![What Is Climate Adaptation?]()
by admin | Aug 10, 2016 | Knowledge, MYD2016
Climate adaptation. Image was taken from: http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2011/11/22/374301/tv-media-ignore-ipcc-extreme-weather-report/
As climate change now becomes a topic more prominent than ever, it is also a time to question what we can do about it. There are two main courses of action which are commonly discussed upon and undertaken – mitigation and adaptation. Whilst mitigation attempts to address the root causes (i.e. why are temperatures rising), adaptation seeks to lower the risks of climate change consequences (i.e. better water systems for dry seasons). Both of these measures are critical especially for our present time, but according to the IPCC’s latest report, climate change and its impacts will continue for centuries even if mitigation measures are taken immediately. Therefore, we need to start finding ways to adapt to a future of climate uncertainty.
Around the world, adaptation measures often involve infrastructural or policy changes that aid in reducing the vulnerability of people towards climate change consequences, making communities more resilient towards such changes. Malaysia, as a developing country, is highly vulnerable to climate change as its effects are not only environmental and will also lead to socioeconomic effects.
To better illustrate what climate adaptation means for Malaysia, here is an example. Among other climate consequences for Malaysia, one that we are exceptionally familiar with is flooding. Expected increase in intensity and frequency of flooding will mean that communities, rural and urban alike, will have to be better equipped in via infrastructure, education, improvement in policies etc. Increased flooding as a result of climate change can also bring detrimental effects to our economy, as agriculture takes up 12% of our annual GDP. An example of an adaptation method Malaysia can adopt will be to enable farmers with better equipment or better yielding crops in order to sustain their livelihoods and also our national economy. It can also mean providing rural communities who are reliant on climate for crops better education so that they can contribute to other facets of the economy. Now, these so-called “climate adaptation methods” sound similar to development programs, and they do in fact overlap. However, adaptation to climate change for a developing country like Malaysia involves measures targeted specifically at climate change consequences such as building sea defences at coastal areas prone to sea level rise like Tanjung Piai in Johor.
As mentioned above, climate adaptation, more often than not, entails anthropocentric perspectives – measures targeted at reducing the vulnerability of humans. Whilst that aspect is crucial, it is perhaps wise that we do not forsake ecological vulnerability to climate change, such as global warming’s threats to pristine biodiversity. Such is particularly relevant for Malaysia as our tropical rainforests are not only carbon sinks which can neutralise effects of climate change, but they are so because of the biodiversity which exists within it. So, adapting to climate change for Malaysia may very well also include conserving and protecting our pristine rainforests in order to dampen climatic consequences. However, climate change adaptation for biological and environmental threats are, as of date, not explored in depth.
Whilst climate change may not seem like a tangible occurrence to many, it is crucial that policy-makers and every individual to understand the necessity of climate adaptation as inseparable from sustainable development in the near future.
Written by: Nicole Lim Pei Pey
Edited by: Choy Moon Moon
![What Is Climate Adaptation?]()
by admin | Aug 7, 2016 | Knowledge, MYD2016
Climate adaptation is considered a response to the effects of climate change that seeks to reduce the vulnerability of various social and biological systems thus offsetting the changes. The UNFCCC defines it as actions taken to help communities and ecosystems cope with changing climate condition. It is a process by which strategies to moderate, cope with and take advantage of the consequences of climatic events are enhanced, developed, and implemented. Even if emissions are stabilised, the effects of climate change will last much longer and adaptation is required to respond to the impacts of climate change that is already happening, while at the same time prepare for future impacts.
Climate Adaption under the UNFCCC. Image was taken from: http://unfccc.int/timeline/
Adaptation is especially important in developing countries since those countries are predicted to suffer the most severe consequences of climate change. The adaptive capacity is also unevenly distributed across different regions and populations and developing countries are generally the ones that are least capable of doing so. Adaptive capacity is closely linked to social and economic development (IPCC, 2007). The economic costs of adaptation to climate change are likely to cost billions of dollars annually for the next several decades and the degree of adaptation correlates to the situational focus on environmental issues. The challenge grows with the magnitude and the rate of climate change. A team of science policy experts claim that adapting to climate change would be a more effective means of dealing with global warming than reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The IPCC working group II suggested that mitigation and adaptation should be complementary components of a response strategy to global warming. The report mentioned that adaptation, sustainable development, and enhancement of equity can be mutually reinforcing.
There are several principles that need to be considered when designing the adaptation policy:
- Effect of climate change varies with regions and demographics;
- Climate change poses both risks and opportunities;
- Adaptation comes with a cost;
- The response has varying effectivenes;
- The systemic nature of climate change complicates the adaptation; and,
- Maladaptation can result in negative effects that are as serious as the climate-induced effects that are being avoided.
As mentioned, enhanced adaptive capacity can reduce vulnerability to climate change. These activities are essentially equivalent to activities that promote sustainable development such as reducing poverty, improving education, improve access to basic resources, lowering inequality and wealth gaps and building infrastructure. Another adaptation method is through agricultural production as changes in rainfall patterns have a direct impact on crops. The strategies include drought tolerant crops, investing in irrigation and rainwater storage. Other initiatives like weather control, geo-engineering and damning of glacial lakes Strengthening the resilience and adaptive capacity of more vulnerable regions must go hand in hand with efforts to raise awareness and integrate measures into national policies and strategies.
Written by: Khoo Nee Zhen
Edited by: Choy Moon Moon
![Common but Differentiated Responsibilities]()
by admin | Aug 5, 2016 | Knowledge, MYD2016
The adoption of the principle i.e. Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) entails that while all States are pursuing a common goal, they hold different obligations depending on their socio-economic situation, as well as their present and historical contribution to the environmental problem at stake. The principle provides an overarching harmonisation in terms of sharing the burden and responsibility to safeguard global environmental problems for common resources equally, whilst recognising and acknowledging that there are wide differences with regards to the economic development among the States. Accordingly, these differences between the States act as an indication to determine their respective contributions, as well as their capabilities and abilities in addressing environmental problems.
A simple depiction of the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities. Image was taken from: The GWPF
The principle became prominent in the 1990s especially when States started to share the same sentiment whereby they should develop a legal framework on climate change, in order to address the rapid hike of the greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions which were not previously included in the ozone layer protection regime during the 1980s. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was soon established by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to provide scientific assessment and the implications of policies made by the decision makers in terms of adaptation and mitigation.1
Initially, the principle was not unanimously accepted by the developed countries, in particular, the United States where it conditioned its participation of such regulatory regime on the involvement of developing countries as well. It became evident that a “north-south” divide2 was exhibited with regards to the perception of climate change between the developed and developing countries due to their dissimilar and often diverging underlying domestic interests – the former emphasised on the environmental issues by drawing a connection to the scientific findings, whilst the latter shown concerned about their future development and economic status.
In spite of that, the principle of CBDR came into force when the UNFCCC was adopted in 1992. It led to a compromise in relation to the positions of safeguarding global environmental issues between the developed and developing countries with the aim of bringing about the establishment of environmental governance to be as inclusive, and as effective as possible. On account of recognising the States’ present and historical relation between their development, as well as their contribution towards the degradation of global environment, it was established that since the developed countries had entered the industrialisation era sooner and had the opportunity to develop for a longer period, they now need to undertake a more significant share of responsibility. Without neglecting various climate change affected groups, namely small island states, areas which are more susceptible to drought and natural disaster, least developed countries, low-lying coastal region etc., the principle also seeks to take their specific needs and concerns into consideration when it comes to determining their responsibility in addressing environmental problems.
Considering that Malaysia is a part of the Like-Minded Group of Developing Countries (LMDCs), this principle allows them to hold a less stringent obligation. In addition to that, developed countries are required to provide international assistance to the developing countries i.e. transfer of technology and financial resources etc. in helping them to achieve their sustainable development responsibility, whilst playing the lead role in combating climate change in accordance with Article 3(1) of the UNFCCC.3
Written by: Choy Moon Moon
References:
- IPCC, ‘History’ https://www.ipcc.ch/organization/organization_history.shtml accessed 17 July 2016
- D A Mejía, The Evolution of the Climate Change Regime: Beyond a North-South Divide? [2010] ICIP 18-20
- UNFCCC 1992, NY
![What Is COP22?]()
by admin | Aug 4, 2016 | Knowledge, MYD2016
COP22. Image was taken from: lnt.ma
The highly anticipated 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP22) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will be held on the 7th to 18th November 2016 at the ethnically diverse, cultural and traditional city of Marrakesh, Morocco. COP22 offers a unique platform that provides nations with the chance to build on the landmark agreement secured at COP21 in Paris last December 2015. As an outcome of the COP21 Paris climate conference, 195 countries adopted the first-ever universal, legally binding climate deal, also known as the Paris Agreement. Up to date, there is a total of 197 Parties to the Convention (196 States and 1 regional economic integration organisation, the European Union) including Palestine who joined in March 2016.
The ongoing Post-COP21 Agenda debate imminently highlights the importance of achieving the main climate objective, which is keeping the rise in global average temperature below 2 degrees Celsius, and the main Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty eradication of 2030. It is believed that COP22 will be the action conference to realise the target of decarbonisation, as emphasised by the Moroccan foreign minister, Salaheddine Mezouar:
“COP22 has to be a COP of operation. Paris is a moment of strong negotiation but also one moment when resolutions were taken. Today our concern is naturally going to be direct our action to implementation and operation because, with the operation, this world commitment is going to become concrete.”
According to the World Resources Institute, the agenda for the Post Paris: Key Tasks to Complete Before the First Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement for COP22 include:
- Identify how Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessments can inform the Global Stockade;
- Review the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM);
- Initiate work on identifying information to be provided on public finance provided, mobilised and intended; and,
- Adopt terms of reference for the Paris Committee on Capacity Building (PCCB).
The accountability and success of the historic universal agreement on climate change are highly dependent on how each of the participating countries delivers on their aforementioned plans and promises. COP22 is a crucial stepping stone for parties to begin preparations for entry force of the Paris Agreement and realise the climate target as well as SDGs.
Written by: Jasmin Irisha Jim Ilham
Edited by: Choy Moon Moon
![What are Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)?]()
by admin | Jul 29, 2016 | Knowledge, MYD2016
What are Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)?
By definition, any collective action is comprised of many individual actions. Going forwards, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are the bread and butter for countries to organise their efforts and goal-setting under the UNFCCC. They comprise of a country’s commitments to tackling climate change and set forth the country’s anticipated plans and policies for climate action under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.1
What do they do?
Under the Paris Agreement regime, NDCs create transparency regarding party states’ efforts. Although they are not legally binding in nature, they ensure that governments actively set ambitious goals to counteract climate change.2 Up to the entry into force of the Paris Agreement, NDCs are considered to be “Intended” NDCs, as global cooperation in climate efforts is integral to how NDCs are formulated. Thus, commitments must activate collectively and simultaneously.3 Upon entry into force, the INDCs submitted become each country’s first NDC, with updated NDCs to be submitted every five years, based on the outcomes of the periodical global stock-takes.4
Key challenges prior to NDCs. Image was taken from: Clean Technica
They represent the dual accountability governments have to their population, as well as to the international community as a whole. Additionally, the declarations of GHG emissions, or emissions intensity reductions in quantitative terms allow climate scientists and policy makers to integrate changes in global emissions into their models. With 158 submitted INDCs representing over almost 190 countries, models forecast a 2.7˚C increase in global-mean temperature over pre-industrial levels, as compared to a 3.7˚C increase given current emissions and policies.
Climate Action Tracker’s rating system of each country’s ambition. Image was taken from: Climate Action Tracker
Why should I care?
INDCs exist to allow governments to be accountable to their populations and fellow countries. Given their non-legally binding nature, the power is with electorates and trade partners to apply pressure to their governments and ensure that meeting NDC goals become prime policy objectives. Without sufficient awareness of NDCs, the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement regime run the risk of dissociating from policy actions, and eventually fail. As it stands, the regime is built on trust – but trust can be betrayed and commitments can be rescinded.
Caring is a responsibility, not an option.
What is Malaysia’s NDC?
There are 5 key components to Malaysia’s first INDC:5
- In a timeline up to 2030, with 2005 as the base year, Malaysia will
- Reduce its GHG emissions intensity of GDP by:
- 35% unconditionally, and
- 10% upon receipt of technology transfer and capacity building from developed countries
As emissions intensity is a measure of the “efficiency” of GHG emissions in producing economic value (in this case quantified as the GDP), Malaysia has not committed to an absolute reduction or target peaking of emissions. This is problematic, and although the Climate Action Tracker has not evaluated Malaysia’s INDC, it has classified all INDCs made in relation to emissions intensity as “inadequate”.7 Additionally, the “technology transfer and capacity building” are informed by Articles 9, 10 and 11 of the Paris Agreement.8
Written by: Shukri Bin Ahmad Shahizam
Edited by: Choy Moon Moon
References:
- World Resources Institute. ‘What is an INDC?’. Web. 8 June 2016
- Articles 3 and Article 4, Paris Agreement
- Bostock, et al. ‘Shifting from ‘Intended’ to ‘Implemented’ – What’s required for the INDCs?’. Climate & Development Knowledge Network. Web. 8 June 2016
- Article 3(9), Paris Agreement
- ‘Tracking INDCs’. Climate Action Tracker. Web. 8 June 2016
- ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contribution of the Government of Malaysia’. The Government of Malaysia. 8 November 2015. Web. 8 June 2016
- n5
- Articles 9, 10 and 11, Paris Agreement
