Dispatch from the cold city of Poznan

Cold weather and hot discussion on climate change
by Farjana Akter

“Stop harming, start helping.” December 9, the day has began with 0 degree temperature in Poznan. Who cares? People struggle for climate justice now! Oxfam International held a demonstration in front of the main entrance of the event's venue. It was excellent! They brought with them an ice statue, saying, "START HELPING."

During the first half of the day, two important contact group meetings were held. One is on delivering on technology and financing, including consideration of institutional arrangements. The second one is on enhanced action on mitigation and its associated means of implementation. Here are some of the things that were raised in the meetings:

In the discussion on technology transfer, Pakistan focused on the necessary flexible mechanism for technology transfer. Mexico demanded for creating cooperation on technology development and building capacity at the national and local levels.

Japan, on the other hand, urged to review the effectiveness of faster technology. The Turks demanded engaging with public-private sector on all technological development process and technological cooperation.

The Indians emphasized the importance of technology and building up a regional capacity building center where the government must lead the action in a global scale. The French emphasized the importance to establish a technology resource center, technology framework and national mitigation center.

In the mitigation discussion, the Indonesians emphasized a mid and long-term global goal which must be based on most recent findings. Developed countries should first fulfill their Kyoto commitment on the basis of established benchmarks.

There is a need in the improvement on the quality of data, especially in developing countries, said Japan. Australia asked for common responsibility of all parties to take on the challenges brought by climate change issues.

Developed and developing countries should have obligations to undertake mitigation actions consistent with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Malaysia said that Annex-1 Parties must implement their commitments under Kyoto Protocol.

All for now.