches mentioned the economic crisis and the need for a 'shared vision.' Determining a 'shared vision' will be an important part of the negotiations during this conference and is meant to establish a long term global vision for our planet. I am currently working on an action with other youth delegates about our common vision, and of course the need for our leaders to also adopt that vision. Expect pictures tomorrow! Being the first day of COP, it was also the first day of the Fossil of the Day. Fossil is an awards ceremony held daily. Meant to be a goofy mockery of problematic countries, this is the most popular youth event at the conference, receiving lots of media attention. Awards are given to the country who does the best job of derailing international climate action. Generally, three awards are presented each day but only one was presented today since it was the first day of the conference. Interestingly, Poland was the recipient of the first award of the conference. This decision was based on the Prime Minister's speech, in which he called for international action on climate change during the conference and emphasized it's importance without committing that Poland would take any action. Tonight we're attending our first United Nations party and hoping to rub shoulders with some big wigs. Well... it's actually a reception being hosted by the Polish Minister of Environment, but there will be several thousand attendees, live music and free food.
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No confidence. No trust. - Posted By: Katherine TrajanIn the depths of these formal proceedings there are sparks of refreshing sincerity. I was sitting at the back of the cavernous negotiation room, watching oversized screens showing delegates in business suits speaking on behalf of nations or collections of nations. A sea of heads with headsets tuned into translators’ voices separated myself and the stage with the chairman. A low buzz of activity filled the space as people came and went, spoke with one another in low voices, and typed away on laptops. The topic on the table was climate change adaptation and GHG mitigation funding for developing countries. After a few minutes the official language started penetrating my brain and I began to hear the positions behind the words of the different delegates. Japan and the United States made statements supporting the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as channels for money, and emphasized the need for developing countries to attract private financial flow. The importance of these statements was reflected in the wave of statements that followed. Algeria noted that not a single GEF director or CEO is from a developing country. China asked that developed countries not use private markets to evade their responsibility to contribute to the funds under the climate change convention. The Philippines on behalf of the G-77 (a group of 130 developing countries that often negotiate as a group) suggested the Least Developed Country Fund (LDCF) could be referred to as the least developed fund, given that all pledges to this fund add up to “less than half of the Christmas bonuses of CEO’s of bailed-out banks”. The Maldives on behalf of the Least Developed Countries (LDC’s) said that access to the funds must be reassessed as the complicated application process currently meant that the LDCF couldn’t fulfil its mandate of responding to urgent needs. These calls for funding and access to funding were echoed by the Solomon Islands, Mali, Malawi, Nigeria, Kiribati, Gambia, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Bhutan. Behind each of the statements is a country caught in the onslaught of climate change wrought by developed countries, without access to technology or financing that will allow them to respond to the challenges that climate change presents. In the flood of official statements Nigeria’s stood out for its poignancy. The delegate referenced the “fan fare” that had opened the conference, with developed countries emphasizing their commitment to the UN process for combating climate change and their willingness to support the financial mechanisms for developing countries, while pledges for these funds stand at a shameful level of less than US$200 million. In a sentence that echoed those currently pouring out of Canada’s parliament, Nigeria said that the disparity between developed countries public statements and their financial commitment to the funds resulted in other nations having “no confidence, and no trust” in these developed nations. He said that his wish was that we would see climate change as being just as important as the financial meltdown, which we were able to mobilize a response to so quickly.
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Fossil of the Day Awards December 2nd 2008 - Posted By: Adam MacIsaacFossil of the Day Awards December 2nd 2008Fossil of the Day Media Release3rd Place: The Umbrella Group (Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, Ukraine and the US) The Umbrella group wins third fossil for proposing, by way of Australia, a joint session of the ad-hoc KP (Kyoto Protocol) and LCA (Longterm Cooperative Action) working groups. Eventually, these groups will have to converge for the treaty at Copenhagen. But at this moment, suggesting a joint session undermines the trust of the non-Annex I countries. It looks like an attempt by the biggest emitters to avoid discussion their emissions commitments… or to push similar commitments on the rest of the world. 2nd Place: Philippines and Saudi Arabia Philippines win a Fossil for arguing that the LCA was spending too much of its time on ’shared vision,’ and wanting to overturn the Accra decision to establish a shared vision contact group. Saudi Arabia shares the fossil dishonours for chiming in that the Philippines view should be given more weight because Philipinnes represents the G77… even though this particular view was NOT a G77 position, and the Philippines was representing only itself. The shared vision contact group is an important building block for success at Copenhagen; it helps nobody to try to chip away at it now. 1st place: European Union member states The EU Member States, individually and collectively, win the first place fossil tonight–despite their historic reputation for leadership on climate change–for coming to Poznan without a credible position and mandate on financing mitigation and adaptation in the South… and at the same for time running away from binding financial commitments in the EU climate and energy package. Concrete commitments are necessary for building trust on the road to Copenhagen, but Europe’s leadership is collapsing. Europe! The world needs you now!
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Changements climatiques : toujours une priorité ! - Posted By: François Décary-GilardeauRéunissez 26 jeunes environnementalistes et demandez-leur ce qu'ils pensent de Stephen Harper, mais surtout de la position les questions environnementales et vous trouverez certainement très peu d'appui pour ce gouvernement minoritaire. Bref, nous souhaitons voir à Ottawa un gouvernement responsable face aux enjeux environnementaux, tel que les changements climatiques. Mais nous ne sommes pas seuls, c'est toujours réconfortant de consulter un sondage qui nous le rappelle. Voici un tout nouveau sondage mené par la firme McAllister Opinion Research pour le compte d’un regroupement d’ONG environnementale sur les attentes des Canadiens et des Québécois par rapport aux actions à mener face aux changements climatiques. Pour l’étude complète, cliquez ici! Quelques chiffres tirés de cette étude sont très révélateurs. Saviez-vous que 83 % des canadiens sont d’accord que « le Canada devrait s’engager fortement sur les changements climatiques, sans attendre les autres pays », 91 % des Québécois. Vous en voulez plus ? Celle-là m’a impressionné : « les gouvernements au Canada devraient réduire les efforts pour atténuer les changements climatiques en raison de la crise économique actuelle », et bien malgré des temps difficiles, prêt de deux personnes sur trois (64%) croient que l’on doit continuer à lutter contre les changements climatiques. De mon côté, j’en suis convaincu, mais je suis content de voir que je ne suis pas seul!
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Youth Unite on a Shared Vision - Posted By: Genevieve GilbertToday a number of Canadian youth attended a workshop on a shared vision for long-term cooperative action under the Convention (AWG-LCA). A shared vision among all parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is needed to develop a comprehensive, ambitious and equitable agreement by COP15 in Copenhagen, 2009. The workshop involved presentations from a number of countries on their vision for cooperative action on climate change to ensure a safe and stable climate. The shared vision encompasses the four pillars of the Bali Action Plan: mitigation, adaptation, technology transfer and finance transfer. The issue of mitigation for all parties – including both developed and developing countries– is a point of contention. As per the Convention, developed countries are supposed to lead the way in reducing emissions and then assist developing countries to do the same - this is the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. But developed countries are lagging on their Kyoto commitments (or utterly failing, like Canada), and have demonstrated limited willingness to provide adequate and sustained financial resources for mitigation and adaptation in developing countries. Throughout the workshop, developing countries repeatedly emphasized their views that the shared vision must be based on the fundamental principles of the UNFCCC, and that developed countries need to demonstrate greater leadership. A representative for the Alliance of Small Island States, a coalition of low lying and coastal countries which share a similar position, put forward the most ambitious vision because these countries are already experiencing devastating climate change impacts, such as sea level rise and coastal erosion. He called for the stabilization carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere at 350 ppm, and a limit of 1.5 degrees C rise in temperature above preindustrial levels. This means that global emissions must peak by no later than 2015 and industrialized countries must reduce their emissions by at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2020 and at least 95% below 1990 by 2050. Meanwhile outside the workshop, international youth were developing their own position on a shared vision which involves the wholesale transformation of our society into one that is low-carbon, sustainable and equitable. Collectively, the international policy team developed ambitious foundational youth principles in line with the demands of science – a testament to the ability of youth around the world to unite on combating climate change. They speak from the heart and wholeheartedly support the demands of science because they are not constrained by politics or ulterior self-interests. Youth solidarity on this issue stems from the urgency of taking action on climate change and the prospects that their own lives and the lives of their children will be seriously compromised if limited progress is made Poznan. Let us hope that negotiators here in Poznan can similarly unite on an ambitious vision.
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CYD meets the Canadian Delegation - Posted By: JennieToday, the Canadian Youth Delegation met with the official Canadian government delegation to spark discussion on Canada's climate change policies and negotiation strategy in Poznan. The packed meeting room held almost all the Canadian youth delegates, as well as the head of the climate change negotiation task force, and the head negotiator for the Poznan climate talks. Overall, the meeting provided an excellent opportunity for youth to engage our negotiators in a discussion on our concerns about climate change, our desire to see stronger leadership and action by the Canadian government, and our request to have an official voice among the government delegation for youth. We also had opportunity to open up a discussion on a few key points we had concerns about, including Canada's lack of leadership, the state of adaptation funding in Canada, and Canada's lack of ambition on emission reduction targets. The Canadian delegation was friendly, open, and respectful. Though they evaded direct answers to most of our questions, youth appreciated the opportunity to meet with them and express our views. When asked how Canada defined its perception as a world leader on climate change, he response was that they saw their role as "being constructive" in the negotiations, instead. Needless to say, they also admitted that when it comes to a position on mid-term emission reduction targets, it all depends on what actions others are prepared to put on the table (ie China or India??), and what that adds up to in terms of emissions reductions. Holding the cards close, and waiting for others to make the first move doesn't strike me as leadership, or being constructive. The youth also asked questions about adaptation funding. Canada recently announced $100 million for adaptation funding for climate change, but did not specify where the money would go and how it would be managed. It is likely they would select the World Bank, which is completely managed and staffed by developed world figures, and has been criticized by developing countries for its lack of transparency and democratic operations. We recommended that Canada direct the funds through the newly-instituted UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Adaptation Fund under the Kyoto Protocol, so that it can be managed transparently, equitably, and sustainably for climate change. Canada suggested that they would wait and see what the best option is, but didn't discount channeling it through the World Bank anyway. The youth also pointed out that it must be difficult to maintain Canada's integrity in the negotiating room when it is so far from meeting its Kyoto commitments. The delegates argued that Canada remained quite well respected (but I think they meant they personally were still respected in a professional sense - not the same thing!). I guess they weren't around in Bali last year for our record number of Fossil of the Day awards for being obstructionist, and also were somehow isolated from the bad press Canada received internationally for its pathetic action on climate change. Nonetheless, I honestly believe they are acting in their best capacity under the (mis)guidance of our Prime Minister. Deep down, they appear to be compassionate, kind, and considerate individuals who are just doing their job. It's just too bad they are getting such lousy direction from their advisors.
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Old memories as we head towards the new future. - Posted By: Stephan CroninHow many people remember their Model UN Clubs from high school? I remember walking into my cafeteria in high school and seeing rows of countries names displayed on tables. I remember feeling a sense of pride and angst as I headed to the podium to represent my country. Today was the culmination of all those feelings. Walking into the opening plenary of COP 14 was like a throwback to those old memories. I felt a tingle run down my back as I looked around to see row upon row of tables and name tags, prominently displaying the countries names. A massive amount of cameras facing every direct, a large collection of translators and most of all seeing all the representatives for each of their countries. The moment I walked in, it felt so surreal. I was there, at the United Nations, attending the Climate Change negotiations in Poznan, Poland. Hoping to have some influence on our future climate, one which is so important not only to all of us, but to our future generations. I felt as if I would have no influence, no real role to play as I heard the prime minister of Poland and Denmark talk about their roles. What role could I play? It wasn’t till our Policy meeting, when I had the opportunity to speak on policy issues I thought were important, that’s when it truly hit me, no matter what small role I play, I’m part of this process.
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A few highlights from a first-time Canadian Youth Delegate's first day - Posted By: Thea Whitman
8AM: As I arrive at the COP site for an early international youth policy working group meeting, I'm approached by Reuters and filmed as they ask me if I think the talks will be successful. I replied that they have to be successful, for the sake of everybody around the world. Maybe cheesy, but it's true, and thanks to media training I didn't feel too nervous. It's funny that my first media contact here was as an essentially anonymous delegate, rather than being a view from the youth perspective, or something.10AM: Climate Action Network Canada meeting - my first glimpse into the Canadian branch of CAN - the massive group of NGOs that works together on climate lobbying. They were really receptive to youth and it was very cool to hear the perspectives of these climate experts. I think these meetings will be really helpful for me to understand the issues, especially in a national context during these dramatic times. 4:30PM: Finally sit in on my first round of talks ever (the opening of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol, also known as the AWG-KP. The AWG-KP is basically where the next phase of Kyoto, including national emissions reduction commitments, are being negotiated, among those parties that have ratified Kyoto [read: not the US].)! It felt kind of like the first time I ever played with an orchestra, in terms of just being overwhelmed by being in the presence of something so much bigger than I am. I was surprised at how cool the chair was - I guess I'd assumed that he would be super-formal and rigid, but ... he was professional, of course, but would make these funny comments too. 6:30PM: Canadian Youth Delegation policy group meeting - we're meeting with Canada's official delegation tomorrow, so we were working out how we want to approach the meeting, what questions we should ask, and what outcomes we want from the it. I am psyched for tomorrow - hopefully we can develop a strong relationship this year. 8PM: Host country reception (i.e., a Polish idea of a good time) involves the following: four roasted boars being carved by chefs, a massif pyramid of wine glasses, hundreds of paper crane mobile/chandeliers, a string quartet, and take-home gift bottles of "edycja limiowana" (limited edition) Zubr beers. Gillian and I found the Polish host to say "Dziękują" (thank you).
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A changing climate in Canada’s parliament: potential impact on Poznan? - Posted By: Derek PieperNot even two months after the last federal election in Canada (Oct.14, 2008¬) signs are strongly pointing towards the defeat of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s minority government, as early as Monday, Dec. 8, 2008. Opposition parties have signed a deal this week outlining their plan to form a coalition government following the predicted defeat of the Conservative government in a confidence vote early next week. According to the opposition, they are preparing to bring down the government over their lack of response to the global financial crisis. The proposed coalition government would be led by the former President of the UNFCCC COP 11 Stéphane Dion, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. His cabinet would consist of members from his own party and those of the New Democratic Party (NDP). Both parties advocated for deeper climate targets than the ruling Conservatives in the last election, however the Liberal Party suffered at the ballot box largely due to public (and internal) opposition to a controversial carbon tax plan. The formation of a coalition government is unheard of in modern Canadian politics. The timing of this rare political manoeuvre could have a significant impact on Canada’s representation at the Poznan COP. It is now unclear as to who will show up in Poland to represent Canada for the high-level segment in the second week of the conference. If the Conservative government falls, it is likely that a NDP member would be assigned the Environment portfolio given the Liberals preference for the cabinet posts related to the economy. It has been reported that part of the agreement signed between the Liberals and NDP would include support for a North America wide cap-and-trade market to restrict carbon emissions. Even if the government does not fall before the Poznan meetings conclude, Canadian participation in the meeting may well be overshadowed by domestic politics back home.
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Our Climate, Our Future. - Posted By: Taryn McKenzie-MohrAs the weekend comes to an end, so does the international Conference of Youth (COY). We've spent the past two days at a local university called Wyższa Szkoła Nauk Humanistycznych i Dziennikarstwa (good luck trying to say that)! Organized solely by youth, the COY was an opportunity for youth delegates to mobilize before the beginning of the UNFCCC. The conference began with a presentation from the Australian Overland Team. They told us of their journey to Poznan traveling by surface - train, bus and freight ship. Beginning in Darwin, Australia, their forty day trip passed through Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Mongolia, Russia, Belarus and Poland. Their decision to travel without flying was prompted by Gandhi's message - "be the change you wish to see in the world." As UNFCCC youth delegates, we have a responsibility to promote not only political action, but personal action such as sustainable transportation. Not in keeping with this message, each year when youth fly from around the world to attend these conferences we emit tones of CO2 - literally. By traveling overland these Australian youth were able to drastically reduce their carbon footprint and further spread their message of climate action. With this presentation to inspire us, we began planning, discussing and learning. Throughout the conference, I often wondered how different the world would be if our leaders were as passionate and willing to cooperate as the international youth were this weekend. Wether it was washing dishes together, planning peaceful actions during the conference or discussing the impacts of specific policies on the Global South, these youth demonstrated that our generation possesses the solutions to this global issue - energy, motivation, a willingness to act, responsibility, creativity and cooperation. How is it that these qualities are so obviously visible in youth leaders when adult leaders who demonstrate these qualities in negotiations and in their respective countries are often few and far between? Tomorrow, as the UNFCCC begins, we will hear from those countries who are taking serious action and many more countries who have not yet followed through on their commitments. Over 500 international will be watching and holding those leaders accountable. I think the slogan of the Australian Youth Delegation says it best, "Our Climate, Our Future."
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Youth set the bar high on effective international co-operation - Posted By: JennieWhile international negotiators are finalizing their position statements, and pressing their shirts for the start of the conference, the International Youth delegates were already hard at work. Today, almost 200 youth from over 50 countries joined together to develop our shared vision, strategy, and positions as we head into the 14th UN climate change conferences. Beginning with some inspiring messages about why we have been brought together in Poland, participants learned the history of youth involvement, the basics of the policies involved, and the opportunities for making a difference here in Poland, as well as next year in Copenhagen. After lunch, the youth split into various working groups, including communications, media, actions, and policy. Being of the policy bent myself, as any readers can probably now guess, I joined in with this working group. I was in disbelief over how much the interest in policy has grown since last year! We went from a group of about 10 international youth, to over 50 since last year. We were able to develop subgroups on 6 key issues, which include Forestry issues, Clean Development Mechanism issues, Mitigation, Adaptation, Finance, and Technology Transfer. The group is already very well organized, highly co-operative, and I am looking forward to seeing what this dynamic team is able to accomplish over the next two weeks. At the end of the day I was amazed at how well such a large group of young people from such diverse backgrounds and cultures seem to cooperate seamlessly. We are able to agree on issues effortlessly, and share a strong, unified vision of reversing the climate change trends. A look around the large room at all these passionate, dedicated faces suggests that these are my teammates, and my partners in this quest to slow or end the destruction to our climate. Mal, a UK youth delegate, said it best when he said, "we are setting an example for how the international community should be cooperating on this issue". I couldn't agree more. (Disclaimer: If typos or repetition are rampant in this entry, I blame the lack of sleep that we are all currently experiencing!)
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Conference of Youth - 1st day - Posted By: Thea WhitmanSo, climate negotiations in about 20 years should be easy-peasy, judging from the passion and motivation of this year's international youth delegation. Until then, though, it looks like we've got to be content with channeling all that energy into influencing negotiations from the outside. (Out of the 44-person international policy group, only 3 people were from countries that include youth on their international delegation.) Today was the first day of the international Conference of Youth, and seeing young people from all over the world coming together over the common goal of fighting climate change was really powerful. As we laid the groundwork for strategy and communication in the policy working group, I felt excited to think of the power of using the international youth voice to help push the major issues here in Poznan toward the kind of strong action that we need. However, my favourite moment so far was probably when they asked the question, "Who prefers tea to coffee?" and the entire UK delegation raised their hands. Way to break down stereotypes on the international stage, guys. Really looking forward to more work on policy positions and the first sessions on Monday!
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Poznan. Dobry Kilmat Do Rozmow. "Poznan, Good Climate for Talks." - Posted By: Taryn McKenzie-MohrThere's nothing like a mad dash through an airport terminal at 4:30 AM to wake you up! In the Munich International Airport we had thirty minutes to make our connecting flight to Poznan. As if that wasn't tight enough, during that time we had to pass through customs and security. For anyone who has experienced flying internationally, you will know that the chances of us making that flight were virtually impossible. But we did, and we're happy to be in Poznan! The airport in Poznan has been decorated with hanging banners for the conference that say "Poznan. Dobry Kilmat Do Rozmow," "Poznan, Good Climate for Talks." On our way from the airport to our hostel we saw numerous billboards and posters for the conference and passed a school with posters for the conference in almost every window. Poznan is the smallest city ever to host the UNFCCC (there are roughly 500, 000 thousands inhabitants in Greater Poznan), and it will be teaming with 10,000 conference delegates, participants and observers for two weeks. Finding accommodation here was very difficult for many attendees and we're very fortunate that our hostel is in the downtown area, not far from the conference center. We haven't had a chance to explore Poznan yet (sleeping, unpacking and showering were higher on our list of priorities), but we've found a tasty traditional Polish restaurant near our hostel which will most likely become a staple. Currently, we're at the hostel working on our laptops and we've just received a memo about the likely non confidence vote on Monday in the House of Commons. If the Bloc, NDP and Liberals do vote non confidence then this will directly effect our work during the conference. How could it change negotiations? We're not sure yet, but it could be very interesting!
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Like the Canadian Youth Delegation to Poznan Blog? Want to Share it With Others? - Posted By: Adam MacIsaacYou now can share The Official Canadian Youth Delegation to Poznan Blog which can be added to your website, your blog, your Facebook profile almost anywhere online where you think the audience would be interested in following the Canadian Youth Delegation. Share The Canadian Youth Delegation Blog on the Following Web 2.0 Tools               
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International Youth Delegates Broadcasting Live from United Nations Climate Change Conference - Posted By: Adam MacIsaacPlease join in watching the international youth delegates who will be attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poznan, Poland by watching live broadcast video which will showcase workshop,sessions, daily actions and what youth are doing to make sure that there is concrete action from our governments at the Fourteenth Conference of Parties (COP 14) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The first broadcasts will feature the Conference of Youth 4 (COY4)where young delegates will gather from November 29th to 30th to prepare themselves for the United Nations Climate Change Conference. While there will be a time zone difference in the live broadcasting all of the video will be available online at any time so you can still watch even if you miss the live broadcast. You can watch videos from last years United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia as well as videos from the UNDP on climate change during the time between the live broadcasts. The video player can be found on the Canadian Youth Delegation to Poznan website under the Resources section. Please share the International Youth Climate Movement video player with everyone and feel free to embed it to your websites, blogs or Facebook profiles. You can find the Embedding Code for various online platforms by visiting here. I can be contacted for support for anyone who is interested in featuring the International Youth Climate Movement video player on your website. Regards, Adam MacIsaac Email: adam.macisaac@cydpoznan.org Skype: adam.macisaac
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  Take the worldwide survey of “climate solution providers” - Posted By: BinetouThis unique initiative is supported by the World Bank, the World Conservation Union (IUCN), and the International Development Research Centre, and has the active involvement of a wide range of other organizations (please see logos below). In return for about twenty minutes of your time to complete the survey, we will be pleased to send you a summary of the results of what your peers have to say, and to widely publicize the results — at the UN Conference of Parties in Poznan, through the media and elsewhere — in order to inform views and actions across sectors and geographies on climate related topics... Read more : http://surveys.globescan.com/climatepanel/index.html
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Participez à la visioconférence sur les Changement Climatique le 29/11 à 18H GMT ! - Posted By: Binetou
VISIONCONFERENCE SUR LES CHANGEMENTS CLIMATIQUESLe Samedi 29 Novembre 2008 à 18 H GMT Le réseau Médiaterre, créé par l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF/IEPF) et le Centre International de Ressources et d'Innovation pour le Développement Durable (CIRIDD), et animé par plus de 20 partenaires s'est imposé comme le premier réseau d'information francophone sur le développement durable. Le « Comité de jeunes reporters » de Médiaterre qui participe à l’animation de son Portail jeunes sera représenté du 1er au 12 décembre à la Conférence des Nations Unies sur les Changements Climatiques qui se tiendra à Poznan. Un important rendez-vous pour le processus de négociation qui doit déboucher sur de fermes engagements pour les pays développés après 2012. Alors, en tant que jeunes, décideurs de demain et, face à ce phénomène qui n'épargne personne et qui appelle une mobilisation de tous, quelles sont vos attentes pour cette rencontre? Pour vous permettre de placer votre mot, de donner votre opinion, une chance vous est offerte à travers notre visioconférence le SAMEDI 29 NOVEMBRE A 18 H GMT. Les débats seront animés par des experts internationaux de la question climatique et vos réflexions serviront à élaborer le document de référence des représentants de Médiaterre Jeune à Poznan. N'hésitez donc plus et rejoignez-nous sur : http://www.mogulus.com/mediaterre le 29 novembre prochain à 18h GMT. Car, l'avenir de la planète dépend de vous !
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Participez à la visioconférence sur les Changements Climatiques le 29/11 à 18H GMT ! - Posted By: Binetou
VISIONCONFERENCE SUR LES CHANGEMENTS CLIMATIQUESLe Samedi 29 Novembre 2008 à 18 H GMT Le portail Médiaterre, crée par l'Unité jeunesse de la Francophonie et l'Institut de l'énergie et de l'environnement de la Francophonie s'est imposé comme le premier réseau d'information francophone sur le développement durable. Aujourd'hui, grâce à ce portail francophone, l'actualité internationale sur le développement durable est disponible et partagé de tous. Les jeunes reporters Médiaterre qui participent à son animation seront représentés du 1er au 12 décembre à la Conférence des Nations Unies sur les Changements Climatiques qui se déroulera à Poznan. Un important rendez-vous pour le processus de négociation qui doit déboucher sur de fermes engagements pour les pays développés après 2012. Alors, en tant que jeune, décideur de demain et, face à ce phénomène qui n'épargne personne et qui appelle une mobilisation de tous, quelles sont tes attentes pour cette rencontre? Pour te permettre de placer ton mot, de donner ton opinion, une chance t'est offerte à travers notre visioconférence le Samedi 29 novembre à 18h GMT. Les débats seront animés par des experts internationaux de la question climatique et vos réflexions serviront à élaborer le document de référence des représentants de Médiaterre Jeune à Poznan. N'hésitez donc plus et rejoignez-nous sur : http://www.mogulus.com/mediaterre. Car, l'avenir de la planète dépend de vous!
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Vote For My Story on the Facebook For Good Contest - Posted By: Adam MacIsaacHelp me support the International Youth Climate Movement with a contest that is happening on Facebook.  The Facebook For Good contest is offering 3,000 euros to the grand prize winner who is using the Facebook platform for the best submitted story for creating good. The title of my story is "Engaging Youth To Take Action To Address Climate Change" and here is the story; I have spent the last year volunteering on an United Nations Development Programme youth climate change project. The job wasn’t easy to create a youth summary of the United Nations Human Development Report 2007/2008 but with the use of social networking which allowed me to contact people from all over the world to share their views on climate change a publication was created. I also have been using Facebook to distribute the publication online in English, French, and Spanish. With my passion for new media I also created 7 videos which have been distributed online through sharing of those who also want to educate their peers. I also had the chance to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia in December of 2007. Through the Facebook platform you can keep in touch with all of the other youth who are working on climate change in their own regions of the world. I will be attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference again this year in Poznan, Poland and have been using the Causes feature to help fundraise to attend since I do not have an income from volunteering on the United Nations Development Programme youth climate change project. I share my interests in a better world with everyone of my contacts hoping that they will pass along the information to others. Facebook has allowed a large network to create the social change I want to see in the world. Take a look at my story and please vote for me. If I was to actually win the Grand Prize I would be donating it back to support other youth delegates to attend future United Nations Climate Change negotiations and to further strengthen the international youth climate movement. The contest ends on December 15, 2008 at 11:59 pm (EST) so please help me support youth in keeping our governments accountable on reducing carbon emissions. Facebook For Good Contest Deatails Grand Prize Each Grand Prize Winner can elect to either: i) accept 1,000 Euros or equivalent in local currency as of date of award, or ii) designate to award 3,000 Euros or equivalent in local currency to one recognized charity or non-profit organization operating in the winner’s country on his / her behalf. 1st Prize Up to five (5) Finalists per country will each receive a Flip Ultra Camcorder from Flip Video, a pocket-sized camcorder with one-touch recording and 2x digital zoom. Prize Eligibility
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United Nations Development Programme Youth Climate Change Video Project - Posted By: Adam MacIsaacThe United Nations Development Program Youth Climate Change Video project was created by youth from all over the world, just like the Two Degrees of Separation Between Hope and Despair publication. These are young people's summaries of the United Nations Human Development Report 2007/2008. Download the youth summary publication in English, French and Spanish by visiting here. UNDP Youth Climate Change Project Key Message One: Climate Change - Its Effect On People from Peace Child on Vimeo. UNDP Youth Climate Change Project Key Message Two: Climate Change - Effects the Poorest the Most from Peace Child on Vimeo. UNDP Youth Climate Change Project Key Message Three: Climate Change - Is an Urgent Issue from Peace Child on Vimeo. UNDP Youth Climate Change Project Key Message Four: Climate Change - Is a threat to meeting the Millennium Development Goals from Peace Child on Vimeo. UNDP Youth Climate Change Project Key Message Five: Climate Change - Is a human rights issue from Peace Child on Vimeo. UNDP Youth Climate Change Project Key Message Six: Climate Change - Both mitigation and adapation are needed. from Peace Child on Vimeo. UNDP Youth Climate Change Project Key Message Seven: Climate Change - The United Nation is well placed to lead on action. from Peace Child on Vimeo.
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Two Degrees of Separation Between Hope and Despair: A Young People's Summary of the United Nations Human Development Report 2007/2008 - Posted By: Adam MacIsaacTwo degrees of separation between hope and despair  A young people's summary of the United Nations Human Development Report 2007/2008 The young people of the world have produced a Youth Booklet that includes drawings, poems and human stories on climate change and development, entirely made by and for young people! The booklet has been developed by Peace Child International jointly with HDRO, and launched on Youth Day 2008. The booklet is available for download and as an online draft version where you can watch the publication come together on Peace Child International's website. Two Degrees of Separation Between Hope and Despair [5,483 KB] Deux degrés de séparation entre espoir et désespoir [6,392 KB] Dos grados separan la esperanza de la desesperación [6,776 KB]
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