On 7th December 2015, The ceremony of “The Declaration of Agricultural Diversification” was held at Paris in conjunction with Paris COP21. The ceremony was graced by The Honourable Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, former Prime Minister of Malaysia and YABhg Tun Jeanne Abdullah with an aim to address one of the most pressing issues to humanity – food security.
The Honourable Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, former Prime Minister of Malaysia and YABhg Tun Jeanne Abdullah officiated the Declaration of Agricultural Diversification
The event was a success and it was also graced by several honorable mentions including Dr. Sayed-Azam Ali, CEO of Crops for the Future (CFF); Dr. Trevor Nicholls, Chief Executive of Centre of Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI); Dr. David Molden, director general of International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development; Dr. José Joaquín Campos A. Director General of Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) and Dr. Setta Tutundjian, Director of Partnerships & Knowledge Management, International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), UAE.
It was 11,500 thousand years ago, we were once the hunters and foragers of the earth. We evolved and moved to an agricultural way of living that lead us to industrialization and green revolution. All these advancement lead to the unprecedented growth of human population and global greenhouse emissions that were projected to increase beyond the “safe limit” of 2 degree celsius targeted by United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Food security is a pressing issue when it comes with climate change. A hotter climate requires more resilient agriculture, food security, enhanced nutrition, environmental sustainability, shared knowledge and poverty alleviation.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda (SDA 2030) has provided a framework for sustainable development via 17 Sustainable Development Goals and many of which relate to agriculture. As yet, there is no plan on how agricultural diversification can contribute to the SDA 2030 for our future climate.
Today, Prof. Sayed Azam-Ali showed us how CFF helps to meet the needs of a hotter world and contribute to SDA which can be done via Global Action Plan for Agricultural Diversification (GAPAD). The purpose of GAPAD is to address the following specific SDGs including:-
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13: Climate Action
SDG 15: Life on Land
SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
As we learn that half of our diet comes from four major food crops including wheat, rice, maize and soybean, we also learn that these food crops are grown in a limited number of exporting countries which rely heavily on the high utilization of fertilizers and irrigation. Monoculture is not the solution to address food security, we need diversification.
In addition, when climate changes, people will look to mountains for food security and biodiversity. Animals and plants are migrating when the earth gets hotter. Mountain provides diverse physiology and endemic crops with huge amount of traditional knowledge. Sadly, these treasures are rapidly being replaced with major staple foods. Hence, there is a need of shifting to higher yields of mountain products starting now.
So far, we have identified half a million plant species on the planet and introduced a diversifying agricultural system that will help to strengthen the climate resilient platform for local markets, consumers and producers.
During the declaration, Dr. Trevor Nicholls has highlighted the importance of having agricultural diversification in Africa and South-East Asia regions as agriculture is their main source of income. The common challenges faced by farmers in these regions include lack of climate smart technologies to address new pests and diseases, and availability of fertile soil and water. For him, diversification is a risk mitigation measure. It diversifies one’s diet, and improves one’s income and reduces climate risks.
Dr. David Molden has also highlighted the importance of agricultural diversification in mountain regions especially Afghanistan, India, Myanmar, Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal and China. The highlands in these regions are the largest reserves of ice and snow which generate freshwater that helps to sustain 1.3 billion people living downstream. Notably, there are 3 to 4 billion people relying on these water sources for food production and diversification of agriculture shows to bring more opportunities for women in the mountains as a new source of income.
After listening to the experts, I wonder if we would still have any opportunity to choose in the future if we want to “Eat to Live or Live to Eat”?
“Today, agricultural diversification should not be seen as a choice but a necessity in the future. Climate resilient farming is the future.” – Dr. David Molden.
“Half of the species in the world have helped our ancestors to survive till now. Feeding the hotter world is very timely. We are convinced the benefits of this declaration, for the world” – Dr. Setta
In the end, I could not agree more with Dr. David Molden and Dr. Setta closing statements.
MYD members in support of The Declaration of Agricultural Diversification with The Honourable Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, former Prime Minister of Malaysia and YABhg Tun Jeanne Abdullah.
Prof. Gurdial, Malaysian negotiator spoke on behalf of Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDCs), has grabbed attention and applause for defending the rights of developing countries (mainly CBDR-RC).In 1992, the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) establishes a principled basis for differential treatment of countries in the global climate regime with its core principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities” (CBDR-RC). The UNFCCC explicitly notes, immediately following its statement of the CBDR-RC principle, that “Accordingly, the developed country Parties should take the lead in combating climate change and the adverse effects thereof.”
LMDCs emphasized on the importance of having developed countries to fulfil their obligations, historical responsibilities, and accept countries’ differentiation and equity in global climate regime.
“On behalf of LMDC, we know you will not be persuaded by our speech. World changed, but historical emission does not change. Developed countries become prosperous because of historical carbon burning. The division of rich and poor has not change. Half of the world population are represented by LMDCs. Two-third of poverty is also our situation. We need convention that impose these realities. Acknowledge historical realities and differentiation” – Prof. Gurdial
The world has always been changing but developed countries have failed to fulfil the obligations imposed themselves especially in reference to Kyoto Protocol and contributions to Green Climate Fund that has been agreed to jointly mobilize USD 100 billion per year by 2020. As of November 2015, the Green Climate Fund has only successfully raised USD 10.2 billion equivalent in pledges from 38 countries.
Part 2: Post-COP21 Reflection on CBDR-RC
After the two weeks of intense negotiations and strong advocacy from various party groups like LMDCs, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), G77 and China, African Groups, Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) and other vulnerable and developing countries; the adopted Paris Agreement has showed the inclusion of CBDR-RC in finance and capacity building.
For instance,
Article 9.1 states developed country Parties “shall” provide financial resources to assist developing country Parties with respect to both mitigation and adaptation in continuation of their existing obligations under the Convention.
Article 9.2 Other Parties are “encouraged” to provide or continue to provide such support “voluntarily.”
Article 13.9 Developed country Parties “shall”, and other Parties that provide support “should”, provide information on financial, technology transfer and capacity-building support provided to developing country Parties under Article 9, 10 and 11.
However when it comes to “mitigation”, CBDR-RC is not clearly defined.
Article 4.4 Developed country Parties “should”continue taking the lead by undertaking economy-wide absolute emission reduction targets. Developing country Parties “should”continue enhancing their mitigation efforts, and are encouraged to move over time towards economy-wide emission reduction or limitation targets in the light of different national circumstances.
It seems like rich and developed countries are not obligated to be responsible for economy-wide absolute emission reduction targets and there are no mentions in the text on responsibility of “historical emissions” or to “Annex I and non-Annex countries” – which is quite a victory for them as they insist everyone should be responsible on combating climate change. However, these issues I believe will be resurface again probably when the agreement take its effect in 2020.
Nonetheless, there is victory for developing countries as well in successfully maintaining CBDR-RC in some areas of the agreement such as finance and capacity building but not mitigation.
[30th November 2015, Le Bourget Paris] It is a new start and a new hope to many when 150 heads of state each presented 3 minutes of their country’s statement at “La Loire” Plenary. The statements are presented in support of forming a universal agreement on climate that aims to limit the increase of average global temperature to below 2°C.
157 out of 183 INDCs were submitted as of 1st December 2015 and that covers up to 97.9% of the global emissions. There is a significant gap between developed and developing countries to reach a consensus on combating climate change especially in the areas of capacity building, finance, equity, technology transfer, mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage. Hence, there is a need of establishing this Paris agreement where differentiation in equity and responsibility are considered in these areas.
Here are some interesting statements made by several Heads of State that I have jotted down:-
Deep condolences to Paris. 50% of our countries are covered by forest. However we are deforesting the tropics. Because of hurricane, we lost 25% of our GDP we also lost 7,000 human lives. Today, El Nino and El Nina show that Climate Change is not an environmental issues but also a hard economic migration. Climate Change is a life and death issue. Due to droughts, we lost many pine forests that bring plague and emergency food aid to 275,000 people who experienced the effect of Climate Change.
“The figures don’t add up. Do you think we are equally responsible? We are not. As far the causes and effects are our concern, we are not equally responsible. It is not clearly defined.”
Our commitment as Honduras is this, we will still reduce our emissions by 50%. In the course of two years our Renewable Energy should increase from 30% to 55%. We want to reduce household wood consumption.
We appeal to the country’s and corporates that emit the most CO2: How much money do you need to satisfy your greed? Enough is enough, Honduras has suffered from your doing.
We need to look into [REDD+] and [Warsaw Loss and Damage] mechanism aspects. We need to implement CBDR and support adaptation. All these must be legally binding. Global temperature should NOT increase more than 1.5 degree celsius. There is no Earth B. We need to ACT NOW.
Switzerland is also directly affected by climate change. Climate change pose a significant threat to Switzerland. We need to limit the increase of global temperature below 2ºC and boost all countries resilient against Climate Change. Paris provides us the opportunity to produce global climate agreement. agreement that requires to be equal, having common rules that will reunite all nations moving towards low carbon societies.
Switzerland supports INDC and 5 years cycle. Climate finance, it is essential. Support countries in need is crucial. We must provide supports to countries who need it. Switzerland announce our intend to reduce 50% of greenhouse emissions based on 1999 by 2030 with the help of international mechanism and standard.
Furthermore, Switzerland more than tripled its public climate finance between 2009 and 2014, and remains committed to mobilising its fair share of the targeted USD 100 billion per year by 2020. Switzerland believes that support for adaptation is important, particularly in the most vulnerable countries. Therefore we have allocated over 50 percent of our climate finance to adaptation.
Switzerland will formalise its entire pledge of USD 100 million to the Green Climate Fund by the end of January 2016 at the latest, and has already made its first contribution. We strongly urge other Parties to do the same. Support for the countries most in need is crucial. Therefore, Switzerland will also increase its annual contribution to the Least Developed Countries Fund by 75 percent and provide USD 6.25 million by 2018.
The UN are firmly to tackle global issues in global angle. We need to tackle all together. Andorra is a small country. We understand we need to think globally and act locally. Andorra income comes from Eco-Tourism, from snow and all. Climate Change causes less rainfall and more melting ice.
We are now focusing on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Our schools are relying on solar and hydraulic energy which encompasses 10% of our GDP. The government is committed itself to its mobility program, adoption of electric vehicles. Now (as of 2015), 50% of our cars are electric cars. We plan to reduce our carbon emissions by 37% by 2030.
Andorra is a small country, therefore, we as a small country, we have limited capacity. Andorra wants to be part of Climate Change solution.
“To conclude, if in Paris, we postpone solution, it will be too late. Paris is today, the world is looking to us and the future generation is expecting more of us. We cannot disappoint them”
Climate change just like terrorism knows no border. Algeria been facing terrorism for many years. Climate Change is one of the causes of cross-border crime. During our time in Durban at South Africa, we agreed at Paris we will adopt binding agreement on Climate Change, keeping global temperature below its dangerous margin.
There is no plan B. We have no planet B. Algeria is anxious. Once again, reiterate its determination, to ensure international agreement rooted in fairness today and future, Algeria submitted INDC which reflects their commitment, energy transition based on clean energy including Renewable Energy. Algeria, which has considerable Renewable Energy stocks via development over the last few years, it is also future focused decision, well thought industrial plan. Algeria look forward to work with you to mitigate and adapt Climate Change. Let us make sure here in Paris, we adopt the necessary decision to put an end to this planetary disaster.
One day receives rain of 14 years. We have experience highest temperature ever. We have low emissions already. Climate change is not an environmental problem but a social issue and perhaps is the political issues that will gather us to work together for the next few years. We recognize Climate Change is a global issues. We have lengthy coastal that require protection in order to protect largest marine in the world. We also actively invite you to come over and support conservation of marine. We look forward to ambitious, differentiated, transparent and complete binding agreement at Paris COP21.
Christine Figueres: Paris is the city of light. Paris is the beacon of hope to the world, lighting its way to better humanity.
Before the commencement of the Leader’s event. Christine Figueres, executive secretary of UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) presented a short speech saying “at Paris, we must capable of standing in solidarity as the eyes of the world are on us. Not figuratively but literally. We must come together in combating climate change and to support developing world in poverty eradication, capture the problem with agreeable milestones and predictable outcomes.” She further highlighted Paris as the city of light. Positively she believes Paris is the beacon of hope to the world, lighting its way to better humanity.
It is my first time at COP but I believe this year would be different. I hope to be able to be part of this golden moment to witness the adoption of Paris Agreement that is workable for both developed and developing countries.
While I was in Paris for COP21 I had the opportunity to speak at the 4th International Eco-Schools Conference (IESC). It was held in Shah Alam, Malaysia. We had to do it online via Google Hangouts Video Conferencing. I was planning to do it from the conference area but the internet connection at COP21 was really bad at that time so I decided to head home for a more stable connection.
The whole time I was heading home I felt nervous. I’ve never given a talk to people on this scale and it’s not like I’m just talking about myself or anything, I’m going to be giving my opinion on climate change and what exactly the whole COP process is. To take my opinion and ask me for facts on issues like this, it really blew my ego sky high (laughter), made me feel all important. Thanks to Adrian Yeo, fellow Malaysian @ COP21, who was also in this session, I had my ego bubble popped by the way he presented which completely showed the difference in our experience. It was my first time and I’d really enjoyed it.
Our styles of explanation and delivery were so different. I was too spontaneous and random in my thoughts and explanations whereas Adrian had a more organized and calm approach. I feel I need to learn to do this better to help prevent any miscommunication as well as to help ensure the message is delivered in the best possible manner. Maybe what I need is just more practice, who knows with all the numerous events and media moments MYD has, maybe I’ll get better if I keep these self improvement goals in mind.
While doing the interview, I felt something wonderful – all these students who are passionate about the environment so eagerly asking me questions. The passion from these young people really made me feel hopeful, it brought joy to my heart seeing that there are so many students that know about these environmental issues and want to do something about it.
When I was in school I never had this support, I was always alone in my passion for the environment. Moving forward, I want to be someone these students can look up to, someone that can help shape and guide the generation of tomorrow. Someone I needed when I was younger to show me the way. But to do that, I have to continue developing myself and doing good work wherever and however I can.
Thanks again WWF Malaysia for including me in this awesome experience .
Loads of surprises for the Malaysian Youth Delegation (MYD) on the first day upon our arrival in Paris. First it was Jolene’s luggage being late, then Adrian’s uninformed occurrence, following by the good news of getting pink badges (accreditation to enter the COP21 venue, registered under our national government)!
photo credit: Rappler
Let me introduce you about the badges in UNFCCC. To enter the COP venue, you need to have accreditation, and the badge is the prove of your accreditation. This is to control the nuimber of people accessing to the venue. There are actually several types of badge representing different identities:
Pink (National Delegate)
Yellow (Civil Society Organisation)
Red (Head of Delegation)
Green (Observer State)
Blue (UN Agency Observer)
Initially MYD only managed to secure a yellow badge for second week, we were lucky to get 2 full yellow badges and 4 more full pink badges as the COP21 commence. Initially we did not realize the difference, or rather, pros and cons, of the pink and yellow badges, until the COP21 official starts. We found out that the pink and yellow badges combination works the best.
“What’s the difference of pink and yellow badge?” ”How do you feel to have a pink badge?” These are the questions that all the youth delegations that we met have raised.
As a “Party Overflow” (Under National Delegation, but sort of secondary) pink badge holder, I have been following the negotiation since the day that the Ad Hoc Working Group on Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP) opened. I’m very grateful of having such amiable Head of Delegation who are very willing to share his knowledge with us. I’ve got the chance to follow him to almost all the meetings, including closed meetings, on the first few days. With all the sharing and debrief from Dr. Gary, we managed to have a clearer picture about the negotiation.
It was funny how the pink badge holders “trapped” themselves in the conference rooms for most of the time. We felt obligated to do so because we have the privilege to access to the live negotiations while many civil society members cannot. Anyway, the team worked together and get involved in action and negotiation tracking which I am really happy to see!
ADP spin-off group on technology development and transfer (Article 7), and related decision paragraphs
There were some special badges too. How special? If you manage to get that badge, you will be able to stand just 1 meter away from Obama, Xi Jin Ping and Putin! Those badges are very limited and usually will be distributed by the Secretariat to the observer constituencies like YOUNGO, ENGO, RINGO accordingly, and the constituencies will give them out to the selected members. These special badges usually will be used when there are significant meetings that involve high level segment like the Head of States or Ministers.
Lastly, I would like to thank the Minister of Natural Resource and Environment, YB Datuk Dr. Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar for granting us the “Party Overflow” badges that allowed us to have such awesome and eye-opening experience!
First time attending an United Nation Conference, first time standing in Europe, first time meeting the Malaysian Conference of Parties (COP) Delegation, first time joining a large scale of climate civil disobedience. So many more new experiences that make my 19 days in Paris an unforgettable journey. I would like to share my first COP experience with 4 things that I have learnt/gained:
The difference between rich and poor countries
I was flabbergasted when I heard about how much the allowance that the youth from an American NGO get while some Global South scholarship recipients are still starving during COP21 because they did not get their stipend on time. It is sad to hear that the gap between the developed countries and developing countries are not only present on the negotiation table, but also at the youth level. Many of the Global North youths are so privileged that they do not understand the struggle of the Global South youths to even fly to Paris.
Negotiator’s life is not easier
I thought being a good negotiator is lucky because he/she can travel to overseas attending UNFCCC meetings. After tracking the Malaysia’s Head of Delegation and observing the negotiations for 2 weeks, I comprehended that being a true hero is not easy. Besides being knowledgeable and diplomatic, our national delegates need to be good at preparing food (tight budget), good at writing an intervention (to create impact), patient enough to explain the situation to high-level officers and amateur like me and on top of everything, have high resistance against starvation and lack of sleep (meeting from 9am to 12am is normal). Please give a round of applause to our national delegates!
MYD huddle to get a debrief from Malaysian Negotiator after a midnight session
UNFCCC COP processes is NOT that difficult
I was lucky to be able to witness the negotiation process and to engage with our national delegates. From being confused about simple things (like the difference between spin-off groups, informal-informals and contact groups) to being able to understand the text and negotiations, I have learnt so much more about the process of producing an universal agreement especially from the people in COP21. The main reason is that I am forced to do research and find ways to understand new things that I am not familiar with. If I do not do so, it will be very hard for me to catch up and be on the same track with the others. Next, talking to different people and getting to know different perspectives and views on a single topic is much more interesting than a boring thousand-word article.
How different is the atmosphere in and out of COP21 venue
I thought the Parc des Expositions (COP21 venue) was considered pretty lively as people were bustling, many colourful animals decorations were set up and a lot of big actions/movements by the civil society members in it. However, this impression was totally changed when I visited the Climate Action Zone and the Climate Generation Zone. Both of these zones do not require accreditation to enter, it is therefore packed with people from NGO and are passionate about climate movement. Both are energetic and motivating. I then labelled the Parc des Expositions, the venue for COP21, as solemn, formal and boring.
