Break it Down Now: What Happened on Day 1? 

(linked from: http://ylcjlcclimate.wordpress.com/2010/11/30/break-it-down-now-what-happened-on-day-1) 

Helllloo Cancun!

We have arrived on the ground in Cancun bright eyed and ready to go, and have now spent the first day at the convention centre for COP16. We’ve begun preparations for our booth that we will be running for the International Federation of Liberal Youth. This year, as I’ve been told is a bit different than last year’s set up since the centre where the booths are located is separate from  where the main discussion session are held – the main discussions are called plenary sessions.

I was able to watch two plenary sessions yesterday where major leaders met to discuss further commitments for developing countries under the Kyoto Protocol. Here are my first impressions:

First impressions

-          leaders gave opening remarks, commented on the outcomes they wish to see out of this meeting at Cancun

-          majority of countries that spoke were developing countries or small island states/the least developed countries (the last  two are specific distinctions in the united nations framework convention on climate change)

-          These countries spoke about how they are already feeling the adverse effects of climate change and  urge a legally binding  treaty at the end of Cancun

-          Papa New Guinea spoke on behalf of the Coalition for Rainforest Nations and urged an agreement on REDD saying “it is impossible to delay another year” (referring to next year’s meeting in South Africa)

-          Rainforest countries are looking for an FULL agreement for REDD+ in Cancun

-          Australian represented the “umbrella group” of countries that include Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, Ukraine, US and Kazakhstan (loosely formed group)

-          The EU spoke twice representing their 27 member states

-          Most developed country umbrellas and some developing delayed reaching a legally binding document to next year’s meetings in Durban South Africa

The majority of language used during the first day’s afternoon plenary sessions was about reaching a fair and legally binding agreement and financing for the least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS). These two general goals were to be expected as they continue to be on the table from last year’s meetings in Copenhagen.

I was not expecting Canada to be speaking so it was not shocking that Australia was representing them, but I and the other delegates were pleasantly surprised to see a few people sitting in for Canada. We were not sure who exactly they were, but in one of the plenary sessions there were two gentlemen and the other were three women (assume they are high level public servants).

Overall it was an interesting first day for me who has never been to a UNFCCC conference in the past. I hope to see some concrete discussions take place over the next 11 days. Over and out!

Julia Hawthornthwaite, IFLRY and YLC Climate Change Conference Delegate 2010