Evaluating Copenhagen (7-18 December 2009)

Transcription

1 Evaluating Copenhagen (7-18 December 2009)

2 Summary - The outcomes of COP15 - Looking at some reasons for this outcome - Trade unions at COP15

3 The outcomes of COP15 - What was expected in COP15? New post-2012 framework for emission reductions and adaptation to climate change to give continuity to efforts and commitments of the Kyoto Protocol, concrete pathways for finance and tech transfer and a «vision» for climate change policies in the long term. -What was agreed? To extend the mandate of the AWGs dealing with post-2012 with no deadline for ending their work. The Copenhagen accord is not an official outcome: it is a voluntary agreement by some Parties, with no follow up under the UNFCCC

4 What do these outcomes contain? AWG LCA draft text still contain references to ambitious commitments on emission reduction /adaptation/finance/techtransfer This document also includes two references to Just Transition & Decent Work (agreed by the Parties in Copenhagen) and to workers' training and skills development, but at risk because of the uncertain future of the draft text New chairmanship: Zimbabwe (proxy for China) & US (exceptional) And AWG KP?

5 What do these outcomes contain? Copenhagen Accord - An objective of 2 C as the maximum temperature increase - USD 30 billion for developing countries for the period Call for innovative ways to gather USD 100 billion a year by 2020 (this does not say what will happen if they don t find any). - Create a technology mechanism (outside the UNFCCC?) While not officially agreed, delivering on fast track finance will be key on re-building trust over the year

6 Why did this happen? - Complexity of the UN negotiating process - Consensus difficult to achieve in such a short time frame BUT - Lack of political leadership of some key players: Too low US emission reduction targets with minimalist + conditional pledge for financing adaptation; incapacity of the EU to move to 30% reduction; negative by DC to agree on a second commitment period to the KP => MISTRUST China played a significant role in erasing what remained as ambitious (viz. maximum 1.5 C). Emergence of BASIC ULTIMATELY: REALPOLITIK no real national pressure to be ambitious

7 Trade unions at COP15 Some figures - More than 400 trade unionists - Of those registered for COP15, 73% of the trade union delegates were male and 27% female. - Delegates from Europe were predominant (58%). Increase in North American unions representation (Canada and US accounting for 20%). Higher number of representatives from Africa, Latin America and Asia than on previous occasions. - Special thanks to YS Norway, LO Denmark, Sustainlabour and TUC UK for supporting developing countries trade union participation. - Need to consider measures in order to have a more gender and N/S -balanced delegation

8 Trade unions at COP15 In the negotiations: - An ambitious position - key proposals in the text - Strong supports from many governments, first ever discussion on JT in a MEA; overall some consensus around our demands - Big logistical difficulties (agregar foto statement y colas para entrar)

9 Trade unions at COP15 : WoW Outside: The World of Work (WoW) pavilion featured 28 workshops organised by trade unions from around the globe and from different sectors of work. Organised by ITUC and LO DK; cooperative effort with affiliates and GUFs. More than 1,000 people attended events in the WoW.

10 Trade unions at COP15 : Other activities ITUC has launched a special website on climate change ( which also counts with a private section, where affiliates can follow reports on the negotiations. Official trade union side event in the UNFCCC canceled because of Bella Center chaos Meeting with governments Reception for the trade union delegation hosted by LO-DK and ITUC Trade unions & Climate change a video by Sustainlabour & ITUC. Work with civil society organisations: Climate walk, KlimaForum.

11 Thank You!