The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP19) in Warsaw, Poland began on 11th November with calls for governments to harness the strong groundswell of action on climate change across all levels of government, business and society and make real progress towards a successful, global climate change agreement in 2015.
World nations have launched the new round of talks in Warsaw at the 19th Conference of the Parties (COP19) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 12-day Conference began in Poland’s capital amid warnings about a potentially disastrous rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The level of progress at COP19 will be an indicator of the world’s chances of reaching a deal in 2015, which is the new landmark year in the UN-led process after the 2009 summit in Copenhagen. Developed countries have reiterated their commitment on promises on long-term climate finance support to developing nations, with a view to mobilse 100 billion USD by 2020.
The UN Climate Change Conference (COP18/ CMP8) held at Doha has given an important platform for various global leaders to take necessary steps in response to the climate change. The conference has come out with “Doha Climate Gateway” which will push forward the solutions to climate change. The Kyoto Protocol has been amended so that it will continue as of 1 January 2013 and the Kyoto Protocol’s Market Mechanisms such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Joint Implementation (JI) and International Emissions Trading (IET) can continue as of 2013. They have looked at various ways which ensure the effectiveness and environmental integrity of projects under the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism that capture and store carbon emissions. Technology and funding play a key role in climate Change.
Dr. R. Seetharaman said “Durban platform”, is notable as it includes developing countries such as China and India. The terms of the future treaty are to be defined by 2015 and become effective in 2020 the agreement, referred to as the “Durban platform”, is notable. The deal extends Kyoto, whose first phase of emissions cuts run from 2008 to the end of 2012. The second commitment period will run from January 1, 2013 until the end of 2017. The conference led to progress regarding the creation of a Green Climate Fund for which a management framework was adopted. The fund is to distribute US$100bn per year to help poor countries adapt to climate impacts.”
Dr. R. Seetharaman said that “The Philippines’ lead negotiator at the 2013 UN climate change said “10,000 people had died in the east coast city of Tacloban, with thousands more unaccounted for. Winds of 147mph (235 kmph) were reported at Haiyan’s peak, with gusts of 170mph (235 kmph). Waves of 45ft (15m) hit the shore, while 15.75 inches (400 mm) of rain caused torrential flooding inland. In all, 36 provinces, around two-thirds of the country, were affected as the storm crossed the country en route for Vietnam. Sano says there is still no word on the 1.5 million people in the province around Tacloban”. He wants clarification on the future of the UN’s Green Climate Fund and the sources of the $100 billion a year by 2020 promised by rich countries. A report published by Oxfam today underlines why this is such a critical issue. It estimates that between US$7.6bn and US$16.3bn of climate finance has been set aside by developed countries for 2013. Only the UK has offered support until 2015″.
Dr. R. Seetharaman said “Global warming will lead to a rise in the level of the oceans and seas, causing a serious deterioration of the climate over the next 1,000 years. Burning of fossil fuels and the gases produced – especially carbon dioxide – were responsible for most of the temperature increases recorded during the second half of the last century. Forecasts the level of the oceans and seas will rise by between 18cm and 59cm by the end of the century as a result of the melting of the ice caps at the two poles. International efforts to mitigate climate change needs improvement to meet the goal of keeping global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Developing countries such as India is affected by climate change and degradation of the environment and the most visible effects include floods, drought and earthquakes these put at risk the economic and social development at the global level. However with appropriate climate and energy policies, renewable energy sources can contribute substantially to human well-being leading to positive effects including stabilization of the climate”
In his concluding remarks Dr. R.Seetharman said “Climate change is a global challenge which requires an ambitious global response and a green economy will protect the planet from the worst effects of climate change. Hence it is necessary that we contribute to the development of Green Economy. Green economy is mainly based on sectors such as renewable energy, green buildings, clean transportation, water management, waste management and land management”. “BUILDING GREEN ECONOMIES IS THE NEED OF THE HOUR FOR SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL GROWTH AND GROSS WELFARE”.