Climate change beyond Kyoto
2 November 1998 - 2 November 1998
Argentina
The fourth conference of the parties to the UN Convention on Climate Change will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 2 to 13 November 1998. The meeting will bring together ministers and officials from some 180 governments, who will discuss the practical implementation of greenhouse gas emission targets, as laid down in the Kyoto Protocol of 11 December 1997.
This Protocol has set legally-binding targets for emission reductions, which will become effective when it has been ratified by 55 countries. During the meeting in Buenos Aires the governments will try to agree rules for reaching these targets. In particular, discussions will focus on the development of the three mechanisms identified in the Protocol through which developed countries should be able to achieve a combined 5% reduction in their emissions between 2008-12.
These mechanisms include "emissions trading" which will allow developed countries that reduce emissions beyond their agreed target to sell the excess emissions credits to others. A "clean development mechanism" is also provided for, which will allow industrialised countries to finance emissions-avoiding projects in developing countries and receive credit for doing so. Another mechanism entitled "joint implementation" will also provide credit for investment in projects, but only in other developed countries.
The conference of parties will also review progress made with the 1992 Convention, and will identify practical steps for the transfer of climate-friendly technologies to developing countries. Decisions are also needed on the role of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) in financing activities related to the implementation of the Convention.
Other outstanding issues from Kyoto include the issue of "sinks", notably forests, which by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere help to reduce net emissions. Following heated debate, certain sinks were included in the Kyoto targets, but there are still methodological problems with how to measure their contribution. Issues such as voluntary commitments for the reduction of emissions are also likely to be discussed during the conference.
For further information, please contact:
United Nations Environment Programme
Information Unit for Conventions
Mr Michael Williams
Geneva Executive Centre
CP 356
CH-1219 Châtelaine
Tel. +41-22-9178242; Fax +41-22-7973464
E-mail: mwilliams@unep.ch
URL: http://www.unep.ch/(opens in new window)
This Protocol has set legally-binding targets for emission reductions, which will become effective when it has been ratified by 55 countries. During the meeting in Buenos Aires the governments will try to agree rules for reaching these targets. In particular, discussions will focus on the development of the three mechanisms identified in the Protocol through which developed countries should be able to achieve a combined 5% reduction in their emissions between 2008-12.
These mechanisms include "emissions trading" which will allow developed countries that reduce emissions beyond their agreed target to sell the excess emissions credits to others. A "clean development mechanism" is also provided for, which will allow industrialised countries to finance emissions-avoiding projects in developing countries and receive credit for doing so. Another mechanism entitled "joint implementation" will also provide credit for investment in projects, but only in other developed countries.
The conference of parties will also review progress made with the 1992 Convention, and will identify practical steps for the transfer of climate-friendly technologies to developing countries. Decisions are also needed on the role of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) in financing activities related to the implementation of the Convention.
Other outstanding issues from Kyoto include the issue of "sinks", notably forests, which by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere help to reduce net emissions. Following heated debate, certain sinks were included in the Kyoto targets, but there are still methodological problems with how to measure their contribution. Issues such as voluntary commitments for the reduction of emissions are also likely to be discussed during the conference.
For further information, please contact:
United Nations Environment Programme
Information Unit for Conventions
Mr Michael Williams
Geneva Executive Centre
CP 356
CH-1219 Châtelaine
Tel. +41-22-9178242; Fax +41-22-7973464
E-mail: mwilliams@unep.ch
URL: http://www.unep.ch/(opens in new window)