Worldwatch will contribute to the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) starting in Paris, France today by advising governmental delegations, participating in high-level consultations, and speaking at conferences for the general public. We invite you to follow these events as they unfold, either with us in Paris or through our blog and Twitter account.
“The Paris climate summit has all the ingredients to make history: an almost universal understanding of the urgency to act, an agreement on the final document within reach, and governments worldwide determined to act,” says Alexander Ochs, Director of Climate and Energy and Worldwatch’s head of delegation.
“A quarter century after the world embarked on protecting the atmosphere, we are closer than ever to making real change happen. Paris can alter the way we generate and consume energy; manufacture goods; produce our food and treat our forests and peatlands; run our transport systems; respond to the ecosystem changes already underway; and, maybe most importantly, work together across borders when confronted with problems of global scale,” says Ochs. “Let’s seize this opportunity!”
Worldwatch will be among the international civil society organizations at the COP21 that will lead in debates and discussions about solutions to climate change. Check out our event lineup below and keep an eye on this critical moment.
“It is time for society to come together and act. The world can no longer afford to squabble while dramatic changes in the global climate already shift the social and environmental systems on which we universally rely. There is enormous public momentum behind the negotiations in Paris. The COP must become a watershed event that sets the course for governments, businesses, and social societies in how we treat our environment and each other for decades to come.”
Ed Groark, Worldwatch Institute Chairman of the Board
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
From INDC Design to NDC Implementation—Integrated Climate Projects as a Vehicle for Effective and Sustainable Climate Impact | Workshop of the International Climate Initiative (ICI)
December 5 | 14:00 – 15:30 | Hotel Hyatt Regency, Charles de Gaulle, 351 avenue du Bois de la Pie
Working group III: Sectoral approaches to INDC implementation
Input: Alexander Ochs, Director, Climate and Energy
To illuminate how international cooperation efforts can most appropriately support partner countries, the meeting addresses barriers related to Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) implementation: (1) financing of INDCs, (2) sectoral approaches for INDC implementation, and (3) the role of co-benefits for INDC implementation. Note: This event is not open to the public.
Meeting of the Sectoral Leads of the Low-Emissions Development Strategies Global Partnership (LEDS-GP)
December 7
Chairman of the Energy Working Group: Alexander Ochs, Director, Climate and Energy
Alexander Ochs will present the ambitious 2016 program of the Energy Working Group to other sectoral leads of the Low-Emissions Development Strategies Global Partnership. Note: This event is not open to the public.
Advancing Low Carbon Development in the West African Region
December 8 | 14:00 – 5:30 | Salle 1 of the Africa Pavilion | COP 21
Panelist: Alexander Ochs, Director, Climate and Energy
The Ministers of Environment of Senegal and Gambia will co-chair a panel of experts to discuss the developmental challenges in the West African region in the face of a changing climate and the imperatives and benefits for low-carbon development. Learn about trends and lessons in the region as well as the necessary tools than can drive low carbon development.
Meat — The Big Omission from the Talks on Emissions
December 9 | 15:00 – 16:30 | Observer Room 04 | COP 21
Speaker: Wanqing Zhou, Research Associate, Food and Agriculture
Leading experts and government officials will discuss the climate impacts of meat and dairy consumption, public awareness about these impacts, and potential policy and behavior change solutions. The focus will be on action post-Paris as well as on new research and work in Brazil, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Unsustainable Meat: The Impacts of Industrial Livestock and Feedstock Production on Climate and the People
December 10 | 10:00 – 11:30 | The Netherlands Climate Pavilion | COP 21
Speaker: Wanqing Zhou, Research Associate, Food and Agriculture
Small farmers, representatives from affected communities, and social participants impacted by industrial livestock and feedstock production will present testimonies, photographs, and creative campaigns to contribute to the discussion of agroecology and food sovereignty as solutions to the climate crisis.
RESOURCES
Before and during the COP21 Paris Conference, the Worldwatch Institute is publishing a series of blogs featuring developments and expectations from the negotiations as well as from various regions. Please check in for updates. Among the posts already published:
India’s INDC for Emissions Reduction: Finding the Devils in the Details
Greater Flexibility and Integrated Action Bring “Cautious Optimism” to Upcoming Paris Climate Talks
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