Going green and going local

Municipal utilities as a driver for change – Urban Planning

Projects in urban planning can touch on issues regarding the use of land, waste management systems, public transport, water management, energy supply and more. When I hear about most of these topics and compare the conditions in Stuttgart, Germany, with other cities, I realize that we are complaining on a high level. Before I go any further into issues of urban planning in Stuttgart, I will give you some background statistics about the city.

– Inhabitants: 600.000

– Size: 207km²

– PPP: 52.200

– CO2 emission per inhabitant: 4,9t

– Municipal waste generated (1000t): 317

– Cars (2012): 277.606

– Environmental protection investments (2011): 133.785.000 EUR

As one can see, the amount of money spend for environmental protection investments is remarkably high. Unlike other cities there are different technical and political approaches made towards sustainable growth.

Just to give you some examples, I can say that the public transport is reasonable in Stuttgart – as well as in most German cities. Furthermore, buildings are now rated by so called “Energy Performance Certificates” and there are low emissions zones established throughout Germany, in order to lower the high levels of pollution in the air.  Of course one can always make some improvements, but when it comes to many of those issues, the situation in my country is quite satisfying. One of the reasons why we are pioneers in some of these matters is the fact, that many utilities are organized on a local level, in so called municipal utilities (German: “Stadtwerke”). Those municipal utilities can offer a wide range of services such as supply and disposal, e.g. energy supply, water- and waste management, basic infrastructure and services or public transport. In today’s blog I will focus on how the municipal utilities can make a contribution to the energy transition, since this can still be seen as one of the most important concerns everywhere in the world.

Energy Transition in Germany

As related to the European “Energy Roadmap 2050”, and among only few other countries, Germany has formulated long-term programmes in order to perform the shift away from nuclear power and fossil fuels. The Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) 2012 aims to increase the share of renewable energy sources in electricity supply to 35 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. One main reason why the energy transition is on a good path, is the establishment of the municipal utilities which provide and manage the energy market on a local level.

The different municipal utilities vary in their size and the services provided as well as in the form of ownership. However, around 60 percent of them are involved in renewable energy. You may ask yourself what are the key factors of success? Municipal utilities can promote renewable energies as well as energy efficiency, because cities and municipalities are provided with an increased scope for action. Furthermore they generate employment and strengthen the economy, but they also take the opinion of the communities into consideration. Therefore the commitment for innovative change is higher. Due to the higher commitment of the people to their local utilities, services can be provided tailor-made, according to the needs and circumstances. If the CO2 emissions are lowered, not only environmental goals are met, but one can also see the economic success. Since people and small businesses gain trust in the municipal utilities, they are also more willing to invest into renewable energy themselves, as you can see in the following video.

Smart Heating

Municipal utilities can also generate innovative ideas in terms of energy saving, as an example of the employees from the municipal utilities in Stuttgart shows. AlpaEOS, the developer of an intelligent heating control systems, designed a software which allows the employees to adjust a certain room temperature for each day. The software then calculates factors such as solar radiation, humidity or the state of the building and then takes over the control of the radiators. This system is not only comfortable and results in energy efficiency, but one can also achieve heating cost savings up to 40%.

Municipal Utilities as the answer to Urban Planning?

One should consider that municipal utilities can also have some initial difficulties. Since this is what happened in Stuttgart, the City seeks a cooperation with the Monopoly of Baden-Württemberg (ENBW) in order to transfer knowledge and minimize risks.

I think the idea of going local and going green can help in other issues regarding urban planning as well, because it leads to a greater commitment of the community and promotes innovative ideas. However, one needs to take into consideration that the energy transition has been feasible in Germany, because the country has invested into renewable energies for a long time. Furthermore, politicians as well as citizens demand and support the change. So the municipal utilities should not be seen as the only factor of success.

Yet one also needs to take into consideration, that the challenges we face today are not the challenges of a single city or a single country. As the example I have given you shows, going local can help by making changes in a certain area or country. However, at the end we need to share resources and this kind of local knowledge to try and adapt best practices in other cities and countries, in order to support a sustainable urban planning.

Main sources:

German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (2013) “Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) 2012”, http://www.erneuerbare-energien.de/en/topics/acts-and-ordinances/renewable-energy-sources-act/eeg-2012/?cHash=816f8cc23fe06c8f81ed0897140ba585

Stadtwerke Stuttgart (2013), „Mitarbeiter im Stadtwerke-Kundencenter setzen auf intelligente Heizungssteuerung, http://stadtwerke-stuttgart.de/aktuelles/news/2013/nov/26/mitarbeiter-im-kundencenter-setzen-auf-intelligent/

Wuppertal Institut für Klima, Umwelt, Energie GmbH (2013), „Gründung von Stadtwerken als Motor einer Neuausrichtung der Energieversorgung“, http://wupperinst.org/info/details/wi/a/s/ad/2346

Energy Transition, the German Energiewende, http://energytransition.de/

Comments Off on Going green and going local / 13 Dec 2013 por claravalentinakupper
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Sustainable Urban Planning and Rural Development. Colmenar Viejo : Traffic Congestion Problem

Colmenar Viejo is a town situated 30km north of Madrid. It is a perfect of example of modernisation as it has switched from a traditional mining and cattle raising economy into a commerce and service based economy. Its current population is more than 46.000. This figure is more than double than what it was in 1981. So in a lifespan of only 30 years the total population has doubled, having economic and ecological implications.

(Source: INE – Instituto Nacional de Estadística)

As seen in the above graph, the population of colmenar has exponentially grown in the past century, particularly after the 1970’s. This has lead to huge advances in economic activity and infrastructure. An example of a development in transport infrastructure is the re-opening of the train station in 2002. Facilitating transport communications between Colmenar and the capital Madrid explains the increase of residents from 34 thousand in 2001 to 46 thousand as of 2012. However, this growth has lead to problems, like the rise in traffic congestion particulalry at morning ‘rush hours’, increasing noise and air pollution. The town has left its quiet and peacefull reputation and turned into a developed and noisy area.

Why is there congestion problems and what can be done to solve this issue?

To start with, it is worth mentioning the fact that Colmenar has a solid public transport system, consisting of several urban and intercity buses and constant trains departing to Madrid. The problem seems to be in the exit roads, where all cars seem to agglomerate at the same time every morning. According to RACC (Real Automóvil club de Catalunya), a recognised club known for road assistance services, the biggest congestion in the roads of Colmenar towards Madrid (M-607) is between 07:30 to 09:00 am. By the time the road reaches the next town, Tres Cantos, the fluidity of traffic comes back to normal. So it is clear that the issue resides at the exits.

(Source: RACC)

The above graph shows the intensity of vehicles every 30 minutes. The purple line, representing the M-607 (lane from Colmenar to Madrid) shows that in between the morning rush hours there is a huge increase in the number of vehicles, increasing from 400 cars at 07:00 to 1400 at 07:45 a.m.

Between 2002 and 2005 there has been an annual traffic increase of 4,4% in the access lanes to Madrid. This suggests that certain policy reforms must be undertaken to deal with the issue. Several proposals have been made by different organisations in order to deal with congestions coming from neighbouring towns of Madrid. RACC suggested short-term proposals like fomenting public transport and improvement of infrasctructure. However, the most promising proyect was the ‘Bus Lane Vao’, currently waiting to be exectued due to austerity measures. This proyect consisted on two main alternatives:

– Alternative A. Reduce the width of lanes and shoulders (arcenes)

Increasing road capacity. Beneficial in ‘rush hours’ as it will help traffic fluidity. However, it will imply a reduction in velocity as cars would be more close together (affecting road security) due to the narrowness of shoulders.

– Alternative B. Reduce from 3 to 2 the normal lanes

Transforming one of the lanes into bus-vao lane in ‘rush hour’ , while leaving it normal the rest of the day. The problem with this measure is that it is hard for people to understand and accept as it hard to conceive one lane less specially at that time in the morning.

 

Colmenar urban problem resides in the size of its roads, which cannot satisfy the needs of its citizens at a certain time in the day. Unlike the American model, where roads are huge as growth in towns was expected, Colmenar cannot afford to invest to extend its roads. This would imply a huge investment which is not affordable considering the economic crisis, and it would only bring the problem of noise and air pollution closer to its inhabitants. From what it is suggested, it seems that the solution resides in the use of public transport and Slugging:

– Slugging. A form of carpooling, but more organized. People going to the same destination can share a car and take advantage of HOV lanes. According to RACC, higher occupation of private vehicles is the best solution to congestion problems.

– Public Transport. Promoting the use of buses and specially the train can help. The issue with Colmenar train station is that it is situated in the outskirst of the town, making it unaccessible for most people. A strategy could be to promote the use of bycicles to get to the station.

In order to fulfill these last two suggestions, community involvement is a must. The best way to promote Slugging and public transport (and the use of bycicle to get to train station) is for the town council to raise awareness through campaigns. Considering the citizens willingness to change the situation ,it is understandable that campaigns promoting the use of bycicles and car sharing will be well received, plus it is more cost efficient than expensive changes in infrastructure. With these two methods, the town can solve both congestion and environmental problems.

Sources:

– http://ecomovilidad.net/madrid/propuesta-carriles-bus-vao-de-bajo-coste

– http://www.econduccion.es/es/el-racc-propone-10-soluciones-para-la-congestion-en-los-accesos-madrid

– http://imagenes.racc.es/pub/ficheros/adjuntos/adjuntos_estudio_congestion_webb_jzq_9adadbd7.pdf

– http://www.colmenarviejo.com/

– http://www.ine.es/

Comments Off on Sustainable Urban Planning and Rural Development. Colmenar Viejo : Traffic Congestion Problem / 13 Dec 2013 por alvarohernandez
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Where the Streets Have No Name…

Pan American Games as an incentive for Urban Planning in Costa Rica

To some, this title may just be the name of a U2 song, to others it is a reality. Far from being a quiet village, San José, the capital of Costa Rica, with an urban population of 1,543,000[1] is mapped out by streets with no names.  Though Costa Rica’s residents have devised a system for giving directions, this matter creates several internal issues and, more prominently, causes problems for over 2 million tourists which enter Costa Rica each year[2].

Having evaluated the social costs of lacking street signs, the government began addressing this matter some decades back, but progress has been slow to say the least. In this context, we could only hope that a large sporting event such as the Pan American Games could offer a window of opportunity for real advancement.

If San José were to host the Pan American games, incoming tourists would most probably be prepared for crowded Latin American public transport systems and smaller stadiums, but would not anticipate an unlabeled labyrinth. For this reason street names would be the most important issue on the agenda, especially given that “the total contribution of travel & tourism to GDP was CRC 2,512.7bn (12.3% of GDP) in 2011”[3] according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. With such a great influx of tourism, Costa Rica has gained an international reputation and would most likely attract many visitors to the Pan American Games. Each of these tourists would then be required to pay $29 as a departure tax at the airport, which could be used to offset the costs of the street naming policy.

This policy would in turn benefit each of the visitors by allowing them easier access to San José’s attractions. According to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme in ‘Planning and Design for Sustainable Urban Mobility’, “the purpose of ‘transportation’ and ‘mobility’ is to gain access to destinations, activities, services and goods”[4], so anything that impedes this in not beneficial. By ensuring that all streets are labelled, we could make directions easier to understand and greatly facilitate this access.

After all, how would you feel as a tourist in an unknown city, if you were told your location was ‘200 metres North of ICE and 600 metres East’? This system may work for someone who knows the city and knows what and where the ‘ICE’ is, but certainly not for a tourist. Additionally, since 100 metres is equated with one block, the place you are searching for is 8 blocks away from the ICE, regardless of the actual length of the blocks.

 

 

Confusing? Well, now imagine working for the post office and having to deal with such logistic obstacles on a daily basis. In 2008, the Inter-American Development bank estimated that Costa Rica loses $720 million each year as a result of lost or returned mail. This represents an opportunity cost in terms of other public expenditure activities, but doesn’t even reflect the environmental costs which may arise from this matter.

The federal transportation policy director at the Natural Resources Defense Council argues that the build-up of greenhouse gas emissions is closely related to vehicle miles and argues for ‘sustainable parking measures’ in order to reduce driving times[5]. Though this scheme has been beneficial in many European cities, a much simpler solution for San José would be putting up street signs to reduce the amount of time spent searching for a destination. In this manner, both tourists and locals could save time, frustration, carbon emissions and even petrol, the only question is how readily would they participate?

After decades of inertia, in September 2012, the Costa Rican government unveiled its plan to post street names in San José, using funding from two different banks. This momentous occasion, however, must be taken with a pinch of salt. In 2007, the city had seemingly made progress by implementing postal codes, but these are rarely used and few residents are even aware of theirs. Moreover, Costa Ricans have already voiced their reluctance to use street names and taxi driver Manuel Perez argued that he would still need a point of reference in order to find an address [6] Hence, it is clear that even if the government makes the infrastructural changes needed, the public will have to change their mind set before any real results are attained.

Effective results, however, could not only benefit Costa Rica, but also its neighbouring country, Nicaragua. According to Manuel Estrada Borge, vice president of the Nicaraguan Chamber of Commerce, Managua has “an amusing little system that no one from anywhere else can understand”, similar to San José’s local reference points. In addition to subjective mapping, Managuan residents give directions using the term ‘down’ to indicate west (since this is where the sun goes down) and ‘to the lake’ to indicate north.

Evidently, this system is far from practical and creates similar problems to those in San José. Given its history, Nicaragua attracts far fewer tourists than Costa Rica, so this policy could improve the country’s economy by effectively putting Managua on the map.

What remains to be seen is the willingness of Nicaraguans and Costa Ricans to change their lifestyles, so as to give tourists the opportunity to explore their cities and postal workers to find their homes. We can only hope that San José continues moving in this direction and that if Costa Rica ever hosts the Pan American Games, visitors won’t have to search for the local McDonalds in order to find the sports field.

 

Comments Off on Where the Streets Have No Name… / 12 Dec 2013 por anabeatriceacuna
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CHANGE FOR GOOD

The bitter taste that left us the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – Warsaw, kept us all asking ourselves if we will be able to achieve the objectives of 2015 or if we will ever get to achieve them.

As the Kyoto protocol says, there are three different mechanisms to place climate change and greenhouse effects:

1. International Emissions Trading
2. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
3. Joint Implementation (JI)

All of this mechanisms are ruled by the cost-effective way. Is it really working?

What about taking a risk, widen the horizons and try with the multi-criteria analysis? We have being struggling for years with the climate change, we know that all the countries have to take part of this decision, doesn’t matter if they are rich or poor, big or small, they count.

“It is not possible to solve climate change with one meeting, with one COP, with one negotiation. It is imperative that every single one of this climate talkers, which I want to hear, gives a very firm step forward in the right direction…” said Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

There were some mechanisms that pop out in the conference like the Warsaw international mechanism for loss and damage associated with climate change impacts. Is better to prevent that lo lament. In a few words, we cannot stay waiting for the disaster to come, we have to be prepare.

“We have seen essential progress. But let us again be clear that we are witnessing ever more frequent, extreme weather events, and the poor and vulnerable are already paying the price,” said Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

We all know that preventing disasters costs in monetary costs and in human costs much less. So why don’t we all think together as a same world? Why don’t we come up with different ideas that can be applicable to all different countries?

We can highlight a very interesting way of finding funds, like The Adaptation Fund. It offers an inspiring example of efficient and entrepreneurial approaches to climate adaptation. It has pioneered an innovative and agile model for climate finance. The Adaptation Fund’s robust and fully‐developed direct access mechanism enables national entities to directly access funds and manage the design and implementation of adaptation projects in their countries. Donors are assured that their funds are spent appropriately, as the Adaptation Fund finances every project in tranches, each one released only when the spending of the previous monies has been accounted for.

Among the inspiring initial results of   the Adaptation Fund’s activities is the mainstreaming of climate policies   it has catalyzed in many countries.

So as we could see, the ultimate objective is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system.

“A groundswell of action is happening at all levels of society. All major players came to COP19 to show not only what they have done but to think what more they can do. Next year is also the time for them to turn ideas into further concrete action,” Ms. Figueres said.

Let’s all gather and work together as one world to reduce the GHG in order to fight against the natural disasters, only by changing little daily things. Climate change is not a myth, it is a reality.

 

Comments Off on CHANGE FOR GOOD / 12 Dec 2013 por Gabriela Pella Fernández
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Warsaw 2013: Controversial results open the debate of UN meetings effectiveness

WARSAW 2013

Controversial results open the debate of UN meetings effectiveness

The UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) has held this year’s climate change conference in Warsaw (Poland) from the 11^th to the 23^rd of November. According to its organisers it has “concluded successfully”. There have been different decisions adopted, including an accord aimed to slow down de-forestation. Despite its apparent achievements, there are many skeptics that argue that these meetings are not tackling the real problem of climate change. A reflection of this is the walk out of several NGO’s during the last day of the meetings (Green Peace International, Oxfam, WWF and Friends of the earth amongst them). Why have they adopted this position if according to the UNFCCC it has been a successful conference?

The results of the COP19 have been controversial to the eyes of civil society. According to Annie Petsonk, International counsel for the Environmental Defense Fund, nations “are headed toward a C to C-minus for the overall effort”. It seems that the general perception is that these meetings don’t achieve results. Despite this, it is unfair not to mention that there have been agreements like the International Law for loss and damage, aimed at helping countries from the impact of “extreme weather events”. Another keystone of the conference has been the Deforestation Plan. It provides economic incentives for countries to reduce the emissions that come from deforestation. Countries like the U.S, Britain and Norway have collectively pledged $280 million towards the effort. So it is visible that small changes have been made, and from a realistic point of view, it is very hard for representatives of nations to agree on global policies considering their different economic and cultural backgrounds. A perfect example of economic interests affecting the development of environmental policies is the Kyoto Protocol. In this case, the most pollutant country at the time of its creation (the U.S) rejected to ratify as it “would seriously harm the economy”, arguing that it did not require developing nations like China or India to reduce their emissions.

The COP19 is considered to be an agreement to succeed the Protocol, which expires in 2020, so it is understandable why many civil society organisations are skeptic. These groups described the conference as a “farce” and in a joint statement they stated: “we are now focusing on mobilizing people to push our governments to take leadership for serious climate action”. They suggest the best way to deal environmental problems is by changing the current energy and food systems, rather than minimal policies like the ones suggested at the UNFCCC meetings. This requires radical changes in the current economic system, so a conflict between civil society and governments and industry is likely to arise if climate change is to be tackled in a realistic manner. From what the UNFCCC has to offer, it is visible that there are two potential channels for environmental improvement: environmental activism and international governance (Buttel, 2003). International governance governs the issue in accordance with the current political-economic chessboard, while environmental activism seems more promising as it aims to redefine the chessboard.

The Warsaw climate conference has been a success to some and a “mockery” for others. Some positive policies have been agreed, however much more effort is needed. The only clear conclusion is that there is a disconnection between civil society and international regulatory bodies. The future of sustainability and climate change relies in the result of the conflict between these two positions.

Comments Off on Warsaw 2013: Controversial results open the debate of UN meetings effectiveness / 11 Dec 2013 por alvarohernandez
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CLIMATE CHANGE:VICTIMISATION OF A GENERATION BY ANOTHER

The gravity of a problem starts being noticeable when even enemies get together in order to put an end to it. Climate change is a natural fact that is becoming more dangerous by the day, threatening the well being and safety of human life in general, apart from their religion, nationalities and culture. Therefore, its negative impact doesn’t differentiate between developed and developing countries; when it comes to risks, all countries are on the same boat, a realistic fact that led to the creation of the First World Climate Conference (WCC) in 1979.

Thirty four years have passed since this conference took place as an international acknowledgement of the global impact of climate change, a stepping stone in a long battle that produced a considerable number of negotiations leading to The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Warsaw on November 2013.

The logo of the UNFCCC translates perfectly the message to be spread, regarding the responsibility on an individual level. Whereas the green circle represents the “responsible” individual willing to raise awareness amongst other members of its community on the importance of adopting environmental-friendly behaviours, that can lead to a decrease in the negative impact of climate change.

In other words, climate change should become everybody’s business, everyone is responsible from the public sector, to companies, civil society, and even consumers that nowadays have the choice to make a responsible choice, by evolving into a conscious consumer.

The aim of this Convention is to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases; the main environmental pollutant due to industrial interference conducted by humans. As a result of that, controlling the CO2 emission will help reduce the fast development of climate change and its damaging impact by limiting the effect of climatic extremes.

Deforestation that is contributing at 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions each year, was one of the concerns discussed at the conference due to the importance of forests as regulators of the amount of carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. As a tentative solution to this problem, the “ Warsaw Framework for REDD+” created a fund as a significant contribution to forest preservation in developing countries. As a second step in the support system offered to developing countries, the “Warsaw international mechanism for loss and damage” was created in order to support developing countries in their struggle against Climate change like the Philippines and Vietnam, in desperate need for urgent action.

This support to developing countries was translated through a series of adaptation programs implemented on a national level in order to enhance the level of well-thought decisions leading to measurable results. Results that can portray the intensity of the impact on the environment, making the prevention and adaptation process more of a tailored response to the problem, rather than a random and spontaneous reaction. Therefore one of the goals on the action plan was the setting of the markets for the emission trading system that consists on putting a price on carbon emissions. These emissions are rising worldwide and with them world temperature, causing the negative effect of global warming.

The concept consists on the big polluters paying more, to get an allowance to pollute from countries having a smaller carbon footprint. Some would argue that taxation and simple regulation obtained through efficient public policies would serve as an incentive for decreasing carbon emissions, because the bargaining approach cannot be used to address the problem of pollution. It is a challenge that should be seen through a wider scope using the multi-criteria analysis that considers all the general factors, in opposition to the environmental valuation that by fixing a price on nature, fails to reflect the real value of it.

The UNFCCC Conference closed on a positive note, inviting all the countries to comply to this international commitment, as a guarantee for its success.

Given that these climate talks were a step forward towards the new climate agreement scheduled to take place in Lima and Paris in 2014-2015, governments have to prepare a draft text for their vision of a new universal climate change.

“Some things can’t wait”, this say serves as a reminder that time is our enemy when it comes to climate change, therefore prioritising is a must when the issue we are trying to solve concerns our existence.

 

Sources:

• http://climateadaptation.tumblr.com/post/47503707371/first-world-climate-conference-was-held-in-1979

• http://www.kyotoprotocol.com/

• http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/nov/20/forests-un-climate-talks-warsaw

• http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cmb-faq/greenhouse-gases.php

 

Comments Off on CLIMATE CHANGE:VICTIMISATION OF A GENERATION BY ANOTHER / 11 Dec 2013 por rimaelkhoury
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Change for good at The Warsaw Climate Change Conference

The United Nations Climate Change Conferences are performed each year and are part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It is the formal meeting of the UNFCCC Parties in which they evaluate progress in dealing with climate change, and since 1990 it is also the scenario to negotiate the Kyoto Protocol.

The Warsaw Climate Change Conference of 2013 took place from the 11 to 23 of November in Poland. It included the 19^th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 19) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as well as the 9^th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP 9).[1]

Furthermore, this event also held forums, workshops and showcases in which specific topics were developed, environmental projects exposed and initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions all around the world were shared, far from the debate and decision making that happens in the other meetings of the Conference.

Although meetings between countries are important and decisions, covenants and agreements about the best way to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere is the first objective of this conference, I believe these other activities have special value because of the ideas on environmental innovations and projects that are exposed. All these projects clearly show the awareness of civil society organizations for the environmental concerns around the world.

A great example is the platform of Momentum for Change, launched by the UNFCCC at COP 17/CMP 7 in Durban in December 2011. The UNFCCC objective was to build momentum for developing climate management by enhancing the visibility of successful projects that measurably improve the quality of life for the benefited people. In addition, there are so-called ‘Lighthouse Projects’ that have the potential to be replicable and taken to a greater scale. “These ‘Lighthouse Projects’ are beacons of opportunity, pointing the direction towards fulfilling the objectives of the Convention”.[2]

In my opinion, this above-mentioned initiative is the best opportunity to address ideas for climate change that may be lost amongst the challenges of limited capacity, resources and political will of each country involved. It is the perfect way of balancing the conversations, meetings and tough decisions that take place in the UNFCCC with new inspiring ideas that remind us that although climate change is a real and urgent problem, there are also organizations and people all around the world that are doing something to improve this reality.

 

“(…) Highlighting and enhancing the positive  developments in the field of climate change mitigation and adaptation, will increase innovation, motivation, hope, passion and capacity for further change.”[3]

 

 

A great example of Momentum for Change in the finance for climate friendly investment set is the project Eco-Casa, which promotes low carbon housing in México. Rapidly expanding cities in Mexico are bringing with them increased energy demand and inefficient transport patterns. Mexico’s residential sector currently accounts for about 16 per cent of total energy use and 26 per cent of total electricity use, but sustainable housing requires investment. This activity is helping Mexico tackle climate change by unlocking financing to build low-carbon housing and increasing the amount of mortgages for low-carbon housing.[4]

The project is based in the fact that a badly designed home deteriorates the quality of life of its inhabitants and may generate an additional expense of 1,000 KWh per year, representing about a 600 kg of CO² emission into the atmosphere each year. The Eco-Casa project helped build 27,600 houses and 1,700 others funded in seven years, achieving reduced energy expenditure in Mexico.

Eco-Casa is an example of how can projects cannot only enable a global shift to environmental progress, but also gives sustainable growth. This project is also an economic strategy in which a whole community benefits from money savings while climate-friendly development is created. These kind of examples shows us that it can been done more than just agreements, we can begin acting and changing reality.

All in all, UNFCCC is a framework that bonds key performers for global change, innovations and projects that establishes satisfactory solutions to improve quality life in the world and resolutions for environmental and climate change. As Momentum for Change initiative states, is change for good.

 

 

Comments Off on Change for good at The Warsaw Climate Change Conference / 11 Dec 2013 por anamariarocha
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RICH TASK

United Nations Framework Convention in Climate Change

 

Rich countries need to reduce their carbon emissions by 10% every single year to stay beneath 2C of warming – the upper limit for what scientists have deemed acceptable for mankind – according to Kevin Anderson from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.

It is the beginning of one article₍₁₎ about the climate change from the Warsaw Climate Change Convention 2013, it attracted
me with the idea of the CO2 reduction but only by the richest countries, and after I made a research when Isaw that also these countries are the mains producers of CO2 on the world.

Comments Off on RICH TASK / 11 Dec 2013 por marioescamilla
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The Warsaw Climate Change Convention

The Warsaw Climate Change Convention took place the last month in Poland. As any other the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change has been subjected to criticisms as well as to flatters. Nonetheless, it is clear that some kind of progress has been made in regards to some decisions and mechanisms directed to meet the target of lowering the earth´s temperature by 2 ºC.

Parties in the conference established the Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage, and the “Warsaw REDD+ framework”. These two initiatives are directed to cut the emissions mainly from deforestation as well as to adapt to the loss and damages caused by the effects of climate change. It seems that in this COP19 we are seeing a move from mitigation to adaptation measures. Participants of the convention are aware of the difficulties faced to cut emissions and developing countries seem to be paying the price of weather events, as said by Christiana Figueres, the Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Funds mobilization to adaptation measures has also been discussed in the conference where developed countries play the most important role in assisting the developing world. The US, Norway and the UK have been present in this contribution and have shown commitment to fund the new Warsaw REDD+ initiative. The importance of forests in reducing carbon emissions has been of central attention and it has been concluded that deforestation accounts for 20% of the emissions generated by human beings. By making a sustainable use of forests and by giving them the necessary importance as carbon sinks and climate stabilizers, both the developed and the developing world will be benefit.

The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has also been discussed in the convention. It seems that this economic instrument is facing some market problems in the international sphere. The COP19 highlighted the importance of a more participatory approach on part of the parties in regards to this coasian tool. What is more, guidance on this issue was contemplated. The Executive Board was given the task of assisting authorities in managing the benefits derived from CDM activities. Different projects in the developing world under the umbrella of the CDM are taking place and hence the COP19 has requested the evaluation of this tool as a voluntary instrument for the development of such sustainable projects. Ethiopia, for instance, is the first country in Africa receiving forestry carbon credits for CDM activities.

This instrument, with its weaknesses, could be seen as an opportunity for both “worlds” to lower their emissions. The developed countries could counterbalance their emissions through a financial transfer to the developing world while the latter could actually implement projects with this financial flow generating socio-economic benefits for the communities involved. Therefore, advancing on this mechanism could be seen as a path where the preservation of the environment through economic tools can lead us to a better sustainable development of poor countries. Nevertheless, it needs to be taken into account that this mechanism has faced strong criticisms during the convention by leaders of the developing world; as the minister of Ecuador called for political discussion on the lack of demand for emission reductions.

To conclude, it must be said that even though the convention has tackled different initiatives, decisions and tools, it is far from clear whether the implementation of these new arrangements will be feasible. It is undoubtedly a pathway for further agreements in Paris 2015 but it seems that action is urgently needed if we want to ensure that planet earth and its humanity will not suffer from possible devastating effects of climate change.

 

 

 

 

 

Comments Off on The Warsaw Climate Change Convention / 11 Dec 2013 por inescamarero
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“We either all win or lose” – Thoughts on the Warsaw Climate Change Conference

Beforehand the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC), which was held in November 2013 in Warsaw, the conference was not seen as a place where big decisions would be made. Instead it was seen as a negotiation pathway for the next climate conference in 2015 in Paris. Even though some points have been decided by the participating countries and reports have been written, one can see that most of them are only schemes which lack concrete goals and regulations. Due to the reduced ambition from the participators, even civil society groups quit the summit to express their disappointment. For example, many of the participating countries have been calling for a set timetable in order to make clear commitments towards climate change by 2015. However, some of the poorer countries wanted more flexibility. Nevertheless, decisions on further advancing the Durban Platform have been adopted and negotiations regarding regulations and funds in order to tackle CO2 emissions and a sustainable economic growth have been accomplished during the summit. The most important decisions that have been adopted are the so called “Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage” and the “Warsaw REDD+ framework”, as an example of Loss and Damages.

The Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage can be seen as a global pact which aims to cut down CO2 emissions in order to limit global warming to 2 percent. However, no agreements were made on the level of cuts needed or how each country contributes to the cuts. The participating countries are supposed to present their goals in early 2015. Therefore the Loss and Damage Mechanism can, at this point, only be seen as a pathway for the next climate conference. According to the so called Climate Demography Vulnerability Index (CDVI), which was developed by scientists from the McGill University in Montreal, the countries who contributed the least greenhouse gas emissions are the ones who will be most impacted by climate change.  Due to the unavoidable effects of extreme climate, Industrial countries establish a fund worth 100bn Dollar a year in order to help developing countries dealing with the damages caused by climate change. Further projects shall support poor countries to enhance climate protection and a low-carbon economy, including the use of renewable energies.  A transfer of resources, such as technologies and knowledge, is needed to enable low-emission approaches in poorer countries. However, these countries claim that money is one of the most important resources. It needs to be provided by developed countries because they were the ones who had the most important impact on damaging the climate in the past.

One framework which is established as part of the Mechanism on Loss and Damage is the Warsaw REDD+ Framework. Different activities aim to reduce the drivers and emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and to support a sustainable management of forests. The implementation of REDD+ will be an important contributor to emissions reductions. When it came to financing those actions no real decision have been made during the UNFCCC, but a baseline for a series of further meetings has been established. The REDD+ will be financed by industrial countries which will also give technological support. However, the payments will be results-based. Therefore monitoring systems have to provide transparent data and information on this topic. In my opinion this leads to a greater need of transnational cooperation. In order to enhance this framework, incentives should be given to all countries, in order to drive the implementation forward.

All in all one can see, that the climate conference did not take real and binding instruments or decision makings into place. It seems as if the topics lack urgency and more time is spent in negotiating than in taking actions. From my point of view it is not only necessary to react to the most urgent problems, but also to act proactive. Investing in renewable energies and raising awareness about environmental problems should be key elements in every country, so that a real change can be made. There is still a dichotomy of the world in “poor” and “rich” countries, which can prevent them from important decision makings. In my opinion it is important for future negotiations that the countries gain trust and ease tensions in order to work on a collective goal. I believe that legally binding agreements with a clear road map need to be determined. Those need to take all countries into responsibility, depending on their CO2 emission. Different economic tools, such as taxes or a system of cap and trade can make a contribution, but there is no one single solution. However, we also need to stop dumping responsibilities and decision makings on the politicians but rather start to be aware of our personal responsibility. As Christiana Figueres, the UNFCCC Executive Secretary stated, we need to realize that it “is not a game: we either all win or lose”.

 

Main sources:

http://www.iisd.ca/download/pdf/enb12584e.pdf

http://unfccc.int

http://www.redd-monitor.org/2013/12/10/the-warsaw-framework-for-redd-plus-the-decision-on-national-forest-monitoring-systems/

http://cdkn.org/2013/11/cop19-delivers-warsaw-framework-for-redd-action/

Comments Off on “We either all win or lose” – Thoughts on the Warsaw Climate Change Conference / 11 Dec 2013 por claravalentinakupper
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