![Experiencing Informal Consultations on the First Session of CMA1]()
by admin | Nov 11, 2016 | MYD2016
There is this overwhelming vibe being in the main plenary hall. You see, the COP22 venue is massive, and it takes time to familiarise yourself in the area.
COP22 is also known as the COP of Action, after the landmark achievement of Paris Agreement in COP21 last year. Never before in the history of COP that an agreement is being ratified so quickly as compared to the Paris Agreement. You can check the status of ratification here, here and here.
COP22 marks the first session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA1), besides CMP12.
Informal consultations on the first session of CMA1 convened on the 8th November 2016 at the main plenary hall, Marrakech (no seriously, that’s the name of the plenary hall). According to the World Resources Institute, CMA1 will be a key moment in not only becoming the Agreement’s governing body with authority over all substantive, procedural, administrative and operational manners, but also determining the process in doing so.
It was my first time attending a big informal consultation session and I was amazed. Being a first time COP goer, there is just so much things to take in, but this session was definitely my highlight thus far.
The fact that the first session of CMA1 alleviates the excitement. As I stepped in the hall 10 minutes late, they were arguing on whether or not that footnote should remain or omitted in the draft. The agenda then followed by discussion on organisational matters with work of CMA1, with countries requesting for clarity and justification on the terms “reconvene”, “adjourn” or “suspend” within the timeframe of 2017 or 2018.
It is interesting to see how negotiators from each countries negotiate and each countries’ stand on a particular issue. I am trying so hard to describe my feelings in words but I truly can’t assign the correct words to it. All I know is, six months ago when I was selected to be part of the Malaysian Youth Delegation, I imagined myself attending this sort of sessions. Now that I’m here, it feels surreal, really.
To read the Proposal by the President for the informal session, click here.
Written by Jasmin Irisha Jim Ilham
Edited by Shakirin Shahrul Jamal (Shak)
![A Double Edged Sword]()
by admin | Nov 11, 2016 | MYD2016
Source: International Renewable Energy Agency
Conference of the Parties 22 also known as the ‘COP of Action’ strives to implement the Paris Agreement, to ensure a low carbon future. Most of the sessions scheduled for day 2 revolved around low-carbon renewable energy.
Climate change adaptation in developing countries focuses on a shift of energy sources from non-renewables to renewable energy. Some of the side events focusing on the topic included Renewable Energy: Rural Electrification Technology Transfer & Hydropower Vulnerability by the University of Cape Town and The Role of Non-State Actors in Enhancing Near-Term Ambition and Promoting The Implementation of the Paris Agreement conducted by WWF and the Climate Action Network.
The Climate Resilient Development workshop organised by the Malaysia Pavilion conducted by Dr Gary Theseira; one of Malaysia’s core negotiators in the COP also dwelled on the country’s intention to focus on Renewable Energy in future. The Earth Info program by the UNFCCC also focused on emission reduction and Renewables.
Earth information plenary at COP22
In an attempt to achieve UNFCCC set targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, countries around the region have shifted from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Renewable energies include wind, hydro, solar, wave and geothermal power. However, these renewable energies come at a cost. It poses serious threats to the environment, mostly animal species. Climate change adds to the treats most migratory species are faced with today.
Although the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have opened doors for conservation, I am of the view that implementation of the Paris Agreement has to some extent reversed conservation efforts.
Wind Farms are being proposed in most developing countries, to achieve their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). NDCs are climate actions that determine a country’s efforts to hold the increase in global average temperature below 2 degrees. The proposed locations of wind farms lie on Bird Migration Flyways, especially in Asia. Wind turbines take a toll on migratory birds due to collisions.
Hydropower causes river based migratory fauna such as salmon to lose their habitats and biomass production also leads to increased degradation and habitat loss. According to the WWF, solar and tidal waves also have their drawbacks. In my opinion, renewable energy is a double-edged sword.
I believe that achieving the NDCs are important to ensure less than two degrees of temperature change, but I am also of the view that the SDGs and the Paris Agreement should compliment each other. In my point of view, there lies a policy gap between the Paris Agreement and the SDGs. In an ideal world, they should compliment each other and current efforts by the International Renewable Energy Agency and conservation societies are paramount to bridge this policy gap.
Written by Dulanga Witharanage
Edited by Elaine See
![Home Away from Home]()
by admin | Nov 11, 2016 | MYD2016
The Malaysian Youth Delegation have been crucially preparing and anticipating for this moment since six months ago. The idea of attending the Twenty Second Conference of the Parties (COP22) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which was once seemed afar is now an experience of its own.
After five training series, two international knowledge transfer events, a Youth Statement, numerous engagements with organizations, stakeholders and the government and guidance by sifu Adrian and buddies from MYD 2015, it is safe to say that MYD 2016 is well prepared for the conference.
It is the first time Malaysia is having a Pavilion at COP. We were informed about the existence of the Pavilion when we attended the Workshop on Capacity Building, Education, Public Awareness, Information and Networking (CEPAIN), organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) and Third World Network (TWN), over a conversation with Dato’ Dr. Yap, National Project Manager, Third National Communication (TNC) / Biennial Update Report (BUR) for Malaysia.
We are absolutely keen on getting involved with the Malaysia Pavilion and got in touch with NRE immediately. The Pavilion provides a physical platform for Malaysia to showcase the country’s initiatives related to environment and climate change, and as a place to host presentations, dialogues and meetings with national delegates or guests.
Upon arriving the COP venue earlier today, we paid a visit to the Pavilion and were greeted with warm hospitality by fellow Malaysians. The national negotiators start their day early in the morning by having a group meeting at the Pavilion before adjourning to individual agendas throughout the day.
We were invited for lunch by the Malaysia Pavilion’s Project Manager, Puan Syarina. She was very enthusiastic and was delighted with our presence at COP, as she hopes and aspires more youth to take part in combating climate change and also work closely with NRE to form a sustainable relationship.
After lunch, we had an ad hoc meeting with Mr. Jaya Singam, Under Secretary of Environmental Management and Climate Change Division of NRE. He was very interested with collaborating with the youth and listened attentively to what we have to say and want to achieve.
I believe that cooperation between government and NGOs is highly imperative in order to achieve intended goals and policy implementation. From my experience coming from a youth organization, we more often than not have to work twice as hard, merely just to make our voices heard.
Two way communication is key in order to understand the needs from both sides. Mr Jaya gave really useful advice for us to take up upon. Before the meeting ended, I had the opportunity to ask him, “So how can we help you?”
Instead of abiding dedicatedly to advice, always offer help within your capacity. Building relationships is easy, sustaining them is the challenging part. Establish points for contact, it’s easier to engage and follow up in the future.
Mr Jaya replied that legitimate dispersal of information via social media is something to look into. With the fast growing technology, we are easily influenced by illegitimate or viral news. Remember to verify the source before spreading information. We often tend to forget this process of information sharing and get caught up in the whirlpool of social media.
It is overwhelming to take in feel of being at a Malaysia Pavilion in COP22. As the Malaysian Youth Delegation, we always do our best to represent Malaysia and her youth. Having the bond and connection with NRE, national negotiators and fellow Malaysian delegates made us feel as if we are a part of a larger family, all with the same passion for tackling climate change.
We are anticipating the arrival of the Minister of NRE, YB Dato Seri Dr Wan Junaidi on the 14th of November 2016 at COP22, Marrakech.
Written by Jasmin Irisha Jim Ilham
Edited by Elaine See
![The Paris Agreement and Trump Presidency]()
by admin | Nov 11, 2016 | MYD2016
Hot topic at the year’s biggest climate negotiations – the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP22) was the US elections! With climate critique Donald Trump elected President of the world’s largest democracies, days after the historic Paris Agreement came into force the negotiations were flooded with great disappointment but driven to achieve more despite the hiccup.
President Barack Obama was influential in achieving the Paris Agreement at last year’s conference COP21. He changed American and world politics towards a new era by divesting on Fossil fuels and focusing on clean energy. However, the world is of the view that new presidential elect Donald Trump will reverse this course and withdraw from the climate change negotiation process entirely. The frustration and disappointment was evident in the American delegation at COP22 including the youth delegates of SustainUS. 20 years of negotiations and lobbying by environmental groups both in the US and globally, to achieve the Paris Agreement is at stake with Donald Trump as president.
Donald Trump has been quoted for referring to climate change as a “hoax”, one of the few world leaders to share this stance in a world affected by the impacts on climate change daily. The real estate magnate has keen interest in withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, which is a four year process. The billions of financial aid promised for the Green Climate Fund which was established to provide the financials means to achieve Nationally Determined Contributions will instead be invested in America’s coal industry which Trump promised to reboot if elected president. However, if this comes into force the agreement will be dysfunctional for a mere 3 to 4 months of the last year of the Trump Presidency.
The President-elect has promised to cancel the Paris Climate Agreement within the first 100 days of him taking office while withdrawing all payments of US financial contributions to the UN global warming programs and the negotiators in Marrakech are of the view that it would seriously damage the credibility of the US.
SustainUS (an organisation of youth advancing sustainable development and youth empowerment in the US) organised an action at the COP22 venue in conjunction with the US election results. They were of the view that the Presidential to-do list should be a People’s to-do list and that the 2016 election was a “clear message that it has always been up to us, the people to prioritize and move forward issues of Climate Justice”
Source: SustainUS
The the only ray of hope today the 9th of November, 2016 is that even under a Trump Presidency, states like the New York and California are still pursuing their own climate policies and the Four year withdraw process of the Paris Climate Deal will ensure that he will not be able to alter the Paris Agreement for the entire duration of his US Presidency.
Tina Johnson speaking for the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at COP22 on her reflections of the new Presidency and its impacts on the climate change movement was quoted saying “We are down, but we are definitely not out.”
Dulanga Witharanage reporting from Bab Ighli COP22 village, Marrakesh where 20,000 participants from across the world have gathered to try and advance the Paris Climate Agreement.
Written by Dulanga Witharanage
Edited by Shakirin Shahrul Jamal (Shak)
![What to Expect at COP22]()
by admin | Nov 11, 2016 | MYD2016
Speakers for the side event on the expectation for COP22. From L-R: Meena Raman from the Third World Network; Xie Ji, representative of Government of China; Ravi Prasad, representative of Government of India; Youba Sokona, representative of Mali; and, Mariam Williams from South Centre
One of the events which I find most helpful amongst the other events I attended and which the conversations I was a part of for day one at COP22 was definitely the speech given by Mr Ravi Prasad, a representative of the government of India for the UN climate talks as he furnished a better sense of the key issues that would be anticipated at this COP. He stated that there is a high expectation in Marrakech after the achievement of the agreement reached in Paris last year at COP21.
Countries show an intention to be bound by the Paris Agreement once they have deposited their signatories. Thus, COP22 is crucial in getting the implementation process and framing of guidelines started.
One of the most pertinent issues that have been highly discussed at the climate talks is the process of entry into force of the Paris Agreement and how it would affect the countries which are still in the process of completing their domestic ratification. In spite of how some countries have yet to complete their domestic processes on time, they are given some leeway in putting these processes in place nonetheless as inclusive decision-making is a hallmark of the Paris Agreement.
The second issue concerns pre-2020 actions whereby although the Paris Agreement comprises mainly post-2020 actions, we were informed that we should not dismiss pre-2020 actions. The regime of pre-2020 actions includes the ratification of the Doha amendment of the Kyoto Protocol and also a revisit of the ambition that the developed countries have taken. However, the intention to provide support to the developing countries in regards to the provision of the means of implementation in terms of finance for adaptation, mitigation, technological transfer and capacity building have not been affected.
Therefore, two facilitative dialogues will be expected of COP22 to accelerate pre-2020 actions i.e. the facilitative dialogue discussion which focuses on 2018, as well as the immediate actions which ought to be taken in hopes of mapping out the necessary pre-2020 actions for countries to bring forth to the table, and consequently, creating a solid foundation for post-2020 operationalisation of the Paris Agreement.
Not forgetting to mention the third aspect of COP22 which is equally as important as the aforementioned issues – the development of technological transfer. As far as this issue is concerned, the crux of it is how developing countries would be able to transform into a long-term low emission development by acquiring technologies which are both affordable and accessible in order for them to achieve such transition. It is worth noting that a gap would be inevitable considering that this is a time-consuming process. There may be difficulties for the developing countries to adopt such technologies as there might be issues in relation to cost, as well as patent and intellectual property rights.
Without adequate clarity on how technology transfer works, it would be very difficult for developing countries to meet their climate action plan. Thus, there is a need to ensure that the groundwork of the transfer of technology is expedited at the climate talks to enable the developing countries to undertake what is expected of them and what they are trying to achieve in terms of their climate target if they are provided with such technology.
There is also the issue of enhancing the existing transparency framework by putting a system of reporting on different actions in place to provide more clarity, and how each transparency of action corresponds with a similar level of transparency of support. This could help the developing countries to plan their actions better if their NDCs project a clear need for support in terms of finance so they could receive the level of support needed by the developed countries to ensure that the developing countries can achieve their climate goals.
All of these are some of the elements to accelerate the momentum of what have been agreed at COP21 in hopes that there would be a fruitful interaction at COP22.
Written by Choy Moon Moon
Edited by Elaine See
