Biofuels and Its Impact on the Global South

by admin | Nov 12, 2016 | MYD2016

It’s day four of the Marrakesh Climate Negotiations and the global North is already exercising its power in most platforms including informal consultations. The Paris Agreement which came into force on the 4th of November, encourages countries to lower emissions in an attempt to maintain less than two degrees of temperature increase.

The European Union as a block of politico-economic united states has a vast range of up-to-date technology and information to help its transition to renewable energy to ensure lower emissions.

Fossil of the Day

Today at COP22 the EU voiced its ideas during the Agriculture Negotiations. The EU is pro biofuel. Biofuels are liquid fuels that have been derived from other materials such as plant matter or waste plant and animal matter. Biofuels are mostly used to aid clean transportation mechanisms. Biofuels are renewable, clean, inexpensive, flexible and carbon neutral.

However, the increased use of biofuels calls for more crops to be grown for the purpose which can result in a potential reduction of food crops, which can lead to a potential inflation. Loss of habitat for biodiversity will be inevitable as demand for biofuel hikes.

Therefore, the climate movement is skeptical of the use of Biofuel. The EU however, is pro biofuel. They are aware that biofuels does not result in any ‘Reduction’ of emissions. As the demand for biofuels increase, the illegal land claims, displacement due to loss of land and increase in food prices worldwide is expected.

EU voiced its opinion on expanding the use of biofuels in areas where agriculture takes places now. Financially strong public and private investors have been buying and renting arable land in Africa and southeast Asia known as Grab Lands. The EU’s expression of interest in biofuels refers to investments or opportunities for development as they put it, in the global south which already face tight nutrition situations; which will cause problems for the local populations. Southeast Asia faces more food insecurity than any other geographic region in the world and the interest of the EU to use the said lands for biofuel will create turmoil in the most vulnerable economies.

The EU should reflect on itself and power forward to decarbonise itself without replacing the fossil fuel problem with food insecurity in the global south. Actions of the EU today earned itself the Fossil Of The Day. Fossil of the Day awards were initiated in the 1999 talks in Bonn. Members of the Climate Action Network (CAN) at the climate negotiations vote for countries that are speculated to do its best to block the negotiation process from moving forward. Quoting CAN at COP22 during the Fossil of the Day Awards, “Fossil of the day goes to… The European Union for peddling biofuels and acting like the person with all the gear but no idea”.

Written by Dulanga Witharanage
Edited by Chang Zhun Yan

Noteworthy Day

by admin | Nov 11, 2016 | MYD2016

(Bab Ighli, 8th November 2016) The second day of COP experience has been eventful, in fact, noteworthy. The day was started with check-in to our base, the Malaysian Pavilion, with conversation held with the national negotiators on consent to shadow them in action. The morning agenda was followed by observing the internal coordination meeting of G77 and China bloc.It was also a lucky day as the MYD2016 catch Dr Gary, the lead negotiator of Malaysia in action, deliver a talk on climate resilient at the Malaysian Pavilion. The presentation of climate mitigation and adaptation strategy from 11th Malaysian Plan gives an overview understand to the crowd about Malaysia’s effort in addressing climate change enhancing inclusiveness towards equitable society as well as transforming urban and rural area to have minimal impact on ecosystem services and low carbon emission.

He pointed out the possible influence on shipping industries with policies like IMO and ICAO being implemented full-fledged.

Malaysia is also anticipated to reach major peaking in near future, with the expectation of major changes in infrastructure provision in the country. The introduction of aerobic rice production which does not generate methane is a key program to resolve 2 issues, climate change mitigation and adaption as well as the coherent use of water resources. He concluded the presentation by reiterating that the strategy is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

The afternoon of the day was rather packed, scheduled with back to back events. Firstly, it was truly a refreshing experience at the informative Climate Action Network (CAN) daily meeting. CAN members closely following negotiations and consultation each report and update status on respective area such as Ad-Hoc Working Group on Paris Agreement (APA), Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA), NDC implementation, Modalities and Finance, Non-Marketed Approaches as well as science on global stocktake.

Nevertheless, there was neither Fossil nor Ray of the Day nominated. I was really amazed by the effectiveness of ad hoc working pattern and how committed and passionate these people are, dedicated their life to the climate change cause.

I’ve always been keeping an eye on the market-based mechanism, not really well-versed though so a session of Carbon Market Watch is inevitable. Social Impacts associated with Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Sustainable Development Mechanism (SDM) were first mentioned and stakeholder consultation was deemed essential and necessary. Between CDM and SDM, CDM has been viewed as the lack of defining framework and patchwork of interpretation on sustainable development & missing monitoring requirements.

Although it has been clearly stated in Article 6 that no double counting is allowed, there are other issues such as scaled up editing and ‘Hot Air’ phenomena which thus requires clarification on conditionality, technical-corresponding adjustments to ensure accounting framework to avoid double counting, revise baseline when NDC is pledged.

The last meeting attended on the day was an Informal Open Consultation Meeting on Green Climate Fund and Climate Technology Centre and Network. Turkey being the main subject of this meeting explained the context of the development of their country, argue about their countries position as a developing country and demonstrated their strong pursuance of getting consent to be recognized as developing countries eligible to received climate funding. Although being awarded the Fossil of the Day on the first day of COP22,

Turkey repeatedly emphasizes the need of financial support to carry out mitigation and adaptation as well as loss and damage measures for the betterment of future generation. However, the status of the country as developing country but within Annex I makes it unable to receive fund at the same time not giving out any fund. Generally, Thailand, the Netherlands, Brazil, the European Union (EU), Switzerland and Belarus thinks that the Turkey shall abide by COP’s decision, which means Turkey being in Annex 1 is not entitle to receiving financial support from Green Climate Fund, however may look for other alternatives such as Global Environmental Fund. Thailand specifically stresses that informal consultation shall not overlap decision made on APA. Other countries represented at the informal meeting but remain silent include China, Japan, United States of America, Australia, Ukraine, Mexico, Venezuela, Iraq, Iran, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and Bhutan.

In short, it was a fruitful day, considering that attended meeting or discussion includes international sessions such as internal coordination meeting and informal consultation meeting, following up with national negotiators, Civil Society Organisation (CSO) meeting as well as side event providing technical knowledge or review of existing terms and clauses in Paris Agreement (PA).

Written by Kelvin Diong
Edited by Elaine See

Day Three of COP22

by admin | Nov 11, 2016 | MYD2016

Dr Gary & Kelvin Diong

(Bab Ighli, 9th November 2016) Third day of COP22. The most hectic and satisfying day. Kicked off with YOUNGO daily meeting, followed by the coordination meeting of G77 and China, spent a little time on Indian Pavilion to learn about Smart Cities, joined the Green Investment in Malaysia talk, dropped by the Low Carbon City talk, spent good time understanding Global Supply Chain, attended CAN daily meeting, participated at the Japanese Pavilion event and concluded with the informal meeting on APA’s agenda on global stocktake (GST).

First of all congratulations to fellow KL folks as DBKL has just officially launched the Kuala Lumpur Low Carbon City Blueprint 2030 in COP22. With this, Malaysia has once again express the commitment to reduce greenhouse gases.

Besides, the session of Global Supply Chain gave an idea on deforestation free economy development by using BVRIO, the tool developed to map out the supply chain of commodities. The basic principle of the tool is the production of the commodity that is associated to land use conversion or clearance.

The Youth event held at the Japanese Pavilion was special, as the session was mainly about having youth to involve in developing a low carbon Olympic in Japan.

It was also a day of overjoy, being able to observe the APA informal meeting and listened to Dr Gary explaining the importance of LMDC and G77 and China, and hence the background of bilateral consultation. It was such a tiring day that when this article is being drafted, I fell on the keyboard a couple of times. The MYD 2016 stayed back till 7:30pm, hoping to give our lead negotiator the support at LMDC closed meeting. It was definitely a day to remember.

Written by Kelvin Diong
Edited by Chang Zhun Yan

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