This event highlighted progress in improving systematic climate observation. Michel Jarraud, WMO, stressed that observations are critical for improved understanding of climate change.

Adrian Simmons, WMO, explained that the Global Climate Observation System (GCOS) is a label for the combined climate components of various systems that contribute climate observations. He stressed the importance of atmospheric observations, noting the need for improved coverage and long-term arrangements for some types of space measurements. He described the role of aerosols and ozone in radiative forcing, noting these are under-discussed but critical variables.

Beverly Law, WMO, discussed the need for enhanced global forest observations in a changing climate. She noted various challenges and gaps including, that some countries lack resources and that data sharing should be transparent, timely, and standardized.

Keith Alverson, WMO, highlighted major accomplishments of the Global Ocean Observation System (GOOS) including its contributions to detection and attribution, and in delivering broader social benefits, such as coastal hazard warnings. He noted that the system is 62% complete, but that additional funding is needed.

During the discussion various participants, including Ghassem Asrar, WMO, noted their programmes’ contributions to climate observation. Audience members noted, inter alia: the importance of observation metrics; and the need to look at vulnerability to complement observation efforts.

This event discussed equity and global cooperative action on climate change. Mariama Williams, South Centre, underlined the social dimensions of climate, stating that both small- and large-scale projects can have significant implications for social and equity issues.

Martin Khor, South Centre, emphasized that parties should stick to what was agreed in Bali, and that developing countries should take more action but that they must be given the means to do so. He said we are facing a “deregulation” of Annex I commitments from legally binding commitments to possibly a voluntary pledge and review system.

Meena Raman, TWN, said merging divergent views on the Copenhagen Accord has been difficult. She cited problems with the shared vision and the carbon budget and emphasized, inter alia: the importance of mobilizing funds; technology transfer; and the need for a technical review panel for capacity building.

Lim Li Lin, TWN, discussed links between the UNFCCC’s ad hoc working groups. She clarified that the Kyoto Protocol will not “expire,” but emphasized that the prospect of a possible gap between commitment periods is causing a crisis in mitigation negotiations.

Anil Naidoo, Council of Canadians, noted that Yemen will probably be the first country to run out of water. He emphasized that the “global water crisis” is the largest ecological threat to humanity, which is exacerbated by the climate crisis. Naidoo described equity concerns related to markets for water, and highlighted signs of hope in recent outcomes, such as the “Universal Declaration on the Rights of Mother Earth,” which assert that water is a human right.

Participants discussed, inter alia: whether we can address climate change through market mechanisms; governance and finance; and the sharing of atmospheric space.

This event presented research on the carbon budget approach. R K Pachauri, TERI, emphasized that principles of equity must be enshrined in any global framework and explained the role of the carbon budget approach.

Ritu Mathur, TERI, explained that the carbon budget approach combines a historical debt payment by Annex I parties with an allocation of remaining atmospheric space among all parties. She said the approach would rely on: a World Climate Debt Fund to disburse equitable financial transfers; the establishment of a “year of historical responsibility”; and a price for carbon.

Max Åhman, Nordic Ad Hoc Group on Climate Change (NOAK), emphasized that domestic policy frameworks are a priority. Masanori Kobayashi, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) questioned the level of international acceptance and visibility of the carbon budget approach, underlining the importance of socio-political feasibility and equity.

Remi Moncel, World Resource Institute (WRI), said the carbon budget approach scores high on equity and ambition, but a lack of political feasibility might limit its effectiveness and appeal to parties.

Participants discussed various issues related to equity and the carbon budget approach.