UN Framework Convention on Climate Change COP14

UNFCCC COP141-12 December 2008, Poznań, Poland

 

Outcomes

The UN climate change conference in Poznan, Poland, saw 191 nations discussing the successor to the Kyoto Protocol. As the penultimate conference before a deal needs to be made in Copenhagen next year, the talks during the first half of December were expected to set the path for the final year of discussions.

The conference took place in the shadow of many external events, including the global economic crisis, rows over the EU package, and the transitional US government. The challenge was to ensure progress was made despite these other issues. After the two weeks, where did Poznan leave the UN climate convention?

  • In a better position to disperse funds to developing countries that need to adapt to the impacts of climate change. This is the main success of the conference and will help the implementation of urgent adaptation projects.
  • With a lot of work to do on setting short-term targets for emission reductions. Whilst a few countries, such as Mexico, offered 2050 targets, there was little indication that developed countries were ready to offer their proposals for 2020.
  • With an increased distrust between the developing countries, who are complying with what is asked of them under the climate convention, and the developed countries that are currently holding back from real commitments. 

As a result, we go forward to the next conference in Copenhagen in 2009 with limited progress and there is still much to be done.

Pozcast  updates from Practical Action's team in Poznań, including blogs and newsfeeds

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC) is the foundation of the global effort to combat global warming. Read more »

At COP 14 in Poznan, Parties were expected to:

  • Agree on a plan of action and programmes of work for the final year of negotiations after a year of comprehensive and extensive discussions on crucial issues relating to future commitments, actions and cooperation
  • Make significant progress on a number of issues required to enhance further the implementation of the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol
  • Advance understanding and commonality of views on "shared vision" for a new climate change regime
  • Strengthen momentum and commitment to the process and the agreed timeline
  • Important continuing issues will be capacity-building for developing countries, finance for adaptation ,reducing emissions from deforestation, and mechanisms for technology transfer
  • Extend the discussions on adaptation towards how to disburse the funds in order to ensure that the most vulnerable communities in the most vulnerable countries receive the support they need to adapt to climate change 

Further information