[Committee] Fwd: BBC E-mail: At a glance: Bali climate deal

[S.J. Stretton]

** At a glance: Bali climate deal **
What are the key points emerging from the UN climate meeting in Bali?
< http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/sci/tech/7146132.stm >


The UN climate change convention has concluded in the Indonesian island of Bali.

The agreement launches a two-year negotiating process - the "Bali
roadmap" - aiming to secure a binding deal at the 2009 UN summit in
Denmark.

Here are some key elements of the roadmap and other issues agreed in Bali.

CUTTING EMISSIONS

Acknowledges that evidence for the planet warming is "unequivocal",
and that delays in reducing emissions increase the risks of "severe
climate change impacts".

Windmills in Maharashtra
Clean technologies like wind turbines will be spread
Recognises that "deep cuts in global emissions will be required to
achieve the ultimate objective" of the UN climate convention, namely
"avoiding dangerous climate change".

Decides to look at "a long-term global goal for emission reductions".

Developed nations to take on commitments that are "measurable,
reportable and verifiable", and "nationally appropriate". May or may
not include quantified, binding targets for all or some.

For developing nations, "measurable, reportable and verifiable"
actions "in the context of sustainable development, supported by
technology and enabled by financing and capacity-building" - ie only
with Western support.

FORESTS

Pledges to consider "policy approaches and positive incentives" to
reduce deforestation and conserve forest cover.

Funds pledged to World Bank to initiate pilot projects under the
banner of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation in Developing
countries (Redd).

ADAPTATION

Enhanced co-operation to "support urgent implementation" of measures
to protect poorer countries against climate change impacts.

Acknowledges that economic diversification can "build resilience".

Resolves to consider ways of reducing the occurrence or damage from
natural disasters.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

Will consider how to "remove obstacles to, and the provision of
financial and other incentives for, scaling up" the transfer of clean
energy technologies from industrialised nations to the developing
world.

Decides to re-instate an expert group on technology transfer to advise
developing countries.

TIMESCALES

A subsidiary body will begin work on the Bali roadmap as soon as
possible. Views of parties to be sought by late February, and the
first meeting in March or April.

Further review meetings scheduled; process to complete at 2009 UN
summit in Copenhagen.