After only one day of ADP, the co-chairs of the Bonn session decided that observers would no longer be allowed into the majority of the negotiations taking place in Spin Off Groups (SOGs). Although this stance was challenged by the developing country blocks, Japan raised an objection and twitter tag #ADP2 started going crazy.
Posts filed under UN Climate Talks 2014
Yong Ly: Why I'm going to the ADP
Last year's COP experience in Peru was a rollercoaster of emotions. I came away much more informed and aware of political landscape but I also came away with a sense of frustration and pessimism about the future of our planet.
Saskia McCulloch: The Lone Kiwi
The first day of negotiations for the Paris Agreement are almost at an end, just a few more hours to go. I am in Bonn, Germany. The sun is shining, its 30 degrees and the World Conference Centre is swanky. Things are going smoothly, apart from the fact that I am the only real New Zealander here from civil society.
Benjamin Brooking: It's not too late - apply to join me at COP 21!
Applications have almost closed to join AYLI's delegation to COP21 in Paris! There's still time to submit your application. So If you are still trying to make up your mind then have a quick look over these photos I took at last years conference in Lima, Peru. Then hurry and send in your application before the end of the day!
Yong Ly: Come to Germany. Come to the ADP!
If you are interested in climate change, international law, politics and policy - or just wonder how big decisions that affect all of us get made, then going to the ADP's session 2.11 in Bonn is an opportunity you'll want to take up.
Suzy McKinney: Opinion: I'm ashamed to be a New Zealander
Last week our COP 20 delegate Suzy McKinney was published in the Whakatane Beacon with her thoughts on the New Zealand Government's climate policy.
Benjamin Brooking: Ministry for the Environment just opened public consultations
Short personal story - going to COP20 in Lima last December was the first time I've felt embarrassment as a New Zealander in the wider world. Our government, acting on our behalf, was doing far less than necessary to ensure a successful and robust international climate agreement. But now we have a chance to change that.
Dewy Sacayan: UN Slumber Party Essentials
This weekend, I will be living in a box as a fundraiser for the victims of Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu. This 24 hour challenge got me thinking about the things I desperately need to survive. More importantly, this challenge made me reminisce the time I slept over at the UN.
First things first, why would someone even sleep over at a UN conference?
Negotiators are not the best people at time management. Throughout the year, preliminary meetings and bilateral/regional talks happen in preparation for the convention. They talk and lobby with a lot of countries but seem not do so efficiently because meetings still run over time. Is it because the climate change topic is truly a big issue to discuss? Or is it because countries just like to exhaust time so that they do not have to compromise? Whatever the answer is, UN conferences such as COP20 always go over time. Thus, it is likely that you will see diplomats and civil society alike scrambling for a seat/couch/corner/beanbag to sleep in on the last few days of negotiations.
This brings me to the gist of this piece - what do you need to bring if you're going to sleepover at the UN?
1. Jackets/Jumpers - These pieces of clothing are good for keeping you warm or to use as make shift pillows. They might be quite bulky to carry around during the day, but it's definitely worth the sacrifice.
2. Extension cords - Finding a free plug in a plenary full of people is a mission. Bring an extension cord to save you and your friends the trouble. You don't want to be the only person not tweeting when negotiators turn crazy and use silly metaphors.
3. Snacks - Although the canteen had orders to keep serving food throughout the night, there was a point where they ran out of food (or at least the ones we could afford). Bring some snacks to keep you going and to save yourself from queuing up.
4. Toothbrush and Toothpaste - You are going to be in the same venue as dignitaries and ministers. You definitely do not want to have the morning breath after an uncomfortable sleep in a solid couch.
5. Eye Mask and Ear Plugs - The conference venue in Lima was particularly bright and loud. So if you cannot sleep with lights on or with loud people around, just like me, be sure to bring these two things!
