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UNFCCC Logo Twelfth session of the Conference of the Parties to the Climate Change Convention and second meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol
United Nations Office at Nairobi, Gigiri, Kenya | 6-17 November 2006
United Nations
 
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Kyoto Protocol Amended as COP 12 Ends

On Friday, COP 12 and COP/MOP 2 entered their final day in Nairobi, with statements by observers from intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in the morning. In the afternoon, COP 12 concluded its work, finishing at 4:41 pm.

COP/MOP 2 began its final plenary after the conclusion of COP 12. After lengthy ministerial discussions the last two days, a decision on the proposal by Belarus was presented to the COP/MOP, and adopted shortly after 8:00 pm, marking the historic first amendment of the Kyoto Protocol. Under this amendment, Belarus will become an Annex B party with emissions reduction commitments. The agreement came after a compromise in which Belarus increased its proposal to cut emissions from 1990-2008/2012 from 5% to 8%, and gave other assurances.

Delegates agreed that the second review of Article 9 of the Kyoto Protocol will take place in 2008, and will lead to no new commitments for any party. They also agreed that the Russian Federation's proposal will be discussed at SB 26, and a report from that discussion will be taken up at COP 3. COP/MOP 2 was gaveled to a close by President Kibwana at 9:29 pm Nairobi time.

Above: COP 12 President Kivutha Kibwana and UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer answered questions from the press after the conclusion of COP/MOP 2 on Friday evening.


Friday, 17 November
Statements by Observer Organizations


Mohammed Barkindo, OPEC, stressed the need for developed countries to meet their commitments in a transparent manner.

Suresh Patel, International Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the business and industry organizations, asked for political clarity and predictability to allow business to invest in long-term technology development and distribution.

Louise Comeau, SAGE Centre on behalf of environmental groups, said formal negotiations on the future climate change regime should start at COP/MOP 3 to avoid a gap between commitment periods.

Nicky Gavron, Deputy Mayor of London on behalf of the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities, noted that cities account for 80% of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide and called for their empowerment to tackle climate change.

Moustapha Kamal Gueye, International Center for Trade and Sustainable Development on behalf of RINGOs, said "development should be climate-proof, and climate action - development-proof," and urged strengthening linkages between climate and trade regimes.

Grace Akumu, Executive Director, Climate Network Africa on behalf of African NGOs, called on African ministers to give climate change the same importance as HIV/AIDS.

Annabelle Waititu, LIFE e.V. on behalf of the women's caucus present at COP 12 and COP/MOP 2, highlighted the impact of climate change on women, particularly farmers in Africa.

Anna Leinte, International Alliance of Indigenous-Tribal Peoples of the Tropical Forests on behalf of the Indigenous Peoples organizations, proposed including indigenous peoples in expert groups on vulnerability and adaptation.

George Kehler, Dow Chemical on behalf of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, called for a clear policy framework that includes carbon markets beyond 2012, agreement on a negotiating mandate at COP 13, and conclusion at 2009 at the latest.

Sharon Looremetta, Practical Action on behalf of CAN International, called participants "climate change tourists," noted severe impacts of climate change and urged against delaying action.

Jesse Mugambi, University of Nairobi on behalf of the World Council of Churches, said climate change is a spiritual and ethical issue and urged for linkages between adaptation and emergency relief and rehabilitation.

Margaret Koli, Kenya, flanked by Nathalie Arsenault, Canada and Harshini de Silve, Sri Lanka, announced the African Youth Initiative on Climate Change, recalling that youth and children will be greatly affected by actions here and that they are partners in this process.

Youth participants stood and cheered after their statement.
COP 12 Closing Plenary


UNFCCC Dialogue workshop Co-Facilitator Howard Bamsey reported to the COP on on the previous two days' workshops.

Switzerland proposed a vote of thanks to Kenya for hosting the COP.

Delegates applauded as the COP completed its agenda.
COP/MOP 2 Closing Plenary


Outgoing AWG Chair Michael Zammit Cutajar delivered his final report to the COP/MOP plenary.

Leon Charles, Grenada, will be the new AWG Chair.

SBSTA Chair Kishan Kumarsingh reported to the COP/MOP.

Belarus thanked Parties for accepting its proposal to become an Annex B Party.

During discussion on the report of the CDM Executive Board, Georg Børsting, Norway, reported on the outcomes of the contact group and informals on the CDM.

Jan-Erik Enestam, Minister of the Environment, Finland for the EU, praised the results achieved in Nairobi.

China expressed hope that Annex I parties would submit sufficient information on the fulfillment of their commitments for the next review. Party.

Sergey Tulinov, Russian Federation, said the current situation, where parties' requests to undertake voluntary commitments remain unanswered, is unacceptable.

UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer presented the financial implications of the decisions agreed at the COP, COP/MOP and subsidiary bodies.

Around the COP and COP/MOP

Delegates from the Russian Federation conferred with AWG Chair Michael Zammit Cutajar and Richard Kinley, Secretary of the Conference.

UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer and SBI Chair Thomas Becker shared a smile during COP/MOP.

Outgoing AWG Chair Michael Zammit Cutajar held up a t-shirt with a logo based on that of the London Underground, reminding delegates to "mind the gap" between commitment periods.

Delegates from Australia and Austria applauded the successful completion of the COP and COP/MOP.

Your Earth Negotations Bulletin team and colleagues. L-R - Peter Doran, writer, Ireland; Chris Spence, deputy director/team leader/writer, New Zealand; María Gutiérrez, writer, Mexico; Langston James "Kimo" Goree VI, director, United States; Karen Alvarenga, ENBOTS team leader, Brazil; Tallash Kantai, logistics coordinator, Kenya; Miquel Muñoz, writer, Spain; Leila Mead, photographer, United States; Suzanne Carter, writer, South Africa; Dan Birchall, digital editor, United States; Alexandra Conliffe, ENBOTS writer, Canada; Xenya Cherny Scanlon, writer, Russian Federation.

Related Links

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
COP 12 and COP/MOP 2 Information and Documents
Kyoto Protocol information
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
UNEP Ozone Secretariat

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