Because climate change is seriously uncool.

What a good global deal looks like (and other crucial updates!)

Things are getting crazy around here!

The Ministers have arrived and head of states (aka. Prime Ministers and Presidents) are on their way.

As I am writing this, however, the talks have stalled. This is because, in short, everybody thinks that everybody else is not doing enough. Oh the irony.

The different streams of negotiations have been suspended and restarted several times now, but be assured (or unsettled depending on your perspective) that there are ‘informal’ meetings continually running.

In contrast to this, December 12 provided us a ray of hope with action from all around the world. The pressure is mounting from all directions.

Violence?

I am sure you have all seen the media about violence in Copenhagen. It has been a little disheartening for many of us here as the vast majority of action as been peaceful.

In fact, of all the ‘violence’ that was reported on December 12 in Copenhagen charges have been so far only laid on 3 people…. (mind you, to get this number they had to arrest almost 1000 people). So…. Just to put those numbers straight, tens of thousands marched (the police estimated 100 000), and 3 people have been charged.

If only the media was more interested in the substance of this convention.

Australia’s walk against warming!

I would like to personally congratulate all those in Australia who attended the walk against warming. In a positive twist, a few people from delegations from the Global South, asked me about the marches in Australia. They have been encouraged about your calls for justice.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu gave an inspiring speech to a few hundred of us just outside the convention centre.

Watch this video to hear his speech (I can promise that you will not be disappointed!)

What are we asking for?

As we head into, what is beginning to look like a very chaotic final week I thought I would spend some time outlining what we are actually asking from a global deal.

The essentials checklist as outlined by Climate Action Network available online (http://www.climatenetwork.org/) includes:

-A commitment to keep warming below 2 Degrees Celsius
-this requires reducing greenhouse gas concentrations to 350 ppm and ensuring global emissions peak within the 2013-2017 period

-Industrialised countries as a group must reduce emissions by at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2020

-Developing countries must be supported in their efforts to limit growth of their industrial emissions

-Emissions from deforestation and land degradation must be reduced to zero by 2020

-Developed countries need to provide at least US$195 billion in public financing per year by 2020, in addition to aid commitments for developing country adaptation and mitigation

-An adaptation framework that immediately and massively scales up predictable and reliable support for developing countries

-Copenhagen outcomes must be legally binding and enforceable

This is the week we have been waiting for.

Now is this time for strong international climate action.

Many of the powers in this world do not want to see a strong deal out of Copenhagen. We must all take action to tell our leaders what we expect from them, indeed, what we demand.

Here are some things you can do right now:

-send a letter to Penny Wong

-check out the toolbox and ….get tips on how to stay up to date during the talks, talk to the media and much more!

Tracking for you,

Phil

Tags: Australia, COP-15, Copenhagen, UN, UNFCCC, change, climate, global, justice, warming

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Comment by Jessica Xu on December 16, 2009 at 1:26pm: Thank you again for keeping us up to date. It is disappointing to see that the media places emphasis on the violent minority of climate protesters, but it is encouraging to see the protesters on Sydney Opera House received media coverage too (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/12/15/2771893.htm)

I really do hope that our indidvidual efforts will lead to a real deal, safety for our future... Hope to see you Sydneysiders at tomorrow's Emergency Rally 5pm Martin Place!

Comment by Madeleine Holme on December 16, 2009 at 9:27am: Thanks Phil - great to get your insider updates. Slightly depressing when you consider the fairly enroumous gulf between what we need out of Copenhagen and what it appears we're likely to get but when you consider what is at stake, especially for brave small nations like Tuvalu, there is absolutely no excuse for inaction on our behalf. Having said that I better write that letter to Penny Wong right now!

Comment by Jessie Wells on December 15, 2009 at 4:43pm: Thanks Phil, the 'CAN essentials' give a really clear picture of what is needed, and it means a lot to hear that the Walks and vigils in Australia have given encouragement to those seeking a 'real deal' in Copenhagen. These calls for justice are shared by people around the world, and it is essential for our leaders to listen.

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change makes it clear that 1) developed nations must act first, and 2) the actions of each country must reflect their contributions to the causes of climate change, and their current capacities to act.

- Does Louise Hand think that Australia could help break the deadlock of delay and distrust by living up to these principles?

If Australia could place its offers on the table for discussion openly and transparently (especially intl/domestic emissions cuts, LULUCF and finances), wouldn't this help to generate a sense of trust, and also give far more motivation for China, India, and other nations to move forward?

If the wealthiest countries were willing to 'act first' - in offering their commitments first at the negotiations, and in the timing of those committed actions - couldn't this generate a much greater level of co-operation and willing contribution to a project that is ultimately about saving the climate for everyone?

Secondly, how does the Australian government calculate its 'fair share' of global efforts, in emissions cuts and financing?
Transparent explanations seem essential if we are asking anyone else to see them as 'fair'.