At a glance: Bali climate deal

BBC News 15 Dec 07;

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".

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.

A look at the Bali climate change plan
Associated Press Yahoo News 15 Dec 07;

Key points of the final decision at the U.N. climate change conference setting an agenda for talks on a new global warming pact to succeed the Kyoto Protocol at the end of 2012:

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS:

It recognizes that "deep cuts" in global emissions will be required to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate. It references scientific reports that suggest a range of cuts between 25 and 40 percent by 2020, but prescribes no such targets itself.

DEADLINE:

Negotiations for the next climate accord should last for two years and conclude in 2009 in order to allow enough time to implement it at the end of 2012. Four major climate meetings will take place next year.

RICH AND POOR:

Negotiators should consider binding reductions of gas emissions by industrialized countries, while developing countries should consider moves to control the growth of their emissions. Richer countries should work to transfer climate-friendly technology to poorer nations.

ADJUSTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE:

Negotiators should look at supporting urgent steps to help poorer countries adapt to inevitable effects of global warming, such as building seawalls to guard against rising oceans.

DEFORESTATION:

Negotiators should consider "positive incentives" for reducing deforestation in developing countries, many of which are seeking international compensation for preserving their forest "sinks" absorbing carbon dioxide.