December 2011

UN Climate Change Conference in Durban: Negotiations on a future climate change regime continue

Along with over-arching policy issues, the UN Climate Change Conference in Durban will also tackle implementation of the Cancún Agreements, notably as relates to the new instruments such as the Green Climate Fund, the Technology Mechanism and the Cancún Adaptation Framework.

The groundwork was laid earlier this year, primarily with the technology mechanism agreed on in Cancún to provide a new basis for technology development and distribution. While the mechanism is still a long way from implementation, the debate on institutions and steering of the instrument is already under way. The Cancún Adaptation Framework (CAF) and the Green Climate Fund are also starting to take shape. By contrast, talks on the standing committee on the financial mechanism of the UNFCCC, also agreed in Cancún, continue at their slow-moving pace.

Flexible mechanisms’ future still uncertain

Little progress was made in the debate on developing new mechanisms. In line with the decisions made in Cancún, many states submitted their position statements to the Climate Change Secretariat in spring. The development of new mechanisms is, however, just as controversial now as ever.

While the EU still speaks out in favour of sectoral mechanisms, many developing countries fear that sectoral mechanisms will force them onto a slippery slope, ultimately leading to binding emission reduction targets. It is thus expected that in Durban, the Parties will at most adopt a working programme on how to proceed.

CDM development and enhancement

In Durban, the Parties will also focus on the development of a process for appeals against decisions made by the CDM Executive Board. This includes issues such as institutional structure and the question of how detailed the process should be, meaning who is entitled to appeal and what can be appealed against.

Progress has, however, been made regarding the structure of a loan scheme for the development of projects in under-represented countries. A recommendation for an implementing organisation will be presented to the CMP. With regard to substance, opinions still differ greatly concerning the controversial HFC and CCS projects in the CDM.

Other reform proposals on the agenda include a more precise definition of the principle of supplementarity and extending the share of proceeds from the CDM to JI and to international emissions trading. The introduction of discounting factors is now off the table altogether.

BMU Side Event

On 1 December, the German Environment Ministry will host a side event in the EU Pavilion. Among other things, this will showcase projects to support the CDM in Africa along with measures to promote the Programmes of Activities. Further information

Downloads:

JIKO Info 04-2011
Policy Paper Pilot Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions of Developing Countries (NAMAs)

Links:

UNFCCC – Durban Conference
Annual Report des CDM Executive Board