Category:Heidelberg:DEVE - Revision history

Laurateixeira at 12:34, 11 July 2017

2017-07-11T12:34:41Z

Laurateixeira at 19:24, 5 July 2017

2017-07-05T19:24:56Z

Laurateixeira at 19:18, 5 July 2017

2017-07-05T19:18:54Z

Kerstin at 21:19, 4 July 2017

2017-07-04T21:19:30Z

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2017-06-05T09:20:39Z

Created page with "{{cquote|Climate Justice: Keeping the right to development in mind, how can the EU exercise its moral authority to ensure a global commitment to tackle climate change, whilst..."

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{{cquote|Climate Justice: Keeping the right to development in mind, how can the EU exercise its moral authority to ensure a global commitment to tackle climate change, whilst safeguarding the rights of those affected most by its consequences?}}

[[Category:DEVE]]
[[Category:Heidelberg]]

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 {{cquote|Climate Justice: Keeping the right to development in mind, how can the EU exercise its soft power to ensure a global commitment to tackle climate change, whilst safeguarding the rights of those affected most by its consequences?}}
-In August 2013 floods inundated up to one-fifth of Pakistan and affected an estimated 20 million people.<ref>"5 natural disasters that beg for climate action", retrieved from: https://www.oxfam.org/en/campaigns/5-natural-disasters-beg-climate-action#</ref> In 2014, at least 14 extreme weather events were caused by human-induced climate change, including a deadly snowstorm in Nepal and a heat wave in Argentina that crashed power supplies. <ref>"Half of Weather Disasters Linked to Climate Change", retrieved from: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/11/151105-climate-weather-disasters-drought-storms/</ref> Climate change is affecting the life of millions, thereby threatening basic human rights. Coordinated and efficient International Cooperation are key to minimize human influence on climate, as well as to help developing countries - who are affected the most by climate change - to deal with the economical and social damage. How can the EU contribute to this global cause that calls for international solidarity and cooperation?
+In August 2013 floods inundated up to one-fifth of Pakistan and affected an estimated 20 million people.<ref>"5 natural disasters that beg for climate action", retrieved from: https://www.oxfam.org/en/campaigns/5-natural-disasters-beg-climate-action#</ref> In 2014, at least 14 extreme weather events were caused by human-induced climate change, including a deadly snowstorm in Nepal and a heat wave in Argentina that crashed power supplies. <ref>"Half of Weather Disasters Linked to Climate Change", retrieved from: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/11/151105-climate-weather-disasters-drought-storms/</ref> Climate change is affecting the life of millions, thereby threatening basic human rights. The term climate justice arises as a human-centered approach to climate change, taking into account the human rights violations and damages global warming is causing and will continue to cause. However, climate change action internationally is moving too slowly in relation to the scale of the problem. Developed countries, that bear the most historical responsibility for GHG emissions, are not always willing to step up with energy investment and reducing GHG. On the other hand, developing countries, who are affected the most by climate change, have to deal with the economical and social damage caused by climate change. How can the EU contribute to this global cause that calls for international solidarity and cooperation?
 == Relevance of the topic ==

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 <ref>"United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change", retrieved from http://newsroom.unfccc.int/ )</ref>
-The [[United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change|UNFCCC]] also has an operating entity of the financial mechanism on an ongoing basis - '''The Global Environment Facility'''. This entity also '''manages two special funds''' established by the Parties: the '''Special Climate Change Fund'''; and the '''Least Developed Country Fund'''.<ref>"The Global Environmental Facility", retrieved from: http://www.thegef.org/about-us</ref> The EU is the largest contributor of climate financing and it still aims to scale up climate financing with the goal of 20% of its budget being spent on climate action by 2020. <ref>Article “Financing Adaptation”, retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/adaptation/financing_en</ref>
+The UNFCCC also has an operating entity of the financial mechanism on an ongoing basis - '''The Global Environment Facility'''. This entity also '''manages two special funds''' established by the Parties: the '''Special Climate Change Fund'''; and the '''Least Developed Country Fund'''.<ref>"The Global Environmental Facility", retrieved from: http://www.thegef.org/about-us</ref> The EU is the largest contributor of climate financing and it still aims to scale up climate financing with the goal of 20% of its budget being spent on climate action by 2020. <ref>Article “Financing Adaptation”, retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/adaptation/financing_en</ref>
 In terms of international cooperation, the EU has set policies, legislation and initiatives for more efficient use of less polluting energy, cleaner and more balanced transport options, more environmentally friendly land-use and agriculture, more sustainable cities, more climate-resilient communities and fewer emissions from all sectors of our economy.<ref>"Adaptation to climate change", retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/adaptation_en</ref>
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 [[File:Targets.png|thumb|Image 3 - Possible 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions in the EU]]
-In terms of internal policy, the EU leaders have also established the [[2020 climate and energy package]] in 2007, that has become '''legally binding''' under EU law in 2009. This package is meant to ensure that the EU meets its 2020 targets for energy and climate targets - 20% cut in GHG’s emissions, 20% renewable energy in the EU and 20% energy efficiency improvement. <ref>"2020 climate & energy package", retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/strategies/2020_en</ref> Building on the [[2020 climate and energy package]], the EU has also established the '''2030 climate and energy framework''' with the goal of approaching a low carbon economy - 40% cut in GHG’s emissions, 27% renewable energy in the EU and 27% energy efficiency improvement.
+In terms of internal policy, the EU leaders have also established the [[2020 climate and energy package]] in 2007, that has become '''legally binding''' under EU law in 2009. This package is meant to ensure that the EU meets its 2020 targets for energy and climate targets - 20% cut in GHG’s emissions, 20% renewable energy in the EU and 20% energy efficiency improvement. <ref>"2020 climate & energy package", retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/strategies/2020_en</ref> Building on the 2020 climate and energy package, the EU has also established the '''2030 climate and energy framework''' with the goal of approaching a low carbon economy - 40% cut in GHG’s emissions, 27% renewable energy in the EU and 27% energy efficiency improvement.
 <ref>"2030 climate & energy framework", retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/strategies/2030_en </ref>
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 The use of soft power sources, identified as “culture”, “political institutions” and “foreign policy”  becomes especially relevant when it comes to the BRICs. How can the '''EU influence''' these economic powers that are still now deciding between fossil fuels or clean energy and human rights or economic growth? We must also take into account that the path the BRIC’s choose now will also influence the future of  the countries that are going to be in the spotlight of development soon, such as Colombia, Nepal, Indonesia and the Balkan countries.
-The '''EU’s stance''' on climate justice is that financial support to developing countries should be based on '''"low carbon development strategies"''' developed by them. These should set out which measures a country can take without additional financial and technical assistance. The [[European Commission]] also proposes that developed countries can contribute via the use of '''carbon crediting mechanisms and public funding'''. Public financial contributions should be based on emission levels and each country’s economic capability<ref>"Climate action", retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/international/cooperation_en</ref>.
+The '''EU’s stance''' on climate justice is that financial support to developing countries should be based on '''"low carbon development strategies"''' developed by them. These should set out which measures a country can take without additional financial and technical assistance. The European Commission also proposes that developed countries can contribute via the use of '''carbon crediting mechanisms and public funding'''. Public financial contributions should be based on emission levels and each country’s economic capability<ref>"Climate action", retrieved from: https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/international/cooperation_en</ref>.
-In terms of International Cooperation, in order to achieve the [[UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development|UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development]] the first step is the '''mapping exercise of external policies'''. It also needs to identify the real gaps that exist between current external policies and the future ones. For this, the EU needs to make civil society organisations in third countries '''real partners in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.''' The [[European Commission]] has drafted a [http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/sites/devco/files/swd-key-european-actions-2030-agenda-sdgs-390-20161122_en.pdf document] establishing the '''priorities, policies, funds and other actions''' cover all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This document assures they provide a '''significant contribution''' to the implementation of the SDGs, both within the EU and through EU external action.
+In terms of International Cooperation, in order to achieve the [[UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development|UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development]] the first step is the '''mapping exercise of external policies'''. It also needs to identify the real gaps that exist between current external policies and the future ones. For this, the EU needs to make civil society organisations in third countries '''real partners in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.''' The European Commission has drafted a [http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/sites/devco/files/swd-key-european-actions-2030-agenda-sdgs-390-20161122_en.pdf document] establishing the '''priorities, policies, funds and other actions''' cover all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This document assures they provide a '''significant contribution''' to the implementation of the SDGs, both within the EU and through EU external action.
-The supreme decision-making body of the [[United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)|UNFCCC]] - the '''[[Conference of the Parties|COP]]''' - has representantives of all the countries that are part of the Convention and is the biggest annual meeting to debate climate change. '''COP 22''' took place in 2016 and marked the transition from the main discussion being developing the [[Paris Agreement]] to how to better implement it. '''COP 23''' will take place in November 2018 and will for sure debate the best '''international approach''' to dealing with the opting out of the [[Paris Agreement]] by the United States of America and the '''future of the Agreement'''. What should the EU's stance be in COP 23?
+The supreme decision-making body of the [[United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)|UNFCCC]] - the '''[[Conference of the Parties|COP]]''' - has representantives of all the countries that are part of the Convention and is the biggest annual meeting to debate climate change. '''COP 22''' took place in 2016 and marked the transition from the main discussion being developing the Paris Agreement to how to better implement it. '''COP 23''' will take place in November 2018 and will for sure debate the best '''international approach''' to dealing with the opting out of the Paris Agreement by the United States of America and the '''future of the Agreement'''. What should the EU's stance be in COP 23?
 == Other Important Stakeholders ==

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 {{cquote|Climate Justice: Keeping the right to development in mind, how can the EU exercise its soft power to ensure a global commitment to tackle climate change, whilst safeguarding the rights of those affected most by its consequences?}}
-In August 2013 floods inundated up to one-fifth of Pakistan and affected an estimated 20 million people.<ref>"5 natural disasters that beg for climate action", retrieved from: https://www.oxfam.org/en/campaigns/5-natural-disasters-beg-climate-action#</ref> In 2014, at least 14 extreme weather events were caused by human-induced climate change, including a deadly snowstorm in Nepal and a heat wave in Argentina that crashed power supplies. <ref>"Half of Weather Disasters Linked to Climate Change", retrieved from: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/11/151105-climate-weather-disasters-drought-storms/</ref> Climate change is affecting the life of millions, thereby threatening basic human rights. Coordinated and efficient International Cooperation are key to minimize human influence on climate, as well as to help developing countries - who are affected the most by climate change - to deal with the economical and social damage. How can the EU contribute to this global cause that calls for international solidarity and cooperation as never witnessed before in history?
+In August 2013 floods inundated up to one-fifth of Pakistan and affected an estimated 20 million people.<ref>"5 natural disasters that beg for climate action", retrieved from: https://www.oxfam.org/en/campaigns/5-natural-disasters-beg-climate-action#</ref> In 2014, at least 14 extreme weather events were caused by human-induced climate change, including a deadly snowstorm in Nepal and a heat wave in Argentina that crashed power supplies. <ref>"Half of Weather Disasters Linked to Climate Change", retrieved from: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/11/151105-climate-weather-disasters-drought-storms/</ref> Climate change is affecting the life of millions, thereby threatening basic human rights. Coordinated and efficient International Cooperation are key to minimize human influence on climate, as well as to help developing countries - who are affected the most by climate change - to deal with the economical and social damage. How can the EU contribute to this global cause that calls for international solidarity and cooperation?
 == Relevance of the topic ==
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 The idea that climate change is solely an environmental issue misses the bigger picture - '''climate change represents and perpetuates power imbalances across the world'''. The industrialised nations of the Global north emit about '''80%''' of global GHGs<ref>"Climate change is not just an environmental issue – it’s about justice", retrieved from: https://europa.eu/eyd2015/en/friends-earth-europe/posts/climate-change-human-rights</ref>, while developing nations from the Global south face the worst impacts. In fact, global warming poses a threat to the survival of some vulnerable southern countries - rising sea levels will contaminate the drinking water, damage the agriculture and infrastructure, and threaten biodiversity in the coastal areas, making them uninhabitable. It is even predicted that entire cities, such as Rotterdam and Sydney could flood. Similarly, some islands in Africa, Asia and South America are facing the risk of disappearing under water.<ref>"Sea-Level Rise and Impacts in Africa, 2000 to 2100. Application of the DIVA model to Africa.", retrieved from: https://www.weadapt.org/knowledge-base/economics-of-adaptation/impacts-of-sea-level-rise-in-africa</ref>
-So, the debate centres on the obligation of industrialised states - due to '''historical responsibility''' - and international organisations to provide development assistance to developing countries and to invest in energy, proportionate to what they emit and use. On the one hand we have "the West", mainly responsible historically for emitting the most GHGs. Even though they share a set of common values, when it comes to climate justice, the ideas and policies of the EU and the USA vary widely. In 2015, USA's GHGs totaled 6,587 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents making it the second largest GHG’s emitter. <ref>Article “Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks”, retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/inventory-us-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-sinks</ref> Moreover, the current Trump administration supports the fossil fuel industry and has recently '''dropped out of the Paris Agreement''', which could severely weaken the US’ environmental policy and thereby also the '''chances of mitigating the effects of climate change.'''
+So, the debate centres on the obligation of industrialised states - due to '''historical responsibility''' - and international organisations to provide development assistance to developing countries and to invest in energy, proportionate to what they emit and use. On the one hand we have "the West", mainly responsible for emitting the most GHGs. Even though they share a set of common values, when it comes to climate justice, the ideas and policies of the EU and the USA vary widely. In 2015, USA's GHGs totaled 6,587 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents making it the second largest GHG’s emitter. <ref>Article “Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks”, retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/inventory-us-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-sinks</ref> Moreover, the current Trump administration supports the fossil fuel industry and has recently '''dropped out of the Paris Agreement''', which could severely weaken the US’ environmental policy and thereby also the '''chances of mitigating the effects of climate change.'''
 On the other side of the spectrum, developing countries '''lack the resources''' to address the environmental and social threat of climate change. Least developed countries are especially vulnerable, since their budget is stretched to meet '''basic needs''', such as access to food, water, and housing.
-The current controversy also focuses on the process of globalisation, including the right and possibility of equal participation of developing countries in that process, and its relation to human rights. A number of big emitting emerging economies are reluctant to agree to a condition that they feel can hamper their economic growth and development.  However, '''the climate change will not be sufficiently addressed if only developed countries reduce their emissions'''. Developing countries, especially the most advanced ones, need to take a part too. For example, the four largest developing nations - '''Brazil, Russia, India and China''' (also called the '''BRIC’s''') - with a combined population of 3 billion people, will have a huge impact on the future of climate change. Also, among the '''southern countries''' we see significant differences when it comes to targeting climate change. For instance, the '''priorities''' of the Alliance of Small Island States are taking a different path to that of most of the least developed countries because they are most at risk of being affected by the rising sea levels. They demonstrated strong initiative in striving toward legally binding emissions targets and financing whereas the majority of '''least developed countries''' has been stuck in a rhetoric of '''mistrust and historical responsibility''' at the expense of negative-sum results.
+The current controversy also focuses on the process of globalisation, including the right and possibility of equal participation of developing countries in that process, and its relation to human rights. A number of big emitting emerging economies are reluctant to agree to a condition that they feel can hamper their economic growth and development.  However, '''the climate change will not be sufficiently addressed if only developed countries reduce their emissions'''. Developing countries, especially the most advanced ones, need to take a part too. For example, the four largest developing nations - '''Brazil, Russia, India and China''' (also called the '''BRIC’s''') - with a combined population of 3 billion people, will have a huge impact on the future of climate change. Also, among the '''southern countries''' we see significant differences when it comes to targeting climate change. For instance, the Alliance of Small Island States are taking a different path to that of most of the least developed countries because they are most at risk of being affected by the rising sea levels. They demonstrated strong initiative in striving toward legally binding emissions targets and financing whereas the majority of '''least developed countries''' has been stuck in a rhetoric of '''mistrust and historical responsibility''' at the expense of negative-sum results.
 [[File:Climateimpacts.jpg|thumb|Climate Change Impact in 2050]]