Roman Sidortsov

February 22, 2008

The results of the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali caused an unequivocal reaction among the conference organizers, governmental officials and environmental groups. According to His Excellency Mr. Rachmat Witoelar, President of the UN Climate Change Conference, the participants "finally achieved the breakthrough the world has been waiting for: the Bali Roadmap!" UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer agreed with his colleague and called the event "a real opportunity for the international community to successfully fight climate change." He further praised the parties for "recogniz[ing] the urgency of action on climate change and . . . provid[ing] the political response to what scientists have been telling us is needed."

On the other hand, some found the conference outcome disappointing and even puzzling. For example, Tony Juniper of Friends of the Earth emphasized that "[w]e said we needed a roadmap, but this conference has failed to give us a clear destination." New York Times columnist Thomas Freidman, despite attending the conference, stated that he was not "quite sure" what the Bali agreement "adds up to." He shared Mr. Juniper's pessimism: "My gut tells me that both the North and South Poles will melt before we get it to work."

The question of whether the results of the Bali negotiations were a step forward will remain unanswered until the nations reach a "new Kyoto" deal. However, it is beneficial to take a look at the main highlights of the Bali agreement to evaluate the principal issues and assess the challenges that lie ahead.

Agreement in a Nutshell
The participants agreed on the ultimate goal – "avoiding dangerous climate change." The agreement sets forth the "Bali roadmap," a two-year negotiating process that should result in signing a binding treaty at the 2009 United Nations summit in Copenhagen, Denmark. The document does not provide specific emissions reductions, but calls for "deep cuts in global emissions."

Developed Countries
Developed nations agreed to produce new "measurable, reportable and verifiable," and "nationally appropriate," emission reduction targets. The agreement also provided for financial and technical aid to the developing world from industrialized countries to boost the use of "clean energy technologies." Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States announced their intent to allocate $2 billion, $500 million, and $700 million, respectively, per year toward this cause. The European Union nations already jointly and individually make substantial financial contributions as a part of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.

Developing countries
Developing nations agreed to "measurable, reportable and verifiable" actions to combat global climate change as long as they have Western financial and technological support. Conference participants also agreed that such actions should be conducted within the framework of sustainable development. The agreement emphasized reducing deforestation as well as preserving and restoring damaged forests. For example, several countries agreed to transfer funds to the World Bank to provide financial support for the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation in Developing countries initiative (REDD).

It is premature to judge whether the Bali compromise is a true roadmap or a mere directional sign. However, it should not be long before this question has an answer — the first commitment period has already begun.

Sources:
Andrew C. Revkin, The Climate Challenge. Same as it Ever Was? N.Y. Times, Jan. 22, 2008, available at http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/22/the-climate-challenge-same-as-it-ever-was/.

Thomas L. Friedman, What Was That All About? N.Y. Times, Dec. 19, 2007, available at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/19/opinion/19friedman.html?ex=1355720400&en=fede085fe81fa266&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss.

At a Glance: Bali Climate Deal, BBC News, available at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7146132.stm (last visited Feb. 9, 2008).

US Sets Terms for Climate Talks, BBC News, available at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7145608.stm (last visited Feb. 9, 2008).

Roger Harrabin, Hawaii Hosts Bush Climate Talks, BBC News, available at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7217354.stm (last visited Feb. 9, 2008)

Welcome to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali, http://unfccc.int/meetings/cop_13/items/4049.php (last visited Feb. 9, 2008).