Small Island Developing States

The following events were covered by IISD Reporting Services on Tuesday, 7 November 2017: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Developments Towards a 1.5 World: Will They Help the Oceans and Small Island Developing States? Building Capacity of Tackling Regional Climate and Sustainable Challenges Climate Change in North Rhein-Westphalia, Germany: Monitoring and Adaptation Strategies The Global Platform for the New York Declaration on Forests and the Bonn Challenge: From Commitments to Action Sustainable Forest Management and Climate Measuring Progress on Climate Adaptation and Resilience: From Concepts to Practical Applications Enhancement Options, Participatory Processes, and Rapid Implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) Guaranteeing Rights and Gender Equality in all Climate Action: Prerequisite for Sustainable and Fair Action IISD Reporting Services, through its Earth Negotiations Bulletin on the Side (ENBOTS) Meeting Coverage, will provide daily web coverage from selected side events at the UN Climate Change Conference - November 2017. Photos by IISD/ENB | Ángeles Estrada and Herman Njoroge Chege For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Developments Towards a 1.5 World: Will They Help the Oceans and Small Island Developing States?Presented by the IEA Greenhouse Gas R&D Programme (IEAGHG), University of Texas at Austin, Bellona Foundation, and Carbon Capture and Storage Association This session, moderated by Tim Dixon, IEAGHG, explored carbon capture and storage (CCS) and its relationship to small island developing states (SIDS). Carol Turley, Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), presented on ocean acidification and the need to reduce CO2 emissions. She explained that CO2 reacts with water to cause ocean acidification, which is highly corrosive to marine life, including reefs and mollusks.  Dixon outlined the London Convention’s response to the impact of CO2 in the atmosphere, including its conclusions on low carbon technology and CCS.  David Alexander, University of Trinidad and Tobago, via Skype, highlighted the devastating impacts of natural disasters on the Caribbean. He noted that Trinidad and Tobago has the second highest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per capita globally, but that results from a CCS simulation in a local BP reservoir were promising. Katherine Romanak, University of Texas at Austin, shared her experience studying CCS, stating that offshore CCS has the potential to store gigatons of CO2. She suggested that CCS was advantageous to SIDS, as results from monitoring provide additional findings on the marine environment. Mike Monea, International CCS Knowledge Centre, explained that his organization constructed facilities to capture emissions from power plants and convert CO2 into other products. Geir Lippestad, City of Oslo, Norway, shared his city’s experience with CCS, stating that plans to build a CCS facility at the Klemetsrud waste incineration plant would reduce emissions significantly. He underscored that this effort was critical to reaching the target of zero emissions by 2050. Keith Whiriskey, Bellona, explained that industry contributes a substantial amount of GHG emissions, but that its products are necessary. He posited that CCS is a good alternative to carbon pricing, which hurts industry due to uncertainty.   Clara Heuberger, Imperial College London, stated that CCS power plants are key to supporting upcoming power systems. She added that CCS removes CO2 from the atmosphere and provides ancillary services. Dixon concluded the session, reiterating the negative effects of CO2 on oceans, and stating that CCS is a solution available now. L - R: Carol Turley, PML; Katherine Romanak, University of Texas at Austin; Mike Monea, International CCS Knowledge Centre; Geir Lippestad, City of Oslo, Norway; Keith Whiriskey, Bellona; and Clara Heuberger, Imperial College London Carol Turley, PML, said that “current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)  are not enough to stop ocean acidification,” which causes the dissolution of unprotected shells. Tim Dixon, IEAGHG, stressed that climate change is a “key issue for intergenerational equity.” Katherine Romanak, University of Texas at Austin, declared: “CCS works, and we know how to show that it works.” A participant poses a question to panelists. Mike Monea, International CCS Knowledge Centre, said his organization teaches governments about regulation and policy, which is necessary before beginning CCS projects. Keith Whiriskey, Bellona, said that “we now have a way of stopping CO2 from going into the atmosphere. Clara Heuberger, Imperial College London, said that CCS is the lowest cost solution to decarbonization. Geir Lippestad, City of Oslo, Norway, stated that, if realized, CCS in his country would reduce emissions by 400,000 tonnes a year. Contact: Tim Dixon (IEAGHG) | tim.dixon@ieaghg.org Katherine Romanak (University of Texas at Austin) | katherine.romanak@beg.utexas.edu More Information: www.ieaghg.org Building Capacity of Tackling Regional Climate and Sustainable ChallengesPresented by Belize, the Environmental Quality Protection Foundation (EQPF) and the National Council for Climate Change, Sustainable Development and Public Leadership (NCCSD) This event, moderated by Lennox Gladden, Belize, highlighted multi-stakeholder approaches to implement climate action, looking at case studies from India, Taiwan and Belize on best practices, risks and lessons learned.  Kirit Shelat, NCCSD, underscored the importance of supporting farmers, particularly women and rural youth, to build climate-smart agriculture through, among other things, comprehensive research based on local agricultural practices. He said that to overcome barriers and build bridges for new partnerships, international cooperation and knowledge transfer are needed.  Szu-Chi Kao, EQPF, presented initiatives by his organization on climate change education in Taiwan, including a child author contest, two books, a course on regional climate change and an online climate education platform: the Taiwan Environmental Education Dialogue.  Ho-Ching Lee, National Central University, gave an overview of research activities through the Taiwan Climate Change Adaptation Technology project, and presented a case study on building capacity for adapting to climate hazards focused on self-governed communities in Tanina, Taiwan. She showed a disaster map created by her team for each case study community, including evacuation routes.  Young Ku, CEO, Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy, discussed an approach to measure, report and verify (MRV) GHG emissions. He noted how, historically, data has been poor quality, with gaps and inconsistencies, but since the Paris Agreement, providing reliable data for activities is required. He listed multiple challenges in MRV, including integration across sectors, continuity over time and maintaining innovation, but stressed that tracking progress is critical to achieving the climate goals.  Hsiao-Kang Ma, Taiwan Carbon Capture Storage and Utilization Association, stressed that indicators to measure GHG emission reductions need to be improved. He described the implementation of SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) in Taiwan and Belize, noting their similarities and potential areas for improvement, as well as a partnership to enhance cooperation, expand infrastructure and develop renewable energy technology.  Jayprakash Gosalia, NCCSD, described a case study of a coastal region in Gujarat, India, which has suffered from ocean water intrusion onto land caused by development in the area. He presented a planning and decision matrix to improve the water quality by developing local resources, including rainwater harvesting, and showed that their work has resulted in increased crop productivity and income.  Rajkumar Korde, NCCSD, talked about climate-smart farming in India by showcasing a technique called “zero-till,” which does not require tillage, flooding or transplantation. It leads to, inter alia, soil enrichment and weed control without generating methane and resulting in a 20-25% increase in output. He emphasized that, with approaches such as this one, it is possible to overcome challenges and convert them into an opportunity to “feed the millions around the world.” L-R: Kirit Shelat, NCCSD; Hsiao-Kang Ma, Taiwan Carbon Capture Storage and Utilization Association; Young Ku, CEO, Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy; Jayprakash Gosalia, NCCSD; Rajkumar Korde, NCCSD; Ho-Ching Lee, National Central University; and Szu-Chi Kao, EQPS Lennox Gladden, Belize, highlighted the importance of best practices and research to build capacity to address climate change. Young Ku, CEO, Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy, said that one of the main issues faced in capacity building is MRV of GHG emissions.  Kirit Shelat, NCCSD, noted that India has reduced poverty from 90% to 20% since independence, and is working towards a “minimum level.”   Szu-Chi Kao, EQPS, gave an overview of climate education activities in Taiwan.   Ho-Ching Lee, National Central University, said that her research was focused on co-designing, co-producing and co-delivering adaptation solutions with communities.   Contact: Lennox Gladden (Belize) | coord.cc@environment.gov.bz   More Information: http://nccsdindia.org/ http://www.eqpf.org/en/Site/index.html ` Climate Change in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany: Monitoring and Adaptation StrategiesPresented by NRW State Agency for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection This session, moderated by Ingo Wolff, NRW State Agency for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection, centered on climate adaptation strategies at the local level, which are based on a monitoring programme that records climatic changes in NRW. Participants discussed the opportunities for and challenges faced by this region, focusing on the Climate Impact Monitoring 2016 study.  Antje Kruse, NRW State Agency for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection, explained the work of her organization and noted that it is planning to decarbonize its agency by 2030. Nicole Müller, NRW State Agency for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection, presented her organization’s monitoring programme. She explained the programme aims to respond early to climate change, noting the need to prepare for natural disasters, which are increasing across Germany.  Niklas Raffalski, NRW State Agency for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection, provided a background of the region, which has a population of 18 million people, and has been challenged to deal with heat stress in urban areas. He underscored the goals of the study, including to generate data sets for decision making and to build compensation mechanisms for affected areas. He said that meteorological parameters are set by using a climate simulation model. He noted an output of the study was a classification of the territory into three areas: stress, compensation and cold air corridors.   In the ensuing discussion, participants discussed: inter alia, how authorities received the study; challenges of regional spatial planning in light of climate change threats; how to overcome data gaps and the lack of adaption plans in urban areas; benefits of climate adaption tools for local communities; and threats to the tourism industry. Antje Kruse, NRW State Agency for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection, called for concrete indicators and tools to address climate change in cities. Niklas Raffalski, NRW State Agency for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection, presented the results of the Climate Impact Monitoring 2016. Ingo Wolff, NRW State Agency for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection, invited participants to “actively” engage during the discussions. Nicole Müller, NRW State Agency for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection, noted the impacts of climate change on human health. Contact: Ingo Wolff (NRW State Agency for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection) | ingo.wolff@lanuv.nrw.de More Information: https://www.lanuv.nrw.de The Global Platform for the New York Declaration on Forests and the Bonn Challenge: From Commitments to ActionPresented by the German Pavilion, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) In this side event, the Global Platform for the New York Declaration on Forests was launched. Panelists discussed: how to make progress on global forest goals; how to support multi-stakeholder cooperation; and the linkages between the New York Declaration, the Bonn Challenge, the SDGs and the Paris Agreement. Till Pistorius, UNIQUE forestry and land use, moderated the panel.  Jochen Flasbarth, Secretary of State, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, describing forest degradation and deforestation as “one of the biggest challenges of our time,” lamented slow progress at both the country and multinational levels. He highlighted Germany’s support in setting up a Secretariat for the Global Platform.  Jamison Ervin, UNDP, said that forests are the most cost-effective climate solution, noting the importance of forests for achieving the SDGs and the Paris Agreement. Outlining the goals of the New York Declaration, she stated these would contribute as much to mitigation as taking all cars off the road. Marie-Noëlle Keijzer, CEO, WeForest, highlighted that her organization has adopted the New York Declaration as its mission, and has developed “innovative and scalable” models to help companies plant trees with 200 corporate partners to date. She announced her organization’s pledge to restore 100,000 hectares by 2030.  Franziska Haupt, Climate Focus, reporting on progress made under the New York Declaration, stated that “we are not on track” to reach the Declaration’s core objectives and called for more finance for forests. Describing the Global Platform as a “timely and critical” initiative, she said it can help facilitate action and foster transparency and exchange between its endorsers. Stewart Maginnis, IUCN, stressed the need for “shovel-ready” solutions, reporting that cost-effective solutions on forests and land use could contribute one third of necessary mitigation by 2030. He reiterated IUCN’s commitment to the Bonn Challenge, highlighting that its first goal of restoring 150 million hectares by 2020 was met three years early.  Anuradha Jayaratne, Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment, Sri Lanka, reported actions taken by his country, including on: increasing forest cover from 29% to 31% by 2018; restoring 200,000 hectares of forest; and progressing on REDD+ implementation, urban forestry and monitoring. Iván Dario Valencia, Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Colombia, presented on progress towards reducing deforestation and enhancing reforestation in his country, noting challenges in the post-conflict context. He reported that Colombia can develop its agricultural sector, particularly palm oil, without adversely affecting forests, and acknowledged the need to demonstrate this with data. During the ensuing discussion, participants addressed, among others: the role of the Global Platform for uniting forest issues through a comprehensive multi-stakeholder approach; the 2020 vision for the Global Platform; challenges regarding coherence of land-use policies; financial support for developing countries; and raising the profile of the Bonn Challenge. In closing remarks, Horst Freiburg, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, highlighted the links between the Bonn Challenge, the New York Declaration, the SDGs and the Paris Agreement, stressing the importance of community-level engagement. He called for a long-term vision for the forest restoration process. Jochen Flasbarth, Secretary of State, Germany, described the Bonn Challenge as the “engine” of the global reforestation movement. Iván Dario Valencia, Colombian Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, described the New York Declaration as a “force for good.” Participants during the event Jamison Ervin, UNDP, announced the launch of the Global Platform for the New York Declaration on Forests. Stewart Maginnis, IUCN, and Anuradha Jayaratne, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment, Sri Lanka Till Pistorious, UNIQUE forestry and land, moderated the panel. Anuradha Jayaratne, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment, Sri Lanka, noted pilot projects undertaken by his country. Contact: Till Pistorius (UNIQUE) | till.pistorius@unique-landuse.de More Information: https://www.cop23.de/en/delegates/events/side-event-program-at-the-german-pavilion/ Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) and Climate Change: What are the Issues? What Actions? Presented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood, and Forestry, France The session focused on the role of SFM in climate change, including tradeoffs between carbon stocks in forest and wood products and strategies to increase communication among stakeholders. Session moderator Catherine Rivoal, Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood, and Forestry, France, highlighted that agriculture and forestry are priority areas for the Paris Agreement. Julie Marsaud, France Nature Environnment (FNE), noted that tradeoffs are complex and policy decisions must be country specific. She underscored that forest management is necessary to reach Paris Agreement targets.  Laura Nikinmaa, European Forest Institute (EFI), spoke about a focus group her organization hosted that brought practitioners and experts together. She called for management strategies that mimic natural forests to address climate change. Jean-François Dhôte, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), underscored that excessive wood in aging forests, combined with additional climate stress, exposed forests to risks. He called for wood to be used rather than safeguarded in forests, as the former would positively contribute to climate change and risk reduction.  Benoît Leguet, Institute for Climate Economics (I4CE), explained that his organization functions as an interface between various sectors to make the Paris Agreement a reality. He underscored addressing climate emissions rather than focusing exclusively on carbon storage.   Salvatore Martire, European State Forest Association (EUSTAFOR), explained that SFM needs were highly varied within Europe. He added that SFM should be done through long-term planning.  Giacomo Grassi, European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), spoke of the tradeoffs between maximizing carbon stocks and uptake. He noted that responses to the tradeoff question will vary depending on policy priorities and encouraged the development of a portfolio of regional strategies. Karin Simonson, Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN), highlighted the context of forests in Canada, which has the third largest amount of forests globally and has seen extensive forest fires in recent years. She said the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change plan has specific action on forests, including the growth of the bio-economy. During the ensuing discussions, participants: questioned how to trade off forestry use and protection; noted that the less disturbed a forest is, the more resilient it becomes; and asked how to ensure communication between stakeholders, including what prevents communication. L-R: Catherine Rivoal, Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood and Forestry, France; Karin Simonson, NRCAN; Laura Nikinmaa, EFI; Benoît Leguet, I4CE; Julie Marsaud, FNE; Salvatore Martire, EUSTAFOR; Jean-François Dhôte, INRA; and Giacomo Grassi, JRC Laura Nikinmaa, EFI, and Benoît Leguet, I4CE Catherine Rivoal, Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood, and Forestry, France, asked panelists about tradeoffs. Salvatore Martire, EUSTAFOR, explained that there is no universal way to manage forests across Europe. Benoît Leguet, I4CE; Julie Marsaud, FNE; and Salvatore Martire, EUSTAFOR Contact: Florian Claeys (Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood, and Forestry, France) | florian.claeys@agriculture.gouv.fr Catherine Rivoal (Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood, and Forestry, France) | catherine.rivoal@agriculture.gouv.fr More Information: www.agriculture.gouv.fr Measuring Progress on Climate Adaptation and Resilience: From Concepts to Practical ApplicationsPresented by the International Development Research Center George Wamukoya, Kenya, moderated the session, where participants shared experiences on: approaches for measuring progress on climate adaptation and resilience; and challenges and lessons learned from developing frameworks and key indicators to inform metrics on climate adaptation and resilience.  Florin Vladu, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), provided an overview of the status of negotiations on adaptation. He highlighted the global stocktake, which will enable parties to strengthen their actions and submit new domestic climate commitments, as an important element of Paris Agreement implementation. He explained that the focus of negotiations on the stocktake was on procedure and not on the adaptation goal itself, nor on the methodologies to be used. Noting that the stocktake process would be based on submissions from Parties, he said that it would be difficult to aggregate data in a way that makes sense, noting the need for flexible methodologies. Edith Ofwona Adera, IDRC, elaborated on the state of the art in measuring adaptation. Highlighting challenges, she noted a lack of consensus on definition, context specificity of adaptation, and long timelines. She observed that adaptation is a process, so a baseline may appear to be a moving target, adding that it is difficult to measure avoided losses due to adaptation, particularly when they are partial. On empirical challenges, Adera discussed issues concerning comparability and aggregation of data. Adera outlined a proposed framework for measuring the effectiveness of adaptation which considers context, defines priorities, consists of tangible goals and targets, and looks at whether adaptation is occurring or not, overcoming the traditional hurdle of comparability. Anh Do, Viet Nam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change, presented a case study from Hau Giang Province on indicators for effectively monitoring climate change adaptation. He highlighted constraints including lack of knowledge as well as financial and technological limitations, emphasizing the need to keep things simple to make it easier to collect data. Nik Steinberg, Four Twenty Seven, US, discussed how to downscale adaptation indicators, emphasizing that they are only as good as the outcomes they inform, and that “one size does not fit all approaches.” He advocated for a holistic approach, which takes the local context into consideration. On lessons learned, Steinberg noted that transparency is always key and that it is important to be clear about the limitations of methodologies and indicators. He concluded by emphasizing the need for participatory research, measuring inequities and minding the data gaps. Lea Ford, University of Leeds, UK, presented on scaling up indicators, noting that the problem was not the absence of indicators but determining which ones we want to use, adding that indicators need to reflect change, and most do not. She described concepts such as effectiveness and adequacy as “messy,” suggesting that indicators should be based on alignment with targets, where countries define what they want to do and then align targets with vulnerabilities and resources. Anne Olhoff, UNEP, introduced the third UNEP Adaptation Gap Report, emphasizing that adaptation is undefined, broad and difficult to measure. During the ensuing discussion participants addressed issues including: adaptation indicators within the SDG framework; development of baselines and references for adaptation; data source conflicts; and meaningful indicators. Florin Vladu, UNFCCC, explained that the global stocktake will be conducted in a comprehensive manner, be facilitative and inform parties when submitting their next NDCs.   On measuring adaptation, Edith Ofwona Adera, IDRC, called for considering the intended goal and whether progress is being made efficiently.   Anh Do, Viet Nam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change, explained how indicators provide information on progress and identify gaps and challenges.       Participants clap during the event Contact: Daniel Goldberg, IDRC | dgoldberg@idrc.ca More Information: https://www.idrc.ca/en/idrc-cop23  Enhancement Options, Participatory Processes, and Rapid Implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)Presented by Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (FARN), ClimateWorks Foundation and the World Resources Institute (WRI) This session, moderated by Enrique Maurtua Konstantinidis, FARN, centered around country experiences and expert views on achieving enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) using various tools and methods. Bruce Kijiner, Marshall Islands, stated that his country is “walking the talk” on NDC implementation. He added that the Marshall Islands was the first small island developing state (SIDS) to establish an NDC and urged all countries to raise their ambition in fighting climate change. He noted an improvement in resilience in the Pacific, which will enable the achievement of the 2020 targets, but recalled remaining challenges, citing inadequate financing and donor coordination. He concluded that both challenges could be overcome through the completion of a 2050 Strategy. Taryn Fransen, WRI, discussed a publication on NDCs enhanced ambition launched by her organization during this side event. She recalled Article 4 of the Paris Agreement, requiring the communication of NDCs every five years, arguing that it is a vital element of this regime. She noted the Facilitative Dialogue in 2018 and the COP decisions on NDCs’ updates, outlining many reasons to enhance climate ambitions, including: to avoid more drastic events in the future; to close the emissions gap; cost-effectiveness; opportunities for economic decoupling; and improved communication that can enable faster decarbonization. She concluded that enhanced NDCs will send the right signal to the private sector. Casey Cronin, ClimateWorks Foundation, discussed lessons learned from case studies, providing examples including India’s renewable targets and opportunities to enhance ambition in 2020, and China’s projection on capacity addition in wind power. He noted collaboration with Climate Action Tracker and underscored that the methodology used is being tested in other G20 countries. The second part of the event shared lessons from selected countries on NDC building. Ayman Cherkaoui, Morocco, described his country’s experience with NDC review, noting that his country, in hosting COP 22, inspired royal support for climate action. He emphasized the importance of social ownership through national consultations during the process of crafting a NDC. Karsten Sach, Germany, argued that NDC enhancement requires operationalization, translation to the private sector, and coordination with the whole society. He noted that, the German government is trying to put all strategic planning under the NDC guidelines. He highlighted success in the electricity sector and the importance of linking climate strategies with the sustainable development goals.  Julio Cordano, Chile, spoke on transformations of the methods used in building the Chilean NDC. He explained that although it was built under certain economic assumptions, such conditions had changed over the two years affecting the final expected outcomes. In conclusion, he cited the rise of solar energy accessibility and the high potential for wind power as positive changes in the Chilean economy. Debasu Bayleyegn, Ethiopia, spoke on the changes occurring within the NDC process, highlighting political and economic examples. He noted that Ethiopia is one of the few countries part of the Climate Tracker project, signaling its ambition and claimed that more attention is being paid to climate adaptation gains. Lucas di Pietro Paolo, Argentina, spoke on the benefits of NDC enhancement and highlighted his country’s high-level commitment to climate change at COP 21 in Paris, which inspired institutional changes that facilitated climate action in his country. On opportunities for NDC improvement, he noted that Argentina’s presidency of the G20 Group is building momentum for greater ambition. In the ensuing discussion, participants discussed, inter alia, the existence of modeling examining GHG increase over 20 years; the need to study short lived climate pollutants and carbon linkages within different sectors; how to judge the success of NDCs; sub-national carbon trading schemes; and the importance of including climate adaptation when formulating NDCs. Taryn Fransen, WRI, underscored the opportunity for countries to close their emission gaps and described the advantages of strengthened adaptation strategies within NDCs. Ayman Cherkaoui, Morocco, stated that Morocco’s national strategy is holistic, adding that NDC implementation must be part of a longer term strategy. L-R: Enrique Maurtua Konstantinidis, FARN; Bruce Kijiner, Marshall Islands; Taryn Fransen, WRI; Casey Cronin, ClimateWorks Foundation; Karsten Sach, Germany; Ayman Cherkaoui, Morocco; Julio Cordano, Chile; and Lucas di Pietro Paolo, Argentina Enrique Maurtua Konstantinidis, FARN, highlighted the need to raise the ambition of all NDCs. Julio Cordano, Chile, emphasized the importance of replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy. Contact: Casey Cronin (ClimateWorks Foundation) | casey.cronin@climateworks.org Enrique Maurtua Konstantinidis (FARN) | casey.cronin@climateworks.org Taryn Fransen (WRI) | tfransen@wri.org More Information: www.farn.org.ar www.climateworks.org www.wri.org Guaranteeing Rights and Gender Equality in all Climate Action: Prerequisite for Sustainable and Fair ActionPresented by CARE International (CI), Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO) In this side event panelists explored how to accelerate action on climate change in the context of gender and human rights. Fanny Petitbon, CARE, moderated the panel. Noelene Nabulivou, DIVA For Equality, outlined expectations for COP 23 and noted the gap between rhetoric and reality on gender and climate. She emphasized the complicated geopolitical context of the Pacific small island states (SIDS), including epidemic levels of violence against women and girls. She called for limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 °C, addressing loss and damage, and supporting frontline and vulnerable communities. Sébastien Duyck, CIEL, emphasized the importance of integrating human rights, women and gender, indigenous rights, and a just transition in the implementation guidelines. Noting that technical work must remain guided by the principles outlined in the preamble of the Paris Agreement, he highlighted that implementation must be linked with other international instruments containing human rights and gender obligations.  Bridget Burns, WEDO, outlined progress on integrating gender in UNFCCC processes, and on the status of the Gender and Climate Action Plan. She called for a step-change in implementing gender-responsive climate policy; increased availability of sex and gender disaggregated data and analysis; gender balance in the UNFCCC; gender-responsive climate finance; and finance for the Gender Action Plan. Vitumbiko Chinoko, CARE, highlighting the need for progress on agriculture, said that it cannot be discussed separately from food security and hunger. He called for a COP decision to advance discussions on agriculture, and to create a joint work programme for agriculture, food security and ending hunger, emphasizing that climate action must not undermine the latter two. Lydia Essuah, Ghana, outlined Ghana’s institutional frameworks and government interventions for guaranteeing human rights and gender equality, including: the Adaptation Fund Project, which empowers women through livelihood interventions and access to finance, and the Sustainable Land and Water Management Project. She highlighted the challenge of implementation at the national level to “advance the cause of the ordinary woman.” Petitbon invited party representatives in the audience to make short statements on their countries’ actions on gender and climate change. Delegates from Luxembourg and Ecuador outlined steps their countries have taken.   L-R: Noelene Nabulivou, Diverse Actions and Voices (DIVA) For Equality; Vitumbiko Chinoko, CARE; Sébastien Duyck, CIEL; and Bridget Burns, WEDO Noelene Nabulivou, DIVA For Equality, said “we are living the effects of loss and damage every day – it hasn’t been theory for us for a long time.”   Fanny Petitbon, CARE, emphasized that climate action is urgent “but not at any cost.”   Participants contributing to the discussion Participants contributing to the discussion Vitumbiko Chinoko, CARE and Sébastien Duyck, CIEL Bridget Burns, WEDO, said that all 64 NDCs which referenced women or gender, were from developing countries Contact: Sven Harmeling (CI) | sharmeling@careclimatechange.org Sébastien Duyck (CIEL) | sduyck@ciel.org Bridget Burns (WEDO) | bridget@wedo.org More Information: www.careclimatechange.org www.wedo.org www.ciel.org Around the Venue    

The following events were covered by IISD Reporting Services on Monday, 6 November 2017: Together for Climate Solutions, Opening of the German Pavilion Opening of the Talanoa Space: United for Climate Action Pacific Islands Inspiring Leadership in Renewable Energy Climate Action Network: Yardsticks for Success at COP 23 The Global Implications of a Rapidly-changing Arctic Implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement Catalysing Climate Action, Realizing the SDGs: Science, Interconnections and Implementation Role of Women as Guardians of the Ocean at the Frontlines of the Climate-Development-Nature Nexus European Climate Policy After Paris IISD Reporting Services, through its Earth Negotiations Bulletin on the Side (ENBOTS) Meeting Coverage, will provide daily web coverage from selected side events at the UN Climate Change Conference 2017. Photos by IISD/ENB | Ángeles Estrada and Herman Njoroge Chege For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page. Together for Climate Solutions, Opening of the German PavilionPresented by the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) This event, moderated by Michael Schroeren, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, was convened to open the German Pavilion at COP 23, and to outline Germany’s commitments on climate action.  Barbara Hendricks, Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, explained that the Pavilion would provide an opportunity for Germany to present its national climate actions and priorities, including on adaptation and oceans. She described the Fijian COP Presidency as an opportunity to draw attention to the impacts of climate change on small island developing states (SIDS), and pointed to the Talanoa Space, setup in conjunction with Fiji, to provide non-state actors a platform at COP 23 to celebrate their diversity, showcase activities and encourage exchange.  Hendricks stressed that the Paris Agreement would not be renegotiated, and that the focus in Bonn should be on developing guidelines for implementation to ensure mitigation goals are increasingly ambitious. She emphasized the need for transparent, comprehensive and comparable Nationally Determined Contributions, and for measuring progress towards goals, emphasizing that the Talanoa Dialogue would help to close the action gap. Gerd Müller, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany, highlighted German funding for global projects, which in terms of emission reductions, is equivalent to 25% of Germany’s total emissions, or offsetting the equivalent of 100 coal-fired power plants. He announced that Germany would invest an additional €1 billion to fund global mitigation and adaptation action. Highlighting climate protection as an opportunity for both development and investment, Müller emphasized the vital role that German clean technologies play in global climate action. He concluded by outlining Germany’s strategy to become carbon neutral by 2020, stressing that they “are not just talking but acting. ”  The ensuing discussion focused on: ministerial expectations for COP 23; the impact of the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement; the allocation of Germany’s €1 billion contribution; and Germany’s mitigation commitments and achievements. (L-R): Petra Diroll, Spokesperson for Minister Müller; Gerd Müller, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany; Barbara Hendricks, Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Germany; and Michael Schroeren, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany Barbara Hendricks, Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, stressed the importance of moving from words to action, and said this COP offers a space to foster implementation. Michael Schroeren, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany Gerd Müller, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany, said that climate action is a central issue for the survival of humanity, and we only have “one planet, one world and one climate.” Participants during the event Participants interact with the panel during the event Participants follow the event's proceedings Gerd Müller, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany, fields questions from a journalist after the event.   Contact: Michael Schroeren (moderator) | presse@bmub.bund.de More Information: http://cop23.de/ Opening of the Talanoa Space: United for Climate ActionPresented by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Helena Humphrey, Deutsche Welle, moderated the opening of the Talanoa Space, jointly set up by the governments of Germany and Fiji to enable non-state actors to showcase their activities and learn from each other. Inia Seruiratu, Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, and National Disaster Management and High-Level Climate Champion, Fiji, underscored the objective of the Talanoa Space to facilitate open discussions to enable different actors to express themselves and forge relationships. He pledged to “feed ideas” emerging from the Talanoa Space into the negotiations, and called for COP 23 to move further and faster.  Friedrich Kitschelt, State Secretary, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany, emphasized that while governments must provide the framework for ambitious climate action, implementation also lies with civil society, business, and cities and local actors. Turning to the risks faced by environmental activists, he underscored Germany’s support to civil society actors.   Lorna Eden, Assistant Minister for Local Government, Housing and Environment, Fiji, observed that despite countries and communities around the world facing a unique set of climate-related challenges, solutions developed in one country could be useful for other countries. Barbara Hendricks, Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, highlighted climate action not only as an issue for national governments but for society as a whole, calling for critical and constructive engagement with policy makers.  During the ensuing panel discussions, Anote Tong, former President of Kiribati, addressed the fate of island states and, echoing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, questioned whether we are “leaving anyone behind.” Christiane Averbeck, Executive Director, Climate Alliance Germany, pointed to the coalition talks in Berlin, challenging the new government to achieve the German climate targets. Responding to a question on phasing-out coal, Hendricks emphasized the need to bring everyone on board during this transition and to prevent climate action from becoming “an elite project.” Holger Lösch, Deputy Director General, Federation of German Industries, underscored the need for a coherent agenda to implement climate action, emphasizing the need to take risks into account. Ashok-Alexander Sridharan, Mayor of Bonn, described the city’s approach to citizen engagement, climate education and cooperation with cities in the Global South. Kitschelt outlined his ministry’s track record on climate finance, highlighting an additional €1.4 billion specifically for the Adaptation Fund and projects in small island developing states (SIDS). Bernd Bornhorst, Chairman, Association of German Development and Humanitarian Aid NGOs (VENRO), pointed to challenges related to decarbonizing the agricultural sector. Krishneil Narayan, Pacific Islands Climate Action Network (CAN), emphasized the need to translate the Paris Agreement into action on the ground. (L-R): Barbara Hendricks, Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany; Christiane Averbeck, Executive Director, Climate Alliance Germany; Helena Humphrey, Deutsche Welle; Inia Seruiratu, Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, and National Disaster Management and High Level Climate Champion, Fiji; Holger Lösch, Deputy Director General, Federation of German Industries; and Anote Tong, former President of Kiribati Barbara Hendricks, Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, emphasized the value of COPs, not just for advancing the negotiations but also for providing a space for the vibrant exchange of ideas. Inia Seruiratu, Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, and National Disaster Management and High Level Climate Champion, Fiji, stressed that the Talanoa Space is a great symbol for the partnership and friendship between the governments of Fiji and Germany. Friedrich Kitschelt, State Secretary, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany, lamented the US decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and called upon the country’s responsibility to tackle climate change. Lorna Eden, Assistant Minister for Local Government, Housing and Environment, Fiji, said that if we want to foster a grand coalition for climate action we must learn to truly understand each other. Participants clap during the event (L-R): Krishneil Narayan, Pacific Islands CAN; Ashok-Alexander Sridharan, Mayor of Bonn; Helena Humphrey, Deutsche Welle; Friedrich Kitschelt, State Secretary, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany; Lorna Eden, Assistant Minister for Local Government, Housing and Environment, Fiji; and Bernd Bornhorst, VENRO Krishneil Narayan, Pacific Islands CAN, asked how much implementation progress has been achieved in the two years since the Paris meeting. Anote Tong, former President of Kiribati, recalled that while great progress has been made since Cancún, the needs of island states have yet to be truly addressed. Christiane Averbeck, Executive Director, Climate Alliance Germany, challenged the German government to live up to its ambition of being a climate leader. Holger Lösch, Deputy Director General, Federation of German Industries, cautioned that “it doesn’t help to want something badly without knowing how to achieve it,” referring to the need for a coherent long-term agenda. Contact:  Pieter Pauw (German Federal Ministry for Economic Development and Cooperation) | pieter.pauw@bmz.bund.de More Information: https://www.cop23.de/en/delegates/talanoa-space/ Pacific Islands Inspiring Leadership in Renewable Energy Presented by Solar Head of State (SHOS) and the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) This event, moderated by James Ellsmoor, Director, SHOS, included speeches from high-level representatives from SIDS, a panel discussion of innovative renewable energy projects in Pacific SIDS, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Tonga, SHOS and PIDF.  Ellsmoor opened the event by emphasizing that its objective is to showcase the innovation and leadership taking place in SIDS on new renewable energy technologies.  Paula Faiva, Tokelau, highlighted Tokelau’s achievements through the Tokelau Renewable Energy Project (TREP), which has enabled the island to become the first nation in the world to source 100% of its electricity supply from renewable energy. She noted that the Tokelau case has been instrumental to demonstrate that solar power is a “no regrets, climate and economic resilient pathway.” She concluded by noting Tokelau’s energy goal to generate 100% of energy used by all sectors from renewable sources. Paula Ma’u, Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC), Tonga, noted that progress towards their national target of 50% of energy generation from renewables by 2020 was currently only at 11. He noted the commission of a new two-megawatt solar farm, and concluded by recounting the launch of the Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Tonga.  François Martel, Secretary General, PIDF, indicated that PIDF has been tasked by Pacific leaders to support a “paradigm shift” to a low carbon future, green growth and the blue economy. He gave an overview of the PIDF’s partnership with SHOS, noting their goal to engage leaders from around the Pacific to continue on the 1.5°C path and implement the Paris Agreement.  Ngedikes Olai Uludong, Permanent Representative to the UN, Palau, noted that Palau’s NDC focuses on renewable energy and energy efficiency, with a commitment to source 45% of energy from renewable sources by 2025. She gave an overview of the activities on energy that have occurred in Palau since 2015, emphasizing this year’s Energy Summit, which defined what an NDC means for Palau, and assessed the ability of the grid to accommodate shifts in energy generation.  Ida Talagi Hekesi, Chamber Executive Committee, Niue, delineated her country’s journey towards increasing the share of renewables in the island’s energy production and pointed to the fact that in Niue, the energy legislation is outdated and needs revising to accompany the transition to renewables. She further emphasized the need for countries to not only share their success stories, but to also talk about the challenges they encounter so that others can learn from those experiences.  Mokshanand Sunil Dowarkasing, Greenpeace International, recalled that since 1992, SIDS have been recognized by the UN as a special group of developing countries due to the unique challenges they face, especially with regards to climate change. He further emphasized that the transition to renewable energy in SIDS is not just a matter of energy transition but of system change and economic restructuring. Key for successfully implementing this transition, he said, is raising awareness and achieving ownership of the renewable energy projects by local communities and fostering the engagement of local entrepreneurs in this new pillar of the economy. Dani Robertson, ClimateWorks Australia, described her organization’s work on devising “whole economy approaches” to decarbonization and highlighted that they successfully advised a number of Australian states and territories in developing net-zero plans for 2050.   The ensuing discussion addressed: the role of the private sector in facilitating the transition to renewable energy; challenges in moving from centralized to decentralized grid systems; and participatory approaches to revising legislative tools. (L-R): Dani Robertson, ClimateWorks Australia; Mokshanand Sunil Dowarkasing, Greenpeace International; Ida Talagi Hekesi, Chamber Executive Committee, Niue; Ngedikes Olai Uludong, Permanent Representative to the UN, Palau; Paula Ma’u, MEIDECC, Tonga; and François Martel, Secretary General, PIDF Ngedikes Olai Uludong, Permanent Representative to the UN, Palau, said that her country has developed an action plan to evaluate progress towards the target of generating 45% of energy from renewable sources by 2025. James Ellsmoor, SHOS, highlighted the initiative to install solar panels by the monarch of Tonga, noting its importance for the country and its expanding solar panel initiatives. Paula Faiva, Tokelau, said that Tokelau is the number one region in the world in reducing per-person greenhouse gas emissions. Paula Faiva, Tokelau, said that Tokelau is the number one nation in the world in reducing per-person greenhouse gas emissions.  Mokshanand Sunil Dowarkasing, Greenpeace International, addressed polluters around the world: “small islands without capacity are walking the talk, so what are you waiting for?” Ida Talagi Hekesi, Chamber Executive Committee, Niue, highlighted that successes and failures go hand in hand and events like this one provide a good opportunity to share lessons learned. Dani Robertson, ClimateWorks Australia, reported that an increasing number of Australian states and territories are pledging to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century. François Martel, Secretary-General, PIDF, noted that the PIDF plays a important role in shaping renewable energy in the Pacific region and the globe’s energy future. Yardsticks for Success at COP 23Presented by Climate Action Network (CAN), China Association for NGO Cooperation (CANGO) and Asociación La Ruta del Clima In this side event, panelists explored various yardsticks for success in COP 23, including on, inter alia, identifying concrete steps for the implementation of guidelines, and ensuring effective participatory processes and commitment to stay below 1.5ºC. Lina Dabbagh, CAN, moderated the panel. Eliza Northrop, World Resources Institute (WRI), introduced the Talanoa Dialogue and remarked that it is critical to establishing a virtuous cycle of ambition. She emphasized that the Dialogue must be forward thinking and inclusive, and ideally avoid negotiation. In speaking about the progress on its modalities, she called on negotiators to be clear and comprehensive. Lucile Dufour, CAN France, underscored the important role of climate finance in the UNFCCC process, noting that it enhances solidarity, unlocks ambition, and would signal developed country commitment to the 2020 targets. She added that special attention needs to be paid to loss and damage finance. Jenny Jiva, Pacific Islands CAN, drew attention to the natural disasters that her country, Fiji, had experienced recently. She noted an increased sense of urgency, and called on the Talanoa Dialogue to establish actions that ensure a safe, just and sustainable future. Jenny Jiva, Pacific Islands CAN, drew attention to the natural disasters that her country, Fiji, had experienced recently. She noted an increased sense of urgency, and called on the Talanoa Dialogue to establish actions that ensure a safe, just and sustainable future. Yongsong Chen, Green Education Center, China, called for increased green education in order to reach the Paris Agreement goals. He stated that green education provides people with the knowledge and skills to take action, and called on the UN to translate conventions into simple teaching materials. Adrian Martinez, Asociacíon la Ruta del Clima, highlighted the need for civil society participation in negotiations in order to increase transparency. He called for more ambitious public participation, including critically analyzing what participation means. Following statements by the panelists, moderator Dabbagh invited ambassadors from countries that have hosted COPs to provide comments. Deo Saran, Fijian Ambassador to Belgium, underscored his country’s goal to empower marginalized people, including through a gender action plan.  Aziz Mekouar, Ambassador for Multilateral Negotiations, Morocco, highlighted the need for private finance.  Brigitte Collet, Ambassador for Climate Change Negotiations, Renewable Energy and Climate Risk Prevention, France, reiterated the importance of engagement with civil society.  In the ensuing discussion, participants asked questions about using participation to build empathy and about opportunities for open dialogue during the COP. (L-R): Lina Dabbagh, CAN; Jenny Jiva, Pacific Islands CAN; Eliza Northrop, WRI; Lucile Dufour, CAN France; Yongsong Chen, Green Education Center, China; and Adrian Martinez, Asociación La Ruta del Clima Lina Dabbagh, CAN, stressed that “this is not just another COP; this COP must deliver. Observing that although the Pacific is responsible for “negligible emissions,” Jenny Jiva, Pacific Islands CAN, said that she had seen the effects of climate change first hand, including living through a Category five cyclone in Fiji. Eliza Northrop, WRI, stressed that the Talanoa Dialogue is part of a process, not a singular moment.   Yongsong Chen, Green Education Center, China, called for support for green education at all levels. Ambassadors and participants listen to the panelists outline the measures of success they can expect at COP 23. The Global Implications of a Rapidly-changing ArcticPresented by the Arctic Council (AC), the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP), and Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF). This side event, moderated by Morten Skovgaard Olsen, Denmark, explored recent scientific developments on Arctic climate change and its global impacts. René Söderman, Senior Arctic Official for the Government of Finland, reported on changes in Arctic temperatures, sea ice, land ice and permafrost. He stated that these changes are affecting weather in the mid-latitudes and expressed hope that Arctic states can display full, early and ambitious implementation of the Paris Agreement. Noting that no state will be immune to climate impacts, he said that Arctic warming will accelerate climate change globally.  David Barber, University of Manitoba, spoke about Arctic sea ice, highlighting that it provides a good indication of the overall climate system. He reported on the Arctic “amplification” of global temperature changes and, noting changes in summer and winter ice covers, ice mobility and ice quality, suggested that the Arctic would be ice-free within the next 15 to 20 years while the risks of these rapid changes remain little understood.  Pettari Taalas, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), presented data on changes in atmospheric temperature, ocean acidification, sea ice and precipitation in the Arctic. He elaborated on the role of the WMO regarding weather, climate and oceans observation, noting the need to enhance observation systems at high latitudes. He stated that, to date, thermal expansion has been the largest contributing factor to sea level rise, followed by glacial and Greenland ice sheet melt, though Arctic sea ice melt is also a large factor. Paul Wassman, University of Tromsø, discussed Arctic sea ice and adaptation. He noted the need for more research into the seasonal ice zone and described ‘four apocalyptic riders,’ which affect sea ice cover: warming, ice, light and freshening. He emphasized the effects of more Arctic open water on weather variability and emphasized the need for pan-Arctic comprehension and multi-disciplinary, coordinated system-ecological investigations throughout the seasonal ice zone. He listed essential adaptation measures, including on fisheries and marine protected areas. Monica Tennberg, University of Lapland, noted the unique demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the Barents region, calling for increased adaptive capacity and developing processes, as well as structures for adaptive governance. Reporting on local government programmes for adaptation planning, she said that, although awareness exists regarding the need to adapt, the plans need to be implemented.  Jason Box, Geological Survey of Greenland and Denmark, spoke about Arctic contributions to sea level change. Highlighting that, even when taking the Paris Agreement into account, Arctic temperatures will still rise by 7°C, he emphasized the need to consider strategies to achieve the Paris Agreement more rapidly in order to “buy time” for the Arctic. He noted difficulties in sea level rise modeling and stated that current predictions are probably underestimated. He emphasized that sea level rise is not uniform globally, as it affects tropical regions more than the Arctic due to changes in the Earth’s center of gravity.  Okalik Eegeesiak, Inuit Circumpolar Council, stated that Inuit must be “front and center” to climate action, based on their sovereignty, knowledge and rights. Noting the Indigenous Peoples’ Platform, she highlighted the opportunity for the Platform to link indigenous peoples directly with decision-making to ensure that indigenous rights are upheld. She emphasized that the Arctic Council is effective because Inuit are at the table and able to directly contribute to solutions. In relation to the increased shipping and fossil fuel exploration opportunities in the Arctic, she stressed the Inuit right to free, prior and informed consent.  (L-R) Morten Skovgaard Olsen, Denmark; René Söderman, Senior Arctic Official for the Government of Finland; David Barber, University of Manitoba; Paul Wassman, University of Tromsø; Monica Tennberg, University of Lapland; and Okalik Eegeesiak, Inuit Circumpolar Council David Barber, University of Manitoba, said that although he began his academic career as a climate skeptic, he was convinced otherwise by the “alarming” evidence he has discovered. Monica Tennberg, University of Lapland, said that “the main problem” is complacency and called for people to “wake up” to the urgency of the climate change threat. Paul Wassman, University of Tromsø, described the issue of how ice retreat will affect Arctic marine ecosystems as the “million-dollar question.” Pettari Taalas, WMO, said that about 75% of Arctic sea ice mass has melted. Jason Box, Geological Survey of Greenland and Denmark, called for early implementation of the Paris Agreement given the inevitability of further climate change in the Arctic. Contact: Anne Birgitte Hansen (Organizer) | anne.birgitte@arctic-council.org Thomas Fries (Organizer) | tom@arctic-council.org More Information: www.arctic-council.org Implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement Presented by the International Center for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD), the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) and the International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP) Andrei Marcu, Director, European Roundtable on Climate and Sustainable Transition (ERCST), and Senior Fellow, the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD), moderated the debate. In this side event, panelists explored how international markets can be a tool to meet Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Yuji Mizuno, Programme Director, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), explained the context of Article 6 negotiations, highlighting that avoiding double accounting is the most essential task for COP 23 Article 6 negotiators. Martin Hession, European Commission, declared that the long-term objectives of the Paris Agreement must be ensured, and noted that NDCs must generate carbon value at the domestic level. Martin Lajoie, negotiator on Article 6, Canada, recalled the importance of finalizing a rulebook, which will provide guidelines for countries on implementing the Paris Agreement. He noted that negotiations are a party-driven exercise, but subnational efforts, through a bottom-up approach, must also be scaled up to promote trust. Constanze Haug, Head of Secretariat, the International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP), said that Article 6 provides flexibility for parties to implement the Paris Agreement and noted that carbon markets contribute to technology transfer, provide an incentive for robust measurement, reporting and verification (MRV), and are an important motivator in moving towards significant domestic GHG reduction. El Hadji Mbaye Diagne, Negotiator, Senegal, explained that negotiations on Article 6 contain three main facets: cooperative approaches; mechanisms for mitigation and sustainable development; and non-market mechanisms. He stressed that many concepts and principles still require common understanding among parties, noting that environmental integrity is interpreted differently. In the ensuing discussion, participants addressed, among others, carbon pricing and strategies to put a price on pollution; clean technology investments; diversification of transport systems; and carbon market tools. They also recalled that countries’ different social and economic contexts require different tools and trajectories to achieve a zero-carbon economy. Martin Lajoie, negotiator on Article 6, highlighted the importance of building confidence in carbon markets, not only within markets, but also from citizens. Yuji Mizuno, Programme Director, IGES, said avoiding double counting is one of the most essential goals of the Paris Agreement. L-R: Constanze Haug, Head of Secretariat, ICAP; Martin Lajoie, negotiator on Article 6, Canada; Andrei Marcu, Director, ERCST and Senior Fellow ICTSD; Martin Hession, European Commission; Yuji Mizuno, Programme Director, IGES; El Hadji Mbaye Diagne, Negotiator, Senegal. Constanze Haug, ICAP, declared that carbon markets are close to the hearts of all 35 countries under the ICAP. Martin Hession, European Commission, stated that, for the EU, the CDM approach must be reinvented to avoid a “business-as-usual scenario.”   Contact:  Kentaro Takahashi, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies | k-takahashi@iges.or.jp  More Information: http://www.iges.or.jp/ Catalysing Climate Action, Realizing the SDGs: Science, Interconnections and ImplementationPresented by German Committee Future Earth, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), German Development Institute/ Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik (DIE), Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) in cooperation with Future Earth and the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) This side event, moderated by Imme Scholz, Vice-Director, German Development Institute, highlighted the need for a better understanding of the interactions between climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and for improved exchange between academia and decision-makers. Panelists discussed, among others: the advantages of South-South cooperation, which relates to the contextual similarity of these countries and consequently facilitates the translation of policy solutions; and the importance of enhancing policy-oriented science in developing countries, especially through institutional support and funding for new researchers. María Amparo Martínez Arroyo, Director General, National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change (INECC), IAI Representative, shared her perspective on linking national policy frameworks and the 2030 Agenda to scientific research, stating that politics, geography and demographics are essential subjects to address this theme.  Leena Shrivastava, Vice Chancellor, TERI University, highlighted that climate science has advanced and been well communicated, but expressed concern over a lack of national actions. She noted India’s NDC commitments, emphasizing examples of science-based action such as circular economy approaches to landfill management, and mapping rural areas according to social-cultural-economic contexts. Edith Adera, Senior Programme Specialist, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada, lamented the lack of solid scientific support for African negotiators, and said that implementing the Paris Agreement and the SDGs are the most critical task for all stakeholders. Charles Tonui, Environmental Scientist and Research Assistant, African Center for Technology Studies (ACTS), spoke on the need to build on scientific evidence and stressed the importance of multidisciplinary approaches, as well as data translation to policy makers. Asun St. Clair, Senior Principal Scientist at the Climate Programme, DNV GL Group, Norway, highlighted the need to include a human perspective in climate policy, and that private sector engagement and a cross-sectoral approaches need to be enhanced in order to implement the SDGs and the Paris Agreement. Martin Visbeck, Chairman German Committee Future Earth and GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, highlighted the drastic increase in global population, which requires urgent multilateral cooperation. He stressed the importance of investing in science at the local level to implement global goals. During closing remarks, St. Clair recalled the need to build trust and to increase basic science knowledge, including social sciences at the national level.  Visbeck called for general science literacy and policy coherence in order to address both the SDGs and climate goals. Leena Shrivastava, Vice Chancellor, TERI University, focused on the needs to translate climate science into national enhanced actions. Imme Scholz, Vice-Director, German Development Institute, highlighted the need for a better understanding of the interactions between climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Edith Adera, Senior Programme Specialist, IDRC, stressed the need for interdisciplinarity when studying climate change impacts. Asun St. Clair, Senior Principal Scientist, Climate Programme, DNV GL Group, emphasized the need for science to be co-produced with stakeholders, and be policy-relevant. Martin Visbeck, Chairman German Committee Future Earth and GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, highlighted the drastic increase in global population, which requires urgent multilateral cooperation. Contact:  Ione Anderson (IAI, International Partnerships & UN Liaison Officer) | ianderson@dir.iai.int Bettina Schmalzbauer (Executive Director, German Committee Future Earth) | schmalzbauer@dkn-future-earth.de More Information: www.iai www.die-gdi.de www.dkn-future-earth.de www.die-gdi.de Role of Women as Guardians of the Ocean at the Frontlines of the Climate-Development-Nature NexusPresented by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Earth Island Institute (EII) In this side event, panelists explored the role of women in leading by example in climate change responses, with “climate witnesses” from Pacific Island states sharing their stories, and highlighting the links between gender and oceans. Carol Phua, WWF, moderated the panel. Raumanu Pranjivan-Sharma, COP23 Presidency, emphasized that women are “powerful agents of change.” She stressed the Presidency’s commitment to the COP’s work on gender and climate change, noting the planned adoption of principles on gender and climate change at COP 23. She outlined the goals of parties under the agenda item on gender and climate change and emphasized that the work of women bridges across climate action, sustainable development, and nature protection. Elisabeth Holland, University of the South Pacific, recalled the power of women as stewards, saying that the concept of stewardship was “grounded in the very essence of who we are as women.” Relating her experience of visiting a German coal mine, she emphasized the need to keep fossil fuels in the ground. Penina Moce, WWF Climate Witness, Fiji, relating her experience of climate impacts on the island of Kabara, Fiji, said that less rainfall and accelerated sea level rise has put pressure on water resources and fisheries. She called on industrialized countries to reduce emissions by at least 30% by 2030; developing economies to work with affluent nations to develop their own climate solutions; and for an end to deforestation. Monifa Fiu, Fiji, spoke about the importance of sharing stories and amplifying them through action. She said that kinship must not be forgotten and recalled the connections both among ourselves and between ourselves and the ocean. She spoke about the resilience of the reefs in her lagoon, noting the “dramatic” changes she has witnessed. Ingrid Gabriela-Hoven, German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, stressed the need to bring a sense of urgency into COP23. She underlined the importance of the COP23 Presidency in supporting SIDS. Reporting on Germany’s development funding, particularly the recent EUR 37 million Blue Action Fund, she acknowledged that more must be done and called for closing the gender gap in the UNFCCC. Monifa Fiu, Fiji, said that like many attendees, she comes from a small island, but “we are connected by an ocean.” L - R: Carol Phua, WWF; Raumanu Pranjivan-Sharma, COP23 Presidency; and Elisabeth Holland, University of the South Pacific Carol Phua, WWF, stressed that climate change “doesn’t affect everyone equally,” but that women are leading by example in climate change responses. Contact: Mandy Jean Woods (WWF) | mwoods@wwfint.org Christian Holz (EII) | cholz@climateactionnetwork.ca   More Information: www.panda.org www.oceanwitness.org European Climate Policy After ParisPresented by the Climate Partnership of Alpine Municipalities within the Alpine Convention, the German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) and the International Commission for the Protection of the Alps (CIPRA) In this side event panelists discussed the Climate Partnership of Alpine Communities and strategies to engage local municipalities in their region. Andreas Pichler, CIPRA, moderated the session and stated that the Partnership, to be launched in 2018, would serve as an example for communities to adapt to and mitigate climate change. Helmut Hojesky, Chair of the Alpine Climate Board, introduced the Alpine Convention, which was signed in 1995 and has eight member states. He noted that involving communities in combatting climate change, an objective of the Board, is crucial, as communities have direct experience and are where impacts are felt. Pichler introduced the Climate Partnership of Alpine Municipalities, a bottom-up platform to connect communities. In underscoring what municipalities can do in addressing climate change, he noted three key efforts: a strategy on climate change adaptation and mitigation; an energy and climate management system; and evaluation and innovation mechanisms. Heike Summer, Office of Environment, Principality of Liechtenstein, stated that the government in her country worked closely with its communities to adapt to climate change. She noted that, with the overall goal of minimizing risks and increasing adaptation ability in all sectors, her Office promoted stakeholder involvement from an early stage. During the ensuing discussion, participants asked to what extent the Board and Partnership engage with similar geographic regions globally, such as the Himalayas and the Andes. Panelists also discussed best strategies for municipalities in moving forward on climate change adaptation, which included providing stakeholders with adequate information. Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary, BMUB, provided concluding remarks. He said that the COP is useful for the efforts of the Alpine Partnership and Convention, as it provides civil society and politicians with the opportunity to engage in dialogue. The session concluded with a film on Strengthening Climate Cooperation within the European Union, by the European Climate Initiative. Helmut Hojesky, Chair of the Alpine Climate Board, stated that Alpine countries feel the effects of climate change much more than other countries. Heike Summer, Office of Environment, Principality of Liechtenstein, said that though GDP and population are increasing in her country, GHG emissions are decreasing. A participant poses a question on the global reach of the Climate Partnership of Alpine Municipalities. Around the Venue