As COP15 gears up for its final big day, the deadlock has been broken, with the negotiations moving forward on a two-track basis.
With the Danish presidency having given up on trying to create a consensus around a draft text aimed at combating global warming, the negotiations have split down two tracks; one the Kyoto Protocol, and the other the Climate Change Convention.
With time running out, governments are becoming more strident in their pleas for a successful outcome to the talks.
The SMC has set up a COP15 resource page here.
The SMC will be rounding up comment from scientists in reaction to the results of the final negotiations over the weekend. These comments will be emailed to journalists on the SMC’s distribution list.
Highlights from the programme:
Official events:
10:00-12:00 Informal high-level event convened by the Prime Minister of Denmark
Plenary – Tycho Brahe
12:00-14:00 Statements by observer organizations
Plenary – Tycho Brahe
15:00-16:00 COP Plenary
Plenary – Tycho Brahe
16:00-17:00 CMP Plenary
Plenary – Tycho Brahe
Press briefings (available to watch online on demand)
13:00-13:30 Prime Minister Gordon Brown
Press Conference Rm
14:30-15:00 Delegation of the United States
Asger Jorn Rm
14:30-15:00 The Delegation of China
Press Conference Rm
17:00-17:30 Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd
Asger Jorn Rm
18:00-18:30 UNFCCC Press Conference
Press Conference Rm
Side events (for those in Copenhagen)
11:00-12:30 – International Planned Parenthood Federation: Population and climate change vulnerability
Efforts to strengthen coping capacity and resilience of most vulnerable populations are likely to be impacted by rapid population growth and other population dynamics. Can we reduce vulnerability and support adaptation by making comprehensive contraceptive services available to all who want them?
Halfdan Rasmussen
09:00-10:30 – CIGI: Science, research and international governance of geoengineering
Geoengineering is receiving increased attention as climate concerns mount. This event will review the science of geoengineering-highlighting that it is no alternative to emission reductions-identify research needs and possible future utility, and explore international governance implications.
Halfdan Rasmussen
13:00-14:30 – WTTC: Addressing the challenges of climate change: Perspectives from the travel and tourism sector
Aware of its global economic and social value, and its place in the UN-led framework, the Travel & Tourism Sector will present the steps taken thus far in response to the Bali Roadmap and Action Plan. The event will also feature an interactive panel discussion.
Niels Bohr
Update from the AusSMC:
ONLINE BRIEFING ALERT – TIM FLANNERY LIVE FROM COP15
On Saturday at 9am AEDT/ Friday at 11pm Copenhagen time (*time subject to change), Professor Tim Flannery from Macquarie University and the Copenhagen Climate Council will join us on the phone from his hotel in Copenhagen for a reaction to the outcome of the COP15 Conference. An alert email will be issued separately.
Journalists in Denmark can listen to the briefing over the phone by calling (+45) 3832 3066. When prompted, enter event number 825 598 586#. You will have the opportunity to ask questions.An audio copy of the briefing will be posted on our website at www.aussmc.org within 30 minutes of the conclusion of the event. (For more details, contact the SMC at smc@sciencemediacentre.co.nz)
Additional audio and video updates to their site
A list of Australian scientists who are in Copenhagen has been compiled by the AusSMC. Please contact Nigel Kerby or SMC(NZ) for more details.
If you are in Copenhagen and require assistance tracking down an expert, contact the AusSMC’s Nigel Kerby on (+45) 2660 7655 (Danish mobile) or email info@aussmc.org.
Further Information
To talk to any of the experts quoted above contact the Science Media Centre on tel: 04 499 5476 or email: smc@sciencemediacentre.co.nz.
Is it true most of those attending Cop15 are not scientists? Just wondering… and why did Chavez receive a standing ovation?
Hi there, you’re right, there were very few scientists at COP15, as a proportion of the overall number – it was mainly diplomats and NGOs. Would have been nice to see more scientists there but understandably it was a political meeting really, even though the whole thing, including the all-important 2 degree limit is driven by the science. I’m sure Chavez was appealing directly to the developing nations with his speech and it obviously went down well…