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No Agreement, No Sweat - Climate Paradigm
The Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), now in its 17th year, has generated an unstoppable momentum in creating a profound awareness and consciousness of the environment among humankind.
As dignitaries, diplomats, negotiators and activists converge on Durban in November and December 2011 to thrash out new agreements on the climate and environment, they can be rest assured that nations, governments and even the all-powerful corporations have realized the value of reducing the impact of emissions on the environment.Â
“It’s the new industrial revolution,” remarked German Ambassador designate to South Africa Dr. Horst Freitag. He was speaking at a media breakfast on Germany’s participation at COP17. He highlighted the impressive advances Germany has made in adopting and adapting to renewable and clean energy and how innovation has sparked the entrepreneurial imagination in the creation of green business.
The Kyoto Protocol on reducing greenhouse gas emission expires in 2012. Negotiations on its renewal and expansion will be intensely debated and discussed at this conference.
Many analysts and negotiators are of the opinion that no firm resolution will be reached. However, there is recognition of the change in mindset that has seen recycling, reusing, the use of clean/renewable energy and energy conservation becoming normal practice.
Following the time-line below, COP’s impact in creating this paradigm becomes apparent:
1992 - The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change- UNFCC, a legally non-binding agreement is produced in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
1995 - The first COP takes place in Berlin, Germany. The parties agree to meet annually.
1996 – In Switzerland the parties accept scientific findings on climate change.
1997 – In Kyoto, Japan the Kyoto Protocol is adopted outlining the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
1998 – In Buenos Aires, Argentina mechanisms are devised for implementing the Kyoto Protocol.
1999 – In Bonn, Germany technical meetings are held with no major conclusions.
2000 – In The Hague, Netherlands talks collapse and are suspended with no agreement.
2001 – In Bonn, Germany agreements are reached on flexible mechanisms, Joint Implementation (JI), Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM), fund development, compliance and financing of emission reduction initiatives.
2001 - COP7 in Marrakech, Morocco – the finalizing of operating details and setting the stage for nations to ratify Kyoto. The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) to be held in Joburg, South Africa in 2002 was put forward as a target date to bring Kyoto into force.
2002 - COP8 in New Delhi, India – Delhi Ministerial Declaration calls for efforts by developed countries to minimize climate change of developing countries.
2003 - COP9 in Milan, Italy – parties agreed to use the Adaptation Fund to support developing countries.
2004 - COP10 in Buenos Aires, Argentina – discuss progress made since the first COP 10 years ago. The Buenos Aires plan of action adopted on climate change, mitigation and adaptation.
2005 - COP11 in Montreal, Canada – was the first Meeting of Parties (MOP1) since the initial meeting in Kyoto. The Kyoto Protocol comes into force and a plan is drawn up to extend the life of Kyoto Protocol beyond 2012.
2006 - COP12MOP2 in Nairobi, Kenya - the parties adopt a 5-year plan and agree on procedures and modalities for the Adaptation Fund.
2007 - COP13 MOP3 in Bali, Indonesia – The Bali Action Plan agreement on timeline and structured agreement post 2012 framework.
2008 - COP 14 MOP4 in Poznan, Poland – Agreement on principles for the financing of a fund.
2009 - COP15MOP5 in Copenhagen, Denmark – ambitious global climate agreement fails. Negotiations on extending the Kyoto Protocol unresolved.
2010 - COP16MOP6 in Cancun, Mexico - The Summit calls for a Green Climate Fund and a climate technology center and network.
2011 - COP17MOP7    will take place in Durban, South Africa and it is regarded as critical for the renewing of the Kyoto protocol. Also relevant will be the buying of emission allowances from developing countries, the Adaptation Fund adopted in 2003 supporting developing countries to adapt to climate change, with capacity building and technology transfer.
Qatar and South Korea are bidding to host the conference, COP18, in 2012
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