Decisions in Bali

As delegates to the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali head home many of us are analyzing the outcomes. Not fully what we expected, but a raodmap which is the start. I personally like the text on adaption which states: 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.

Below is the text in full.


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".


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.