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    Unit 7

    Climate Change Damage in

    International Climate

    Regime

    Objectives

    After completion of this unit, the students will be aware of the

    following topics:

    UN Framework Convention

    Kyoto Protocol

    Adaptation and Funding Activities under FCCC and Kyoto Protocol

    Introduction

    The body of law of nations is constituted of customary

    international law and treaty law Rather independent of

    growths in the customary law on state obligation, practicalproblems of highly hazardous substances and products

    threatening transboundary harm, like threats to the global

    commons by overuse has prompted States to adopt a

    multitude of two sided and multilateral pacts, These deal

    primarily with the prevention of harm but also with the

    problem of post-damage regulation, i.e. restoration,

    compensation etc. though the adoption of the United Nations

    Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992, the issue

    of global climate change has been dealt with through the

    climate regime, i.e. the provisions of the Kyoto Protocol and

    FCCC (KP) of 1997, and the wealth of Party decisions and

    execution actions happening within the framework of those

    agreements.

    This Unit depicts both the Kyoto Protocol and FCCC with a

    special concentration on how these handle the problem of

    climate change harm, that is. both, direct and indirect

    damage prevention (adaptation and mitigation) and the

    problem of reward of any residual harm. To some extent this

    position requires a general analysis of the pacts and their

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    execution process practice, but an attempt is made to take

    the position of those States that are or potentially will be

    injured by the effects of' climate change.

    7.1 UN Framework Convention

    Negotiation History

    The FCCC is 1 of the supposed Rio agreements, highly-

    developed and followed in conjunction with the United

    Nations Conference on Environment and Development

    (UNCED) in 1992. It was followed on ninth May 1992 by the

    Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee (INC), ratified at

    UNCED by 155 States and has since been signed by 189States. The FCCC entered into force after the fiftieth

    ratification on 21 March 1994. The INC was appointed by the

    UN General Assembly (UNGA) in December 1990 executing

    the Assembly's earlier call for preparations of negotiations for

    a framework convention on climate change under the

    auspices of the UN.'

    The landmark Conference on Human Environment in

    Stockholm in 1972 was the 1st international effort to focus on

    the human impact on environment and the requirement toprotect it. But it took 20 yrs for the international community

    to concretize actions in the form of a Convention on Climate

    Change at the United Nations Conference on Environment

    and Development (UNCED) held in June 1992 in Rio de

    Janeiro, popularly termed as the Rio Earth Summit.

    At the Rio Earth Summit, delegates from over 154 nation

    signed a multilateral environmental treaty that provides a

    Framework Convention on Climate Change. The United

    Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

    came into force on March 21, 1994. Supported by the 1st

    Scientific Assessment of the Intergovernmental Panel on

    Climate Change (IPCC 1990), the UNFCCC set the objective of

    the Convention to stabilize GHG concentrations in the

    atmosphere at levels that would prevent dangerous

    anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Such a

    level was to be attained within a time frame sufficient to

    allow the ecosystem to adapt naturally to climate change and

    to foster that food production is not threatened and economic

    growth moves in a sustainable way.

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    Objectives of the UNFCCC

    To achieve stabilization of green house gasesconcentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would

    prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the

    climate system

    Such a level should be attained within a time-frame to:

    foster food production is not threatened, and

    alter economic growth to move in a sustainable way

    Basic Principle Agreed Upon in UNFCCC

    Protecting the climate system

    for the benefit of present and future generations of

    human kind

    on the basis of equity, and

    in accordance with their common but

    differentiated responsibilities and respective

    capabilities.

    Developed nation Parties agreed to take the lead in

    combating climate change and negative impacts thereof

    All Parties (developed and under developed) to the

    Convention also undertook commitments taking into

    account their common but differentiated

    responsibilities and their specific national and

    regional growth objectives and circumstances, to

    periodically update, publish and make available

    national inventories of anthropogenic emissions by

    sources and the removal by sinks of all GHG not

    controlled by the Montreal Protocol, using

    comparable methodologies, etc. The industrialized

    (Annex 1) nation parties, in addition, targeted to

    bring down their GHG emissions to their 1990 levels

    by the yr 2000.

    According to Article 2 FCCC, the "final objective" of the

    Convention and its related legal instruments is

    "to achieve, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the

    Convention, stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in

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    the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous

    anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Such a

    level should be achieved within a timeframe sufficient to

    allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, to

    ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable

    economic growth to move in a sustainable way.

    As per the Convention (Article 7.3), the 1st Conference of

    the Parties (COP1) was convened by the Climate Change

    Secretariat during 28 March7 April 1995 in Berlin. By

    the time the COP1 met, it had become very clear that

    most of the developed nation had not initiated provisions

    to achieve their current target of returning GHGemissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000. In fact, a

    number of highly industrialized nations had increased

    their GHG emissions by 10-15 per cent from 1990 levels.

    The Global NGO Meet in Berlin in March 1995 very

    competently determined that Rio is not enough and

    called for higher commitments by the developed nation.

    The Convention had been silent on provisions and actions

    for stabilization of concentrations of GHG beyond 2000.

    The problem of emission cuts beyond 2000 by thedeveloped nation during the COP1 became the main

    problem. Besides, national communications from the

    Annex I nation, describing their efforts to execute the

    Convention, institutional arrangements and standards of

    procedure, the most important agenda for the COP1 in

    Berlin was the Adequacy of Commitment of the Annex-I

    nation Parties, and their additional commitments. This

    was reflected in the Berlin Mandate.

    An Adhoc Group on the Berlin Mandate (AGBM) was set

    up by COP1 to begin a process to alter it to take

    appropriate action for the period beyond 2000 through

    adoption of a protocol or another legal instrument,

    including strengthening the commitments of Annex I

    Parties in Article 4.2 (a) and (b) and continuing to

    advance the execution of the existing Article 4.1 of the

    Convention. The AGBM met eight times during the course

    of 2 and half yrs. Many problems remained unresolved,

    particularly the problem of strengthening the

    commitments of Annex I nations, and quantified emissionlimitation and diminution objectives (QELROs), for

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    decisions to be taken in the COP3 in Kyoto, Japan, during

    1-10 December 1997. Under-developed nations had no

    commitment under the Berlin Mandate.

    7.2 Kyoto Protocol

    The Kyoto Protocol is an international and legally binding

    agreement to decrease GHG emissions worldwide. It

    came into force on 16th February 2005. The major feature of

    the Kyoto Protocol is that it sets binding targets

    for industrialized nation for reducing GHG (GHG) emissions.

    The green house gases include carbon dioxide, methane,

    nitrous oxide, sulphur hexafluoride, hydrofluorocarbons andperfluorocarbons. As of 2008, 183 parties have ratified

    the protocol, which includes India.

    Recognizing that developed nation are principally responsible

    for the current high levels of green house gases

    emissions in the atmosphere as a result of more than 150

    yrs of industrial activity, the Protocol places a heavier burden

    on developed nations under the principle of common but

    differentiated responsibilities. Under the protocol, the

    developed nations are needed to decrease

    emissions of green house gases by an average of 5.2 per

    cent below 1990 levels by 2012.

    Overview of the Kyoto Protocol

    Under the Kyoto Protocol, industrialized nations agreed to cut

    their GHG emissions to a certain % below 1990 levels. The yr

    1990 was chosen as a baseline because that was the yr when

    the UN 1st launched negotiations on climate change. These

    total cuts in emissions would have to be accomplished by the

    target period of 2008-2012.

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    Source: http://climatechange.sea.ca/kyoto_protocol.html

    The Kyoto Protocol enforces to industrialized nations only.

    Under developed nation, including India and China were not

    needed to commit to diminutions because their per-capita

    GHG emissions are much lower than those of developed

    nations. This decision also took into account the fact that thepoorer economies of the under developed nation would be

    unable to absorb the costs of switching from a fossil fuel

    based system to cleaner fuels. The plan is that poorer nations

    will be brought more actively into future climate change

    agreements as cleaner technologies develop and become

    less expensive.

    Diminution Targets and Ratification Status

    Eighty-four nations, including the U.S, the European Union,

    Japan, Russia, and Canada, signed the Protocol. Thesesignatures indicate a desire to participate in the program and

    work towards the agreed diminutions.

    The European Union agreed to cut its emissions by 8percent

    below 1990 levels, Japan by 7percent, the U.S by 7percent,

    and Canada by 6percent. Russia agreed to stay at 1990

    levels, which still represents an essential diminution. The

    targets differentiate because some nations will find it easier

    to make cuts than others.

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    None of these targets are meaningful until a nation signs the

    Kyoto Protocol and agrees to put the appropriate provisions

    in place to achieve the diminution. In order for the Kyoto

    Protocol itself to come into effect, 55 nations, together

    producing at least 55percent of the world's 1990 carbon

    dioxide emissions, must ratify the Protocol. This is termed as

    the 55/55 target.

    The Kyoto Protocol suffered a major setback in March, 2001,

    when the U.S, which produces 36.1percent of the carbon

    dioxide emissions of the Protocol's Annex I nations, decided

    not to ratify the Protocol. This meant that in order for the

    Protocol to come into effect, it became absolutely significantfor nations like Russia, which produces 17.4percent of

    emissions, to ratify in order for the 55percent target to be

    attained.

    Geopolitics of the Protocol

    The European Union and Japan, which are the 2 large players

    that firmly support the Protocol and have ratified it, have

    been working frantically to keep support for the Kyoto

    Protocol in place. Both are relatively small, densely

    populated, developed nations that do not have access totheir own low-cost sources of fossil fuel or hydro power.

    Setting aside environmental considerations, they see

    economic advantages for themselves if the Protocol were put

    into effect.

    The most reluctant supporters of the treaty are the large,

    sparsely populated, developed nations like the U.S, Australia,

    Russia, and Canada. All of these nations have relatively

    cheap energy supplies and, in the short run, their economies

    and businesses would likely be at a disadvantage if theProtocol were executed without added incentives.

    Points of Controversy

    The Kyoto Protocol was initiated in 1997, but it has still not

    been put into effect since the 55/55 target has not yet been

    attained. There has been a general reluctance to accept the

    agreement since controversy surrounds a number of

    problems. The UNFCCC has held annual conferences to

    discuss and address these problems and the people concerns

    of some nations, but little progress has been done. This has

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    lead some to state that the Kyoto Protocol is fundamentally

    flawed, but before passing this judgement, the points of

    controversy should be examined individually

    Penalties for Non-Compliance / Withdraw

    At present, no penalties exist for a nation that signs the

    Protocol and fails to meet its diminution targets. Possibilities

    under consideration include financial penalties, trade

    sanctions, and emissions penalties under future climate

    change agreements. The details for such penalties have not

    been established and negotiations have been very slow and

    difficult.

    moreover, any nation can withdraw from the treaty after

    signing it by simply giving 1 year's notice. This part of the

    treaty, coupled with the lack of penalties for non-compliance,

    has come under harsh criticism from the scientific

    community: as it stands, the Kyoto Protocol is completely

    unbinding and seems to embody something that does not

    require to be taken seriously since there are no

    consequences for non-compliance.

    What constitutes an "emissionsdiminution?"Thus all nations that ratified the Kyoto Protocol agreed to

    GHG "diminutions," they did not agree on what exactly is to

    be counted as "diminutions."

    Some nations, particularly Canada and Russia with their large

    forests, argued that they should receive credits towards their

    diminution targets for these "carbon sinks" that absorb green

    house gases out of the atmosphere from across the globe.

    Other nations argued that integrating the planting of forests

    as a part of regular industrial projects should count in thesame sort of way.

    Uncertainly, no real method exists for quantifying the actual

    benefits of either proposal, and while some allowances have

    been done, all of the parties involved claim that they have

    not yet been credited enough.

    The Kyoto Mechanisms

    Under the Kyoto Protocol, there are three Mechanisms that

    allow nations and companies to buy, generate, or trade

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    "emissions credits." These credits then count towards the

    nation's diminution target.

    The Mechanisms are termed as International Emissions

    Trading - buying credits from other industrialized nations who

    have exceeded their diminution targets, Joint Execution -

    investing in emissions diminution projects in other

    industrialized nations, and Clean Development - investing in

    clean energy and other emission diminution projects in under

    developed nations. The logic behind all of the Mechanisms is

    that the planet as a whole does not care where the

    diminutions in emissions are attained, simply that they are

    attained somewhere. As such, by investing in adiminutionproject on the other side of the globe, a nation is

    still contributing to its own diminution quota.

    The controversy concerning the Mechanisms surrounds the

    fact that the methods for their actual use have yet to be

    finalized. If executed, a new global market would emerge

    surrounding energy credits, and they would be traded much

    in the same way as other commodities like oil or coffee.

    Prices would fluctuate with supply and demand, and there

    would certainly be ample opportunities for profits and losses.No method acting for influencing this market have been

    finalized, and some debate that it detracts the Kyoto Protocol

    away from its true goal. By creating a global marketplace out

    of emissions trading, the treaty would fundamentally

    transform the act of reducing emissions into a game of

    economics from its true meaning of achieving goals that will

    improve the quality of life on the planet.

    Under the Treaty, nations must meet their targets primarily

    through national provisions. Although,the Kyoto Protocol offers them an additional

    means of meeting their targets by way of three market-based

    mechanisms.They are

    Clean development mechanism (CDM)

    Emissions trading termed as the carbon market"

    Joint execution (JI).

    Emissions trading - Carbon trading

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    Nations with commitments under the Kyoto Protocol have

    accepted targets for limiting or reducing emissions. These

    targets are expressed as levels ofallowed emissions, or

    assigned amounts. The allowed emissions are dividedinto

    assigned amount units (AAUs).

    The Kyoto Protocol allows nations that have emission units to

    spare (emissions permitted to them but not "used") to sell

    this excess capacity to nations that are over their targets.

    Although, a new commodity was initiated in the

    form of emission diminutions or removals. Since carbon

    dioxide is the principal GHG, it was termed carbon trading.

    Carbon is now tracked and traded like any other commodity.

    This is often termed the carbon market.

    Other trading units in the carbon market

    The other units which may be transferred under the scheme,

    each equal to 1 tonne of CO2, may be in the form of:

    A removal unit (RMU) on the basis of land use, land-

    use change and forestry (LULUCF) activities like

    reforestation

    An emission diminution unit (ERU) generated by ajoint implementation project

    A certified emission diminution (CER) generated from

    a clean development mechanism project activity

    Clean Development Mechanism

    The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), defined in Article

    12 ofthe Protocol, allows a nation with an emission-diminution

    or emission-limitation commitment under the Kyoto Protocol to

    execut an emission-diminution project in under developed

    nations. Such projects can earn saleable certified emission

    diminution (CER) credits, each equivalent to 1 tonne ofCO2,

    which can be counted towards meeting Kyoto targets.

    A clean development mechanism project activity

    might involve, for instance, a rural electrification project using

    solar panels or the installation ofmore energy-efficient

    boilers. The mechanism stimulates sustainable growth and

    emission diminutions, while giving industrialized nations

    some flexibility in how they meet their emission diminution or

    limitation targets.

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    A clean development mechanism project must provide

    emission diminutions that are additional to what would

    otherwise have happened. The projects must qualify through

    a rigorous and public registration and issuance process.

    Approval is given by the Designated National Authorities.

    Public funding for clean development mechanism project

    activities must not result in the diversion of official growth

    assistance.

    Joint implementation

    The mechanism termed as joint implementation,

    defined in Article 6 of theKyoto Protocol, allows a nation with

    an emission diminution or limitation commitment under

    the Kyoto Protocol to earn emission diminution units (ERUs)

    from an emission-diminution or emission removal

    project in another nation, each equivalent to 1 tonne of CO2,

    which can be counted towards meeting its Kyoto target

    Shortcomings of the Protocol

    In addition to having controversial flaws that impede the

    implementation of the Protocol, there are a number of

    fundamental shortcomings with the ideas behind the treaty

    that question its benefit as a whole.

    Exclusion of Under developed Nations

    While many argue that it would not be viable to require under

    developed nations to meet diminution targets under the

    Kyoto Protocol, their exclusion raises serious questions about

    the overall effectiveness of the agreement.

    Many under developed nations make use of older, dirtier

    technologies or simply lack the infrastructure and policies to

    develop environmentally-friendly alternatives. As such, bynot including such nations, they will continue to rely on these

    older technologies as their economies and populations grow.

    Their emissions will continue to grow without being limited by

    the Kyoto Protocol, so any gains done by the nations under

    the Protocol could be easily offset by the growth of emissions

    in the under developed world.

    This shortcoming is best shown by the fact that China and

    India, which together represent 1 3rd of the world's

    population and are growing rapidly in terms of industrial

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    capacity, are left completely unchecked in terms of GHG

    emissions.

    If the Kyoto Protocol is to achieve its goal of reducing global

    emissions, it will have to be changed to include all nations of

    the world, each contributing accordingly.

    Costs and Economic Implications

    A global diminution in GHG emissions provided by the Kyoto

    Protocol might be good in the future, but a comparison of its

    straightaway benefits to its costs is hardly favourable.

    The costs of executing the treaty, when looked at in terms of

    direct costs, loss of jobs, and long-term economic

    implications, are of such a magnitude that many experts

    think there are far more important straightaway global

    priorities to be considered. While no bounded estimate of

    how much the Kyoto Protocol would cost has been prepared,

    projects like providing clean water to the world's population,

    which would save millions of lives yearly, could be realized

    for a fraction of the cost and have far more immediate

    benefits.

    Result: Too Little, Too Late.

    The ultimate, and perhaps most significant, criticism of the

    Kyoto Protocol is that it simply represents too little, too late.

    When it initially presented its findings to the United Nations

    in 1990, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

    (IPCC) charged that a drastic diminution of GHG emissions in

    the range of 60 to 80 percent was necessary just to slow the

    process of climate change to an acceptable rate that would

    allow ecosystems to adapt. Although it were executed at

    100percent effectiveness, the Kyoto Protocol barelyrepresents any progress at all, both because its diminution

    targets are low and emissions in under developed nations will

    continue to grow unchecked. The following charts represent

    forecasts made comparing various levels of emission

    diminutions for the next century:

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    Source: http://climatechange.sea.ca/kyoto_protocol.html

    The Negotiating Debate

    The central theme of the COP3 negotiations was the

    quantified emission limitation and diminution objectives

    (QELROs), a clear binding and verifiable commitment by the

    industrialized nations to decrease their emission below 1990

    levels by early next century. In total, 70 proposals from over

    30 developed and under developed nation parties were

    received subsequent to COP2 in Geneva in 1996 by the FCCC

    Secretariat. The Adhoc Group on the Berlin Mandate (AGBM)

    prepared a negotiating text for a protocol or another legal

    instrument, and also a chairmans text which was the focus

    of discussion at the eighth and ultimate session of the AGBM

    in Bonn in October 1997.

    The Kyoto Conference had a wide range of proposals on

    targets and timetables for legally binding diminution for the

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    developed nations over the next 2 or three decades. The

    main proposals negotiated are given in the Table-7.1 below.

    The underlying essence of the entire negotiation in Kyoto was

    the required for a political will to reach an understanding and

    agreement on commitments that will lead the process

    towards achieving the objective of the Convention:

    stabilization of GHG concentrations in the atmosphere at a

    level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic

    interference with the climate system.

    The G-77 and China, at every opportunity of the 10-day

    debate, totally rejected the idea of under developed nations

    accepting any form of GHG diminution targets until and

    unless these nations main agenda, poverty eradication, was

    fully addressed and met. In support of the under developed

    nations stand, Chairman Raul Estrada (AGBM and Committee

    of the Whole of COP3) made a powerful plea on various

    occasions that between 1987 and 1993, non-Annex 1 parties

    as a group recorded a greater average diminution in energy

    intensity per unit gross domestic product than did Annex 1

    parties. At the same time, the biggest economy in the world

    had a growth in emission equal to their growth in grossdomestic product during 1996.

    Table 7.1

    (i) Inclusion of CO2, CH4, N2O in 1 basket and treating

    the other three Fluoride gases, viz., HFCs, PFCs, and SF6 in a

    separate basket or all the six gases to be included in 1

    basket and in the COP3 itself

    (ii) Methodologies to be used to estimate emissions by

    sources and removals by sinks in the new instrument

    (iii) Treatment of sinks in the new instrument

    (iv) Emission trading

    (v) Joint implementation

    (vi) Clean development fund

    (vii) Evolution issues

    (viii) Policies and measures

    (ix) Continuing to advance the implementation of Article

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    4.1 of the Convention

    (x) A strong compliance mechanism and closing of allloopholes

    Main Features of the Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC

    The ultimate Kyoto Protocol is the outcome of eight AGBM

    meetings during the 2 and half yr period and the 10 days (1-

    10 December 1997) of day and night negotiations in the

    COP3 at Kyoto, Japan, among the signatory nations to the

    UNFCCC followed in 1992. The protocol adds a new legal

    responsibility to meet targets and deadlines for thediminution of GHG emissions by the industrialized nations.

    The main features of the protocol signed at Kyoto on 10

    December 1997 are:

    Complete absence of any compliance mechanism

    Average global emission cuts by 38 developed nation

    parties and nations in transition by at least 5 per cent

    below 1990 levels, particularly

    8 per cent by EU,

    7 per cent by USA, and

    6 per cent by Japan,

    Over their 1990 GHG emissions:

    Cuts to apply to all the six gases viz., CO2, CH4, N2O,

    HFCs, PFCs, and SF6.

    Inclusion among the cuts of net changes in GHG

    emissions from sources and removals by sinks resulting

    from direct human induced land use change and forestry

    activities, limited to afforestation, reforestation, and

    deforestation since 1990, measured as verifiable changes

    in stocks.

    The commitment period will be 2008 to 2012.

    Each party included in Annex I shall by 2005 have done

    demonstrable progress in achieving its commitments

    done in the protocol.

    Acceptance of emission trading, joint execution, and theClean Development Mechanism (CMD).

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    Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)

    The Kyoto Protocol set up a Clean DevelopmentMechanism to assist under developed nation parties

    in achieving sustainable growth and in contributing

    to the ultimate objective of the Convention and to assist

    Annex I parties in achieving compliance with their

    quantified emission limitation and diminution

    commitments under Article 3 of the protocol.

    Complete Absence of a Strong Compliance

    Mechanism in the Protocol

    The total non-compliance by industrialized nations to thetargets of the Convention to decrease GHG emissions to

    1990 levels by 2000 leaves a question mark on their

    compliance of the provisions of the Kyoto Protocol.

    Moreover, there is complete absence of a strong

    compliance mechanism in the protocol.

    Some aspects of the Kyoto Protocol which are of special

    interest to under developed nations like India are:

    1. Article 2.3 states that the parties included in Annex I shall

    strive to execute policies and provisions under Article 2 in

    such a way as to reduce negative impacts, including the

    negative impacts of climate change, effects on

    international trade, and social and environmental and

    economic effects on the parties, particularly under

    developed nation parties. Similarly, Article 3.14 states

    that each party included in Annex I shall strive to achieve

    the commitments in such a way as to reduce adverse

    social, environmental, and economic effects on under

    developed nation parties.These aspects need careful monitoring and study by India

    and other under developed nations. In case any adverse

    effects are anticipated, corrective actions through the

    future meetings of the parties should be initiated without

    loss of time.

    2. Article 3.3 on sinks states that net changes in GHG

    emissions from sources and removals by sinks resulting

    from direct human-induced land use change and forestry

    activities, is limited to afforestation, reforestation, anddeforestation since 1990. The article is silent on the

    16

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    question of natural regeneration through better

    management in the forestry sector. This requires

    clarification.

    3. Article 5.2 states that the methodologies for estimating

    anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by

    sinks of all GHG not controlled by the Montreal Protocol

    shall be those accepted by the IPCC and agreed upon by

    the COP3. Such methodologies require to be circulated by

    the FCCC to all the Parties and other observers including

    NGOs for their scrutiny and comments before ultimately

    adopting for compliance.

    4. Article 6.1(d) states that the acquisition of emission

    diminution units shall be supplemental to domestic

    actions for the purpose of commitments under Article 3.

    The protocol is silent on what %s of the total

    commitments will be through domestic actions and

    through actions which are supplemental.

    5. Article 10 of the Kyoto Protocol states that all parties,

    taking into account their common but differentiated

    responsibilities and their specific national and regional

    developmental priorities, objectives, and circumstances,

    without introducing any new commitments for parties not

    included in Annex 1, but reaffirming existing

    commitments in Article 4.1 of the FCCC ....

    shall formulate where relevant and, to the extent

    possible, cost-effective national and (where appropriate)

    regional programme to improve the quality of local

    emission factors, activity data and/or models which

    reflect the socio-economic conditions of such a party for

    the preparation and periodic updating of nationalinventories of anthropogenic emissions by sources and

    removals by sinks of all GHG not controlled by the

    Montreal Protocol using comparable methodologies.

    Further Article 10(b) (i and ii) states that all parties shall

    formulate, execute, publish, and regularly update

    national and (where appropriate) regional programme

    containing provisions to mitigate climate change and

    provisions to facilitate adequate adaptation to climate

    change; such programme would inter alia concern the

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    energy, transport, and industry sectors and agriculture,

    forestry, and waste management.

    Problems Confronting Under developed

    Nations and the Eighth Conference of the

    Parties (COP8) to the UNFCCC

    Most of the under developed counties in the post-

    independent era concentrated their efforts on economic

    growth to address poverty eradication and provide a

    better quality of life, education, and basic health

    facilities to citizens. The under developed nations are

    already under pressure from forces like populationgrowth, large population (like Indias), resource

    depletion, and poverty. These nations require massive

    financial aid, technological support, and capacity

    building to address to their social growth, economic

    growth, environmental protection, and technological

    growth to address their main agenda of growth, i.e.

    poverty eradication.

    Many in these under developed nations live not onlywithout safe drinking water, sanitation, and medical

    care, but also without homes. Sustainable livelihoods

    require to be initiated in millions. Added to this,

    education facilities require to be provided to all children.

    Lack of education of such a large % of the population

    makes the situation still worse.

    Climate Change Funds

    During COP7 at Marrakesh there was an effort for the

    creation of different funds to help under developed

    nations in addressing climate change. A collective

    contribution of some of the industrialized nations to the

    tune of US $ 401 million annually by 2005 was promised.

    This fund as a token of good gesture from some of the

    affluent nations was although a drop in the ocean. Under

    developed nations have waited patiently for too long. At

    least few trillion-dollar fund may be able to raise the

    under developed nations from the present miserable

    state of affairs to survival level and provide a future forthem for a better quality of life. Poverty and equity in fact

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    received only marginal attention so far. COP8 presented

    an unique opportunity to integrate such policies in the

    Convention.

    Policies that lessen pressure on resources, improve

    management of environmental risk, and increase the

    welfare of the poorest and downtrodden members of the

    society can simultaneously advance sustainable growth

    and equity, and enhance adaptation. In fact, the

    adaptation process complements the process of

    mitigation of climate change.

    G-77 requirements, in consultation with other

    stakeholders in a participatory process, to formulate a

    strategy for demanding massive economic aid like the

    Marshall Plan for Europe. Combating poverty on a priority

    basis is the surest way of addressing the global climate

    change, sustainable growth, and equity. This may be the

    surest way of achieving the millennium growth goals as

    well.

    Developing Nations and UNFCCC Provisions

    The Parties (nations) to the Convention should protect

    the climate system for the benefits of present and future

    generations of mankind on the basis of equity and in

    accordance with their common but differentiated

    responsibilities and respective capabilities and as such,

    the developed nations should take the lead in combating

    climate change and negative impacts thereof.

    The Convention affirmed that reactions to climate change

    should be coordinated with social and economic growth in

    an integrated way with a view to avoiding adverse impact

    on economic growth, taking into full account the

    legitimate priority requirements of under developed

    nations for the achievement of sustained economic

    growth and the eradication of poverty

    The Convention recognized that under developed nations

    requirement access to resources needed to achieve

    sustainable social and economic growth. In order to

    progress towards that goal, energy consumption will

    required to grow taking into account the possibilities for

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    achieving greater efficiency through application of new

    technologies for the economic and social benefit.

    The developed counties further committed in the

    Convention to provide new and additional financial

    resources including for the transfer of technology to the

    under developed nations for executing different provisions

    as needed to promote, facilitate, and finance as

    appropriate, the transfer of or access to environmentally

    sound technologies and know-how to under developed

    nations to alter them to execute the Convention provision.

    The developed nations should also support the growth

    and enhancement of endogenous capacities.

    The highly industrialized nations (Annex II of the

    Convention) should also assist under developed nations

    vulnerable to climate change in meeting the costs of

    adaptation to those negative impacts.

    COP8 provided the best opportunity to mobilize these

    provisions in the Convention to the fullest advantage for

    social, economic, and technological growth and

    protection to the environment of the under developed

    nations.

    Status of Implementation of these Provisions

    The Convention provisions of transfer of financial and

    technological resources to the under developed nations

    have received only marginal response from the

    industrialized nations so far. Future COPs must go for a

    major debate, deliberation, and decision on the

    fulfillment of commitments and total compliance by the

    industrialized nations in Rio.

    India signed the UNFCCC on 10 June 1992 and ratified it

    on 1 November 1993. Under the UNFCCC, under

    developed nations like India do not have binding GREEN

    HOUSE GASES mitigation commitments in recognition of

    their small contribution to the greenhouse issue and low

    financial and technical capacities. The Ministry of

    Environment and Forests is the nodal agency for climate

    change problems in India. It has constituted Working

    Groups on the Kyoto Protocol and UNFCCC. Work is

    20

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    presently in progress on India's initial National

    Communication (NATCOM) to the UNFCCC.

    The Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC was followed in 1997

    and needs developed nations and economies in transition

    listed in Annex B of the Protocol, to decrease their GREEN

    HOUSE GASES emissions by an average of 5.2percent

    below 1990 levels. Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol

    provides for the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

    India acceded to the Kyoto Protocol on 26 August 2002.

    Current initiatives in India to improve understanding of

    climate change, and comply with the requirements of theUNFCCC include:

    Preparation of the nation's initial National Communication

    to the UNFCCC by the Government of India. All Parties are

    needed to communicate a national inventory of green

    house gases, and a general description of steps taken for

    the execution of the Convention. The green house gases

    inventory for the nation is being prepared for the base yr

    1994, and will cover 5 sectors: energy, industrial

    processes, agriculture, forestry, and waste. This exercise

    involved detailed work on estimation of sectoral green

    house gases emissions and identification of nation-

    specific emission factors. Vulnerability and adaptation

    assessment is also part of the National Communication

    project.

    Support of the Asian Least-cost Greenhouse Gas

    Abatement Strategy (ALGAS) study, by the Government

    of India. The study developed a national inventory of

    green house gases sources and sinks, and distinguished

    potential mitigation options. Nation-specific emissionfactors have been developed for methane emissions from

    paddy cultivation, carbon dioxide emissions from Indian

    coal, etc.

    An extensive methane measurement campaign

    coordinated by the National Physical Laboratory in 1991.

    Measurements were undertaken in major paddy growing

    regions of the nation under different rice environs for the

    whole cropping period. Emissions from paddy cultivation

    in India were estimated to be about 4 Tg/yr (a tenth of

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    U.S Environmental Protection Agency estimates obtained

    by extrapolating European and American data to India).

    Several provisions being undertaken in the nation, which

    contribute togreen house gases mitigation.

    Establishment of theTechnology Information, Forecasting

    and Assessment Council under the Department of

    Science and Technology, which facilitates the transfer of

    environmentally sound technology.

    Extensive efforts in conservation of forests and

    biodiversity. The Participatory Forest Management

    Strategy of the Government of India securesrehabilitation of degraded areas, conservation of

    biodiversity, along with sharing of benefits with local

    citizens. In situ conservation is undertaken through a

    system of protected areas, including 75 national parks

    and 421 wildlife sanctuaries, covering 146,000 square

    km.

    Coastal zone management plans by all coastal states

    and Union Territories as per the Coastal Zone Regulation

    Notification of 1991by all coastal states and Union

    Territories. The Government of India has set up Standing

    Committees for monitoring growth in such fragile

    ecosystems as islands.

    Generation of much-required information about the

    vulnerability to climate change under the ongoing Indo-

    UK Climate Change Impacts Programme supported by the

    Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of

    India. Several research organizations and academic

    institutions in the nation are also engaged in research on

    climate change effects. The Indian Institute of TropicalMeteorology, Pune, and the Indian Institute of

    Technology, Delhi are engaged in under developed

    climate change scenarios for India.

    Involvement of a number of governmental and

    independent agencies in climate change research in

    India. The India Meteorological Department

    (IMD) observes climatic parameters at surface and upper

    air observatories throughout the nation. IMD's network

    includes 559 surface observatories, more than 8000rainfall monitoring stations, 100 satellite-based data

    22

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    collection platforms in remote areas, 203 voluntary

    observing ships, 10 cyclone detection radars, and 17

    storm detection radars. Since 1983, IMD has maintained

    a meteorological observatory at the Indian Antarctic

    station. This data is scrutinized and archived at the

    National Data Centre, Pune, and used to study, predict,

    and determine the effects of climate change.

    Replacement of the existing cyclone detection

    radars with state-of-art Doppler Weather Radars in a

    phased way. The cities of Calcutta and Chennai have

    been the 1st ones to witness their use. An indigenous

    Doppler weather radar is being developed under acollaborative programme of the IMD with the Indian

    Space Research Organisation (IMD, 2001).

    Using satellite data received from INSAT to provide cloud

    imageries in the visible and infrared channels, which in

    turn, are used to derive cloud motion vectors, sea surface

    temperatures, and outgoing long wave radiation.

    Key role played by Indian scientists in national and

    international climate research efforts like the IIOE

    (International Indian Ocean Expedition), MONEX(Monsoon Experiment), INDOEX (Indian Ocean

    Experiment), World Climate Research Programme, Global

    Observing System, and International Geosphere-

    Biosphere Programme.

    7.3 Adaptation and Funding Activities under

    FCCC and Kyoto Protocol

    The worlds climate is changing and will continue to change

    at rates unprecedented in recent human history. The effectsand risks associated with these changes are real and are

    already happening in many systems and sectors essential for

    human livelihood, including water resources, food security,

    coastal zones and health.

    Under developed nations, particularly those that are least

    developed, and the poorest communities, are the most

    vulnerable. In these vulnerable nations and communities, the

    effects of climate change pose a direct threat to citizens

    very survival. Although, the devastating effects of extreme

    events, temperature increases and sea level rise have

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    consequences for all of us, particularly the poor, and will only

    worsen in the future.

    Effects underlined by the Fourth Assessment Report of the

    Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC 2007)

    include:

    In 2008 alone, more than 20 million citizens were

    displaced by sudden climate-related disasters. An

    estimated 200 million citizens could be displaced as a

    result of climate effects by 2050;

    Widespread melting of glaciers and snow cover will

    decrease melt water from major mountain ranges (e.g.Hindu Kush, Himalaya, Andes), where more than 1 billion

    citizens presently live;

    Worldwide, approximately 20-30percent of plant and

    animal species are likely to be at increased risk of

    extinction if increases in global average temperature

    exceed 1.5-2.5C;

    Climate change presently contributes to the global burden

    of disease and premature deaths. Adverse health effects

    will be greatest in low-income nations, including from heatstroke, malaria, dengue and diarrhoea.

    Adequate attention must be given to respond to the effects

    of climate change that are already happening, while at the

    same time preparing for future effects. In this connection, it

    is most urgent to foster adequate and rapid support to the

    most vulnerable nations and communities. Increased

    investment in adaptive capacity, like strengthening the

    ability of nations to decrease disaster risk, will safeguard

    economic progress already done and increase the climate

    resilience of economies on the way to achieving overall

    growth goals.

    In this context, there is an urgent requirement for an

    integrated policy response to the climate change and growth

    challenge.

    Adaptation and sustainable development

    Climate change has the potential to push under developed

    nations back into the poverty trap and to undo many

    24

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    achievements that have been done to date with regard to the

    Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

    Climate change effects on all aspects of sustainable growth.

    Future vulnerability depends not only on climate change, but

    also on growth pathways. Sustainable growth can decrease

    vulnerability.

    The execution of adaptation requirements to be integrated

    into national and international sustainable growth priorities,

    and into national and sectoral growth plans.

    Steps for effective execution strategies at the national level

    include:1. Enhancement of the scientific basis for decision-making

    2. Strengthening methods and tools for the assessment of

    adaptation

    3. Education, training and public awareness on adaptation,

    including for young citizens

    4. People and institutional capacity-building

    5. Technology growth and transfer; and promotion of local

    coping strategies

    6. Appropriate legislation and regulatory frameworks, which

    promote adaptive-friendly action

    7. An adaptive planning process that covers different time-

    scales and levels (e.g. national, regional) and sectors

    Using climate change, including adaptation, as a driver to

    undertake activities with multiple benefits can catalyze

    progress in achieving a nations sustainable growth goals.

    Many nations are starting to take concrete action towards

    adaptation to climate change. Such action requires to be

    expanding and integrating into national and sectoral planning

    to foster that sustainable growth and adaptation are mutually

    enhanced.

    Options for responding to adaptation requires to date

    Adaptation options are many, including:

    Behavioural change at the people level, like the

    sparing use of water in times of drought

    Promotion of adaptive management strategies

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    Technological and engineering options like increased

    sea defences or flood- proof houses

    Risk management and diminution strategies like early

    warning systems for extreme events

    Growth of financial instruments like insurance schemes

    Promotion of ecosystem management principles, like

    biodiversity conservation to decrease the effects of

    climate change on citizens, e.g. by conserving and

    restoring mangroves to protect citizens from storms

    Funding for adaptation

    Adaptation requirements sufficient and sustained funding so

    that nations can plan for and execute adaptation plans and

    projects. Funding is needed for all under developed nations

    to maintain national adaptation plans and for these to exist

    at all levels: local, sub-national and national.

    Many estimates for financing adaptation actions have been

    produced in recent months. While it is difficult to ascertain

    their accuracy given that they involve future costs, it is safe

    to say that funding requirements for adaptation are likely to

    run to several 10s of billions of dollars annually.

    Without sustained funding, adaptation reactions are likely to

    be limited to reactive action, like short-term emergency

    relief or humanitarian aid. Furthermore, humanity will face

    increased costs and greater risks in the future, including:

    Conflict because of competition over scarcer resources

    like water, food and energy

    Large-scale population movements, with the number of

    environmentally displaced persons outgrowing thenumber of traditional refugees

    Current Official Development Assistance (ODA) is insufficient

    to cover the adaptation requirements. This funding gap

    becomes clear when looking at current available funding for

    adaptation. Calculations indicate that available per capita

    money for adaptation in under developed nations ranges

    from between 3 cents per annum to USD 3.82 per annum. It

    is critical that start-up funding for adaptation actions in under

    developed nations, as laid out in the Copenhagen Accord, be

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    done available to address the most urgent adaptation

    requirements.

    Current efforts under the UNFCCC

    It is critical that the execution of adaptation be brought

    forward on policy agendas.

    Under developed nations require to receive increased and

    sustained assistance to adapt to the effects of climate

    change.

    Foster appropriate enabling environments to foster

    effective and efficient provision of capacity-building,

    technology and funding.

    The climate change regime has to deliver sustained and

    sufficient funding for the execution of large-scale

    adaptation initiatives to prevent funding being largely

    limited to reactive funding, e.g. short-term emergency

    relief. Reactive funding would be unsupportive of

    sustainable growth strategies and be very costly. (It is

    estimated that 1 US dollar invested in anticipatory

    provisions can save up to 7 US dollars in future relief

    costs.)

    The UNFCCC commits all Parties to formulate, execute,

    publish and update adaptation provisions, and to cooperate

    on adaptation. It provides for a variety of support

    mechanisms for adaptation execution in under developed

    nations, including provisions on:

    The provision of funding

    Scientific and technical assistance for all Parties to

    enhance their knowledge base

    Insurance and technology transfer

    National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs) are

    presently an option for Least Developed Nations and provide

    a rigorous assessment of urgent adaptation requirements in

    LDCs. As of October 2010, 44 out of 49 NAPAs had been

    submitted. In total, 467 projects have been distinguished,

    and their total aggregate cost is USD 1.7 billion.

    Essential support from the international community is

    required to execute the projects distinguished in the NAPAs,like early-warning systems, disaster risk diminution,

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    improving food security and water resource management. As

    at October 2010, donor nations have made contributions and

    pledges to the LDC Fund of around USD 292 million. More

    information on nations, projects, donors and a Q & A on

    LDCs can be found here (unfccc.int/4751)

    The 5-yr Nairobi work programme (2005-2010) on effects,

    vulnerability and adaptation to climate change (NWP) has the

    objective of assisting all nations in understanding and

    assessing effects, vulnerability and adaptation and making

    informed decisions on practical adaptation actions and

    provisions to respond to climate change on a sound scientific,

    technical and socio-economic basis, taking into accountcurrent and future climate change and variability. It provides

    a structured framework for knowledge sharing and

    collaboration among Parties and organizations.

    During the last 5 yrs, the Nairobi work programme has been

    successful in fulfilling its objective and accomplishing its

    expected outcomes. In particular, the programme has proved

    to be an important know-how-sharing and discovering

    platform on adaptation and an effective mechanism for

    enhancing cooperation among a wide range of adaptationstakeholders and for catalyzing adaptation actions in all

    areas and sectors. As of Oct 2010:

    195 organizations are partners to the Nairobi work

    programme, of which thirty-two are from the private

    sector

    9 calls for action highlighting priority actions to help

    adaptation, that respond to gaps and requirements

    distinguished under the NWP, have been produced under

    the guidance of the Chair of the SBSTA. The calls foraction are based on discussions during workshops and

    expert meetings.

    Online compendia and databases have been

    initiated, including the Adaptation Principles interface - a

    gateway to information on adaptation principles

    worldwide and the Compendium on methods and tools to

    evaluate effects of, and vulnerability and adaptation to,

    climate change.

    28

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    133 action pledges have been received from 51

    organizations

    The Adaptation Fund

    The Adaptation Fund was set up to finance concrete

    adaptation projects and programmes in under developed

    nations that are Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. The Adaptation

    Fund is to be financed with a contribution of moves from

    clean growth mechanism (CDM) project activities and funds

    from other sources. The contribution of moves amounts to

    2percent of certified emission diminutions (CER) problem for

    a Clean Development Mechanism project activity. At the end

    of July 2010, the AFB had around USD 160 million available to

    help adaptation. By the end of 2012 total potential resources

    from CER monetization is expected to be around USD 350

    million.

    The Adaptation Fund is managed by the Adaptation Fund

    Board (AFB) with the Global Environment Facility (GEF)

    providing secretariat services to the Board, and the World

    Bank serving as the trustee of the Adaptation Fund. The AFB

    is composed of 16 members and 16 alternates and it meets

    at least twice a yr.

    The 1st 2 adaptation projects over USD fourteen million were

    approved by the Board in September. While the project from

    Honduras employs a set up practice of using a Multilateral

    Implementing Entity (UNDP) to improve water management

    and decrease vulnerability; the project from Senegal makes

    use of the ground-breaking direct access modality, i.e. it uses

    a National Implementing Entity (Centre de Suivi Ecologique)

    to combat coastal erosion exacerbated by climate change

    and rising sea levels.Round-Table Discussions among Ministers and the Heads of

    Delegations during the 9th Group discussion of the Parties to

    the UNFCCC (COP9) at Milan, Italy, at its eighteenth Session,

    recommended organizing round-table discussions to function

    as a fomite for the Ministers and Heads of Delegations to

    exchange views in COP9.

    COP9 decided to have 3 round-table discussions on the

    following themes:

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    Climate Change mitigation, adaptation, and

    sustainable growth, on 10 December 2003,

    Assessment of progress at the national, regional, and

    international levels to fulfil the promise and objectives

    enshrined in the Climate Change agreements, including

    scientific policy and financial aspects, on 11 December

    2003.

    Technology, including technology use and growth and

    transfer of technologies, on 11 December 2003, and

    Some Interesting Conclusions in the Round Table

    Round Table I: Adaptation, Mitigation and Sustainable

    Development

    Climate Change remains the most significant global

    challenge for humanity.

    Negative impacts of climate change are a reality in all

    parts of the world.

    The importance of the clean development mechanism as

    an instrument for capacity building was clearly brought

    out.

    Urgent and coordinated action is required by all nations

    taking into account their special circumstances and

    common but differentiated responsibilities.

    The execution of mitigation and adaptation provisions in

    the context of national policies for sustainable growth

    involves the realization of synergy and complementarity

    between economic growth, poverty alleviation, and

    environmental protection.

    A coherent mitigation strategy over time would require

    provisions to improve energy efficiency, application of

    renewable energy technologies, and growth of new

    technologies for the next decade.

    Importance of capacity of local communities to cope with

    negative impacts of climate change.

    Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) must be operational

    at the earliest with priority for Adaptation.

    30

    Notes

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    Scarcity of resources in under developed nations is

    placing severe restrictions/ limitations on the execution

    of mitigation and adaptation provisions.

    Under developed nations require more funding from

    developed nations to develop capacity and incentives to

    successfully execute the Convention and its Protocol.

    Round Table II: Technology, Technology Development,

    and Technology Transfer

    The Round Table underlined the requirement for

    sustainable economic growth to alleviate poverty and

    promote social growth.

    Developed nations were asked to provide precise

    information on the technologies being transferred to

    under developed nations to build an inventory of

    technologies and the requirement for focus on areas like

    agriculture, water, coastal zones, and public health.

    Expert Group on TT (EGTT) requirements to be actively

    involved in analysis, success and failures in TT in order to

    replicate success stories.

    Technology transfer, growth and cooperation cannot

    be left only to the dynamics of the private sector.

    Round Table III: Fulfilling the Promise and Objectives

    Enshrined in the Climate Change Agreements

    Much more requirements to be done in order to

    stabilize atmospheric concentrations of green house

    gases at a level that would prevent dangerous

    anthropogenic interference with the climate system.

    We (all nations) require maintaining a road map to

    achieve this.

    There is still a huge gap between what is required and

    what is available, particularly in the areas of adaptation.

    Policies and provisions to decouple economic growth

    and growth in emissions in addition to achieving social

    and environmental benefits.

    31UNIT 1Introduction to Port and Shipping

    Notes

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    More financial assistance is needed by under

    developed nations to help their efforts to address climate

    change.

    Recent Developments and Indias position in

    Global Negotiation on Climate Change

    India is one of the major under developed nations which has

    taken very pro-active stands in the process of international

    dialogue on climate change. India has also signed the Kyoto

    Protocol and intends to take part in the market mechanism

    as though Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). The various

    stakeholders, like the project developers, the financialorganization, and the ministries (MoEF, MNES, etc.) are

    already putting the organisation in place for effective

    participation.

    The issues that could potentially prevent a much deeper and

    wider involvement by India in future negotiations will be:

    A Lack of inspirational leadership both from within the

    European Union and other Annex 1 nations on the

    problem of deeper commitments in the second

    commitment period.

    Unclear signals for the continuity and deepening of the

    carbon markets and also newer avenues for engagement

    for under developed nations beyond the 1st commitment

    period.

    Recognition of the urgent requirement for an

    assessment of the funds needed for Adaptation

    requirements of the poorer and under developed states

    and a positive approach towards exploring options for

    meeting these costs.

    Attaining this will need a clear and meaningful engagement

    from the Annex 1 nations on several fronts, namely,

    technology transfer, Foreign Direct Investment inflows, two

    sided agreements, easier availability of best available

    technology, and help in R&D projects. Further, capacity

    building is critical in varying degrees within the South Asian

    nations to be able to absorb flows of this nature and to be

    able to undertake activities related to both the mitigation and

    adaptation fronts.

    32

    Notes

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    Negotiations on the future post-2012

    Parties to the UNFCCC have already underlined the mostimportant elements that might be part of an enhanced

    multilateral response to climate change up to and beyond

    2012. Adaptation was distinguished to be 1 of the 5 key

    building blocks (shared vision, mitigation, adaptation, finance

    and technology) of a future climate change deal.

    The significance of adaptation was repeated in the

    Copenhagen Accord, which emphasizes that raised action

    and international pattern on adaptation is urgently needed to

    foster the execution of the Convention by enabling and

    helping the execution of adaptation actions targeted at

    reducing vulnerability and building resilience in under

    developed nations, particularly in those that are particularly

    vulnerable, particularly least developed nations, small island

    under developed States and Africa.

    Under the negotiating process toward Cancun, nations made

    progress in defining a comprehensive adaptation framework,

    which will alter all nations to contribution knowledge and

    lessons learned from adaptation and under developed

    nations to maintain and execute adaptation provisionshelped through scaled-up financial help, technology and

    capacity-building. The final elements of the framework

    remain to be agreed through the negotiations.

    Parties have underlined that mitigation and adaptation

    require to be accorded the same level of importance.

    Adaptation does not replace mitigation of GHG emissions. On

    the contrary, both mitigation and adaptation require to be

    pursued in parallel during the same period of time, although

    complementing each other, and they require to be executedthrough sufficient financing and appropriate technology.

    The eighteenth session of the Conference of the Parties to

    the UNFCCC and the eighth session of the Conference of the

    Parties doing as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto

    Protocol will happen from Monday, twenty-six November to

    Friday, seven Dec 2012 at the Qatar National Convention

    Centre in Doha, Qatar.

    33UNIT 1Introduction to Port and Shipping

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    Source:

    HTTP://UNFCCC.INT/FILES/INC/GRAPHICS/IMAGE/JPEG/DOHA_

    CONF_CENTER_1_533.JPG

    7.4 Student Activity

    Make a draft of the recent developments and Indias position

    in global negotiation on climate change.

    7.5 Summary

    Speedy economic growth and development is the prime of

    life schedule for all the under developed nations to deal

    poverty eradication. Signals of climate change are already

    getting see able and may pose a threat to our growth untiland unless under developed nations gear up now and unite

    to put forward their voice to the world about their

    requirements to mitigate and to adapt to reduce the negative

    impacts of climate change.

    While international agreements like the Kyoto Protocol are

    certainly a step in the right way in that they raise awareness

    about the severity of global climate change, they are not a

    complete solution and will not solve the issue alone. Real

    results and improvements will be seen when fundamental

    diminutions in energy consumption and changes in lifestyle

    are attained on a people level across the globe. Continue by

    reading about what you can do to contribute towards

    reducing GHG emissions and improving your lifestyle.

    7.6 Keywords

    The Adaptation Fund: It was set up to finance concrete

    adaptation projects and programmes in under developed

    nations that are Parties to the Kyoto Protocol.

    34

    Notes

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    National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs): It

    provides a rigorous assessment of urgent adaptation

    requirements in LDCs.

    Joint Implementation: The mechanism which allows a

    nation with an emission diminution or limitation commitment

    under the Kyoto Protocol to earn emission diminution units

    (ERUs) from an emission-diminution or emission removal

    project in another nation.

    7.7 Review Questions

    1. What is meant by the term global warming'' and why

    may it be a problem?

    2. What is the Kyoto Protocol? What are the provisions of the

    agreement?

    3. What scientific criteria might be used to decide whether

    to regulate GHG emissions?

    4. What policy considerations require to be considered?

    7.8 Further Readings

    BooksBirnie, P., and Boyle, A., (1993) International Law and the

    Environment, (Oxford: Clarendon Press).

    Diwan, Shyam & Rosencraz, Armin, (2001) Environmental

    Law and Policy in India, (New Delhi: Oxford University Press).

    Guindling, Lothar & Tarasofsky, Richard, (1999) International

    Environmental Law: Marine Environment, Polar Regions,

    Outer Space, (UK).

    Land-based Marine Pollution, (London, Dordrecht, and

    Boston: Meng Qing-Nan, (1987) Graham and

    Trotman/Martinus Nijhoff).

    Krishnendu Mukherjee, A Hungry Tide: The Legal Response

    to Climate Change Adaptation, 2008,

    Adger WN, Agrawala S, Mirza MMQ, Conde C, OBrien K,

    Pulhin J, Pulwarty R, Smit B and Takahashi K. 2007.

    Assessment of adaptation principles, options, constraints and

    capacity. Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and

    Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the FourthAssessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on

    35UNIT 1Introduction to Port and Shipping

    Notes

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    Climate Change. Parry ML, Canziani OF, Palutikof JP, van der

    Linden PJ and Hanson CE (eds). Cambridge University Press,

    Cambridge, UK: pp. 717 743.

    Alan E. Boyle, Land-based Sources of Marine Pollution:

    Current Legal Regime, Marine Policy, Vol.16, 1992.

    Louis Sohn, The Stockholm Declaration on Human

    Environment, Harvard International Law Journal, Vol. 14,

    1973.

    Web Readings

    http://unfccc.int/press/fact_sheets/items/4985.php

    http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/k__mukherjee__a_hungry_

    tide_.pdf

    http://awsassets.wwfindia.org/downloads/mea_handbook_cel.

    pdf

    http://climatechange.sea.ca/kyoto_protocol.html

    http://envfor.nic.in/cc/india_unfccc.htm

    http://www.indg.in/rural-energy/environment/kyoto-protocol

    36

    Notes

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