Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

It’s not time for a sci-fi Brave New World yet. There is hope in Cancun.

By Sophie Trevitt - posted Friday, 3 December 2010


Yesterday’s SMH piece on the possible implementation of geo-engineering technologies to address climate change read like the stuff of science fiction. Mirrors in space, fake trees, man-made volcanoes and covering Greenland in a blanket - surely this could not be our preferred method of mitigating climate change!?

Unfortunately, the technologies to be discussed in the IPPC’s next assessment report are very much reality, as much as they may sound like the stuff of fiction. This however, does not at all mean that “UN scientists are plan[ning] for failure” as yesterday’s article was entitled, or that mirrors and fake trees are the only cards we have left to play.

The work of the IPPC is invaluable and indeed forms the backbone of the decisions that 190 countries are negotiating in Cancun currently. As quoted in yesterday’s article, Dr Pachauri said that if emissions continued to be produced at the current rate, catastrophic run-away climate would eventuate within 50 years. It is true that we are running out of time - that our small island nation-states, our coast-lines, our biodiversity and our current way of life are under serious threat.

Advertisement

However, the geo-engineering strategies the IPCC will present in their fifth assessment report should not be taken as a “how to guide” to deal with climate change. It is a last stop plan, if all else fails, not a declaration that we have given up on the process.

Fake trees and sprinkling iron filings in oceans is not the best, the easiest or the most practical way of preventing the increase in global temperatures that will fundamentally damage our planet.

It’s a last resort - and we haven’t run out of options yet.

Official negotiators, delegates, NGO representatives and youth ambassadors have massed in the thousands in Cancun to work towards avoiding the kind of situations Dr Pachauri describes as on the horizon; and to avoid the last-resort strategies Louise Gray outlined in her article yesterday.

COP16 in Cancun presents the world with opportunities to rebuild trust and cooperation between the different countries involved. It is a space where processes can be reevaluated and frameworks can be implemented to ensure that progress can be pushed forward and not stalled by ambiguity or disagreement.

Advertisement

There is a lot to hope for in Cancun, certainly a lot more to hope for than painting roofs white and building our own volcanoes.

Cancun provides a space for confidence to be bolstered. Confidence between countries and in the UNFCCC process which aims to be inclusive, fair and just. Much work has been done in the past year in Tianjin especially by the G77, African Group, AOSIS and Least Developed Countries in addressing issues around mitigation and finance, and there is room in Cancun for consolidation of those gains.

Australia has committed $600 million to the fast-start climate fund. Whilst we are yet to hear about Australia’s long-term financial commitments (and are working to push for a decision), this is a positive demonstration of Australia’s commitment to the process. The European Union has also made a commendable promise of $2.71 billion; indicating the fulfillment of the pledge made by industrialized nations last year to collectively contribute $10 billion to fast start funding for climate action in developing countries.

Cancun also opens the doors to a revival of political energy and ambition. There was a downturn in political will and public momentum at the beginning of the year. However, the massive youth and non-government delegations at both Bonn and Tianjin negotiations served as testimony of a global movement coming together. Youth coalitions are emerging all over the world and are fully functioning in over 30 different countries, applying political pressure to ensure that domestic action is being taken. This foundation has allowed for negotiators to walk into Cancun with the possibility of developing a legally binding framework, decide upon a method and process of delivering financial commitments and setting higher emissions reduction targets.

Yesterday’s article jumped the gun and failed to recognize the determination of many of the negotiators themselves, but also underestimated the political will and dedication of all the other groups campaigning for action to be taken on climate change.

Talk of mirrors and blankets and a white roofed brave new world is premature. Cancun is an opportunity that should be seized, not sabotaged.

  1. Pages:
  2. Page 1
  3. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

5 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Sophie is studying Arts/Law at Sydney University and is a scholarship recipient. Sophie is currently NSW Director for the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and project manager for their latest campaign Climate Reality Week. Sophie has been a part of the AYCC for almost a year, working on Australia's first ever 3 day conference on climate change Powershift, as well as the first ever youth vote on climate change - YOUth Decide. Sophie has recently returned from working with the Blue Dragon Children's Foundation in Vietnam attempting to stop child trafficking and support street kids. Sophie is heavily involved in a wide range of Indigenous and youth issues.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Sophie Trevitt

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Sophie Trevitt
Article Tools
Comment 5 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy