Asian Green Youth Challenge Recruitment Drive
Asian Green Youth Challenge (AGYC) is founded by a group of Singaporean Peking University undergraduates in 2010. It is a project adopted by non-for-profit organisation, Social Innovation Park (SIP). It was started to create an annual series of programmes which will incubate innovative, youth-based, non-for-profit environmental projects and organisations in Asia. There are 4 stages to AGYC, website campaign, conference, competition and incubation programme. We hope to facilitate youths to take action to protect the environment. The AGYC Organising Committee is currently recruiting volunteers to join our main committee. This is an information sharing session for interested volunteers. We hope to see you there!
The details are as of below:
Nature of Activity: Non SG Cares Activity
Activity Name: Asian Green Youth Challenge
Information Sharing Session
Date: 04-Feb-12
Time: 2.00pm-3.00pm
Address: National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) 6 Eu Tong Sen Street #04-88 The Central NVPC is located right at Level 4 within The Central, directly above Clarke Quay MRT.
For more information, you can visit the link: http://www.sgcares.org/Public/Other/SGCares_P_Others_ActivtyDetails.aspx?PCID=a6aef39b-b834-4491-9077-a42b8ebf58bf
[Deadline extended] Selection for Team Singapore towards Rio + 20
About Rio 2012
The world is facing a mounting crisis. In recent years we have experienced a combination of a global financial crisis, a food crisis, volatile oil prices, accelerating ecosystem degradation and an increasing number of climate-induced extreme weather events. These multiple and inter-related crises call into question the ability of a growing human population to live peacefully and sustainably on this planet, and demand the urgent attention governments and citizens around the world.
Earth Summit 2012 will be the fourth Summit of its kind and represents another milestone in ongoing international efforts to accelerate progress towards achieving sustainable development globally.
Basic Criteria:
•Aged 18 – 35
•Singapore Citizen or PR
•Team Player
•Positive and presentable attitude
•Sufficient experience in working with local community
•Committed from now till the conference for team building, local strategy participation, and fund raising for the team
•Committed to be at the conference throughout
•Take on leadership roles both within the team and other position leading towards Rio 2012
•Would be an advantage with prior overseas experience representing country at conferences
Submission Criteria:
•Full CV with a picture of you and contact details
•Fully filled up online form: http://goo.gl/G9HtA
•Essay on the following topic below (1000 words max)
Please send in one email to rio2012@eco-singapore.org with your CV and Essay that should be saved in the following format
•For CV — firstname_lastname_CV
•For Essay — firstname_lastname_essaytopic
Essay Topics:
•Rio 2012 and relevance to Singapore. Does it matter?
•Asia and its green economy: Can Asia take the lead?
•Institution Framework on Sustainable Development: Where do we go?
DEADLINE (Extended): 15th January 2012 23:59H (GMT +8 Hours)
For more info on how Youth are participating at Rio+20, check out Rio+twenties 
Did Durban Deliver?
The continuation of the Kyoto Protocol was an important part of the Durban negotiations as the Kyoto Protocol, which was adopted in 1997 but entered into force only in 2005 and binds 37 industrialized countries with emissions reduction targets from 2008-2012 is due to expire. In Durban, 35 industrialized countries agreed a second commitment period (CP2) to begin 1 January 2013 and Annex I Parties will increase their levels of ambition by submitting new “quantified emission limitation or reduction objective” (QELROs) by 1 May 2012.
The most likely success at Durban was the decision on the Green Climate Fund. The Fund, agreed on in Cancun last year, is to provide adequate, long-term financing of up to US $100 billion by 2020 for developing countries in addition to existing financial mechanisms such as the Global Environment Facility, Fast-Start Finance, Adaptation Fund and other special funds. However, issues to be resolved include the need to secure funding toward initial capitalization and replenishment, conferring juridical personality and legal capacity to the Fund and the selection of a 24 member Board, host country and trustee of the Fund.
Issues on mitigation and adaptation were negotiated under the auspices of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention (AWG-LCA), which is due to be terminated by COP18 in Doha, Qatar. Enhanced action will then be examined under a newly launched Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action, which shall start its work as a matter of urgency in the first half of 2012 and complete its work no later than 2015 in order to adopt the new Protocol to be applicable to all Parties.
New market-based mechanisms will be developed to complement the existing Clean Development Mechanism and Durban also decided to fully operationalize the Technology Mechanism which was established in Cancun the year before. The Technology Mechanism comprises a Technology Executive Committee (TEC) and a Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN).
In all, Durban seemed to make progress following the lackluster results of the COP15 Copenhagen meetings the year before, and taking into account the high benchmarks for collective climate action were set in Cancun last year. Despite this, in order to avoid runaway climate change and its adverse effects, many still feel that the pace of negotiations should be accelerated in line with scientific evidence.
This national statement was delivered by Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs Mr Teo Chee Hean, at the UNFCCC COP-17 High Level Segment, in Durban, South Africa, 7 December 2011.
For more speeches, visit NCCS Website
Madame President,
I would like to begin by congratulating you on your election as the President of this Conference. You have steered our work with great leadership and dignity. This conference in Durban is a proud moment, not only for South Africa, but also for the entire African continent. The results of this Conference will have an impact on people around the world. The expectations are high and we pledge to work with you to make this conference a success.
2. Let me say at the outset that Singapore associates itself with the statement delivered yesterday by the Chair of the Group of 77 and China, and also the statement made by Grenada on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States, or AOSIS.
3. As we come to the final few days of this Conference in Durban, we need to push for a package of decisions that is not only balanced, but also ambitious. We have come very far, since the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted in 1992. As we look to the future, we must take another collective step forward. For a start, we have to implement what we have agreed to in Bali and in Cancun. These are the decisions that should guide our outcome in Durban. We would also like to put forward three guiding principles to shape the outcome in Durban. These are the principles of multilateralism, transparency and universal participation. Multilateralism
4. Madame President, in Durban, we must send a clear and strong signal that we are strengthening the multilateral system to deal with climate change. Since 1992, the Framework Convention has put in place the foundation and principles for a rules-based multilateral system to combat climate change.
5. The Kyoto Protocol established in 1997 re-affirmed the existing rules-based multilateral system and provided an important legal foundation to guide our efforts. Without a strong multilateral system, the risks of unilateral actions are high. They will have serious distortive effects.
6. At Durban, it is thus important that we reaffirm our collective commitment to a multilateral rules-based system to deal with climate change. In this regard, the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol is critical. It is also vitally important that the Cancun decisions on mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology and capacity building are implemented. These outcomes will be critical for the credibility of the UNFCCC and the multilateral process. In particular, the decision to operationalise the Green Climate Fund is an essential component of a balanced package for Durban. Transparency
7. The second principle that I wish to underline is transparency. It is important that there is enhanced transparency – not only in our commitments made under this process but also in the manner in which they are implemented. In this regard, a decision on a framework for Measurable, Reportable and Verifiable or MRV provisions will be an important outcome for Durban to monitor the implementation of our individual and collective actions. Transparency is the key to building confidence and trust in the multilateral process. Greater transparency will also create greater reciprocity of action, leading to even more ambitious targets over time to address climate change. Universal Participation
8. The third principle that I wish to highlight is universal participation. In our view, a truly multilateral system must encourage and help all countries to participate in the process. Ultimately, climate change is a global issue that requires all parties to play their part. All countries, big and small, can and must make a contribution to the global effort to combat climate change, in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. This is one of the cardinal principles of the UNFCCC and it needs to be respected. What this means is that the developed countries have to show leadership in emissions reductions. But developing countries too can and must make a contribution to the process, taking into account their national circumstances and constraints. To date, nearly 90 countries, both developed and developing, have put forward mitigation pledges. This is a good start but we need to encourage others to come forward and make their pledges too.
Singapore’s Efforts
9. Let me conclude by explaining briefly what Singapore is doing to help in this global process. As an island city-state, smaller than Lake Geneva in Switzerland, Singapore’s high population density and small physical size sets the context of our mitigation efforts. We contribute less than 0.2% of global emissions, and lack the natural endowments of large countries. I would describe Singapore as an “alternative energy-disadvantaged” country. Our low-carbon energy options are limited. Hydroelectricity is not feasible given our relatively flat geography and lack of large rivers, and the potential for wave and wind energy is extremely limited.
10. Nonetheless, we have risen to the challenge and have taken early actions. For example, we have switched from fuel oil to natural gas, the cleanest form of fossil fuel, to generate our electricity since 2001 and convert all our waste to produce electricity. Today, more than 80% of our electricity is generated using natural gas. We have implemented measures to cap new vehicle registrations and electronic road pricing to limit usage. As a result of early actions, we have significantly improved our carbon intensity, which by 2007 was almost 40% below 1990 levels.
11. Singapore will continue to do its part to mitigate its emissions. We are working to meet our unconditional pledge to achieve 7-11% below BAU-levels by 2020. We have further pledged, in the context of a legally binding global agreement, to achieve 16% below BAU-levels by 2020. Given our early mitigation actions and difficulties to switch to alternatives, our pledge is a substantial commitment and will entail significant efforts from all sectors of our economy and our population.
12. But we will continue to push ahead. We are building up research capabilities in clean technologies, in particular, for sustainable urban living. Singapore is also a test-bed to support low carbon sustainable solutions such as smart grid, electric vehicles, solar panels and green buildings, some even with vertical gardens. As a member of both the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), we continue to work towards multi-lateral measures for carbon reductions in the international maritime and aviation sectors. Through these efforts, we hope to develop effective solutions that can address the challenges faced by Singapore, and also contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change.
13. Madame President, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has recently reminded us that extreme weather and climate events are likely to intensify. There is an urgent need to curb the global rise in greenhouse gas emissions. As the distinguished Chair of AOSIS has said: “Our task has never been more urgent because what we are witnessing are emissions at their highest levels.”As responsible members of the international community, we must not miss this opportunity to work together to arrest climate change — for the sake of our children and successive generations.
14. Thank you.
Youth at COP17/CMP7
Hello from Durban, South Africa! Sincere apologies for the radio silence in updating from the ground on youth activities at this year’s United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) and 7th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP7).
We’re down to just 2 representatives from our robust delegation at COP15 but I assure you, we are making the most of our time here! LJ and I have been busy but focusing on different aspects of the COP/CMP. LJ attended the Conference of the Youths, traditionally held 2 days prior to the meetings. I arrived just Tuesday and have begun “working the ground” at COP/CMP plenary sessions (meetings of all the Parties aka countries which have signed/ratified the Convention/Kyoto Protcol).
This year, I am grateful to be here as part of work and to gain clarity and further understanding on the workings of international climate negotiations both as part of my research agenda and for school (having recently enrolled in a M.Sc. Env Mgmt at NUS). So far, I have been following these issues:
COP
- Report of the Transitional Committee on the Green Climate Fund and its possible adoption
CMP
- Consultations on issues relating to the clean development mechanism (CDM)
Ad hoc Working Group – Long term Cooperative Agreement: Subsidiary Body on Implementation
- Informal group on Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Commitments or Actions (NAMAs), with a particular focus on developing countries
Wearing my YOUNGO hat, I was privileged to meet with the Chair of the AOSIS, Her Excellency Ms. Dessina Williams alongside distinguished delegates from Grenada, Barbados, Trinadad and Tobago. Singapore is a part of AOSIS and it was certainly comforting to know that they take our views very seriously and that Singapore has been playing an active role in AOSIS. I must add that the AOSIS position is very strong this year. They are, in brief:
- Mitigation – pushing for a 2nd commitment term, which is fully ratifiable to Annex B of the Kyoto Protocol and should be provisionally applied (by Annex I countries) from January 1, 2013. This point states that AOSIS along with the G77 and China are gunning for a 5 year 2nd commitment term rather than an 8 year period because emissions need to peak and decline way before 2020! Furthermore, they gave reference to the science in the IPCC AR4 and 2013 release of the AR5.
- A ratifiable agreement that has legal force, and which builds on the work done at Cancun and to create momentum towards Qatar (COP18/CMP8)
- Level of Ambition – to increase level of ambition and have the text be inserted in a document to be adopted at COP17/CMP7 in Durban
- Report of the Transitional Committee on the Design of the Green Climate Fund – that it should be adopted in Durban and support initial projects in developing countries, but we should aim to iron out the issues that were raised at the plenaries
- Robust work program on loss and damages (Adaptation agenda in the SBI) particularly in the lead up to hopefully an adoption in Qatar
Just to keep you in touch with other youth activities happening here in Durban, here are some links for your reading pleasure:
Australian Youth Climate Coalition
Canadian Youth Climate Coalition
Also feel free to email us any of your feedback or questions about COP/CMP to jang929@gmail.com or mel_struc@hotmail.com
Mel
And so Durban begins…
Seventeenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 17) and the seventh session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP 7)
Durban, 28 November 2011
Opening address by Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
H.E. Mr. Jacob Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa,
H.E. Mr. Idriss Déby, President of Chad (representing the Economic Community of Central African States),
H.E. Mr. Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, Vice President of Angola (representing the Southern African Development Community),
H.E. Kgalema Motlanthe, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa ,
H. E. Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, incoming President of COP 17/CMP 7,
H.E. Ms. Patricia Espinosa Cantellano, President of COP 16/CMP 6,
Ministers and Vice Ministers,
His Worship the Mayor of Durban, Mr Nxumalo,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to address you on African soil and to welcome you to COP 17 and CMP 7. In the Zulu language, I greet you sanibonani nonke!1 My sincere thanks go to the City of Durban and to the South African Government for their tireless work both in terms of logistics and in terms of substance. Madame President, Mayor Nxumalo, through you may I thank each and every member of your very committed teams for the detailed and most effective preparations.
Ladies and gentlemen,
When the distinguished Nelson Mandela walked to freedom in 1990, nobody imagined that South Africa was on its way to becoming an inspiration to the world. When the CODESA2 negotiations started 20 years ago almost to this day, nobody imagined that South Africa would become the worlds model for negotiations for a better future. But when the first free and fair elections were held in this beautiful country in 1994, everyone knew that South Africa had achieved the impossible, that it had mastered its biggest challenge and that it had created a new and better future for itself. For the world, it was plain to see that South Africa stood proud and tall upon the political and moral high ground that it had built.
And rightfully so, because almost against all odds South Africa had successfully negotiated change. To quote the great former President Mandela: It always seems impossible until it is done.
It would seem to me that this can-do attitude is something of a hallmark of this countrys people. And it would seem to me that this positive mindset is the inspiration we all need at this moment.
We meet here at a time when more and more, the impacts of climate change are threatening peoples lives and livelihoods. As one of the regions most vulnerable to such impacts, many Africans unfortunately already have first-hand experience of the suffering that climate change can cause.
We meet here at a time when greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere have never been higher, when the number of livelihoods that have been dissolved by climate change impacts has never been greater and when the need for action has never been more compelling or more achievable.
Ladies and gentlemen, the process needs to take two decisive steps here in Durban: finishing the tasks from COP 16 and answering the key political questions that remained unanswered in Cancun.
Finishing the tasks from Cancun means translating policy into concrete action. This includes:
• Launching the Adaptation Committee, approving the modalities and guidelines for national adaptation plans and progress on approaches to address loss and damage.
• The full operationalization of the Technology Mechanism in 2012 and a clear process for selecting the host for the implementing arm of the mechanism.
• Consideration and approval of the Green Climate Funds governing instrument and contributions for a prompt start-up of the Fund.
• Continued progress on the emerging guidelines for monitoring, reporting and verification.
• Defining the what and the how of the review.
• Gaining more clarity on fast-start finance, including via the secretariats new fast-start finance portal, which provides easy and transparent access to that information.
These issues have progressed and can be concluded so that further action on the ground can be much stronger. At the same time, the unresolved political questions have not benefited from the same progress this year, and need to be significantly advanced in Durban.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my hope that through constructive negotiations you will master this critical challenge.
As you seek constructive ways forward on the Kyoto Protocol, the emerging mitigation framework and long-term funding, I urge you to remember It always seems impossible until it is done.
It is clear that the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol is linked to launching a process towards a broader multilateral rules-based system under the Convention, providing greater rigour and structure to the global effort to tackle climate change. And this may only be possible if it is both:
• Fair: grounded on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities; and
• Responsible: enabling Parties to tackle the gap in the level of ambition needed to limit global average temperature increases to below two degrees Celsius in a timely fashion.
Finding a workable way forward in this complexity is the defining issue of this conference.
On finance in the long term, there is a critical need to build trust that funds will continue to be scaled up post-2012. I urge you to decide on a pathway to secure mid- and long-term sources of finance, including innovative sources, as part of the outcome of this conference.
Ladies and gentlemen,
This conference needs to reassure the vulnerable, all those who have already suffered and all those who will still suffer from climate change, that tangible action is being taken for a safer future, both in adaptation and in mitigation.
You need to reassure each other that you are all committed to finding concrete solutions.
And you need to reassure the world that you are following the path of ambition with perseverance.
Negotiating to master these challenges wont be easy, but I am convinced that South Africas example can inspire you. I am convinced that you can take the next decisive step together. It may seem impossible, but you can get it done.
Sukuma sakhe (Get up and build)!
Video message by His Excellency Jacob Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa
“Durban presents all with the challenge of making personal and policy choices that will ensure that all of us enjoy a sustainable future on this unique and marvelous planet we call home…. A great deal of work has been in done to prepare for the negotiations in Durban… Hopefully we can jointly develop solutions demanded by us, at a time when our planet is facing a crisis.
Even though we are all faced by unique challenges and have vastly different resources at our disposal. The only thing we clearly share is our future. Let us make it better, beginning with this conference. Let us work together to save tomorrow, today.”
Durban Can, Durban Must.
Durban Can, Durban Must – capture this global momentum for change and push it further forward.
Status of Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol
This post is adapted from the UNFCCC Website.
The Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted at the third session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 3) in Kyoto, Japan, on 11 December 1997. In accordance with Article 24, it was open for signature from 16 March 1998 to 15 March 1999 at United Nations Headquarters, New York. By that date the Protocol had received 84 signatures.
Pursuant to Article 22, the Protocol is subject to ratification, acceptance, approval or accession by Parties to the UNFCCC. Parties to the UNFCCC that have not signed the Protocol may accede to it at any time.
The Protocol entered into force on 16 February 2005 in accordance with Article 23, that is the ninetieth day after the date on which not less than 55 Parties to the UNFCCC, incorporating Parties included in Annex I which accounted in total for at least 55 % of the total carbon dioxide emissions for 1990 of the Parties included in Annex I, have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.
Currently, there are 193 Parties (192 States and 1 regional economic integration organization) to the Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC. The total percentage of Annex I Parties emissions is 63.7%.
The list below contains the latest information concerning dates of signature and receipt of instruments of ratification by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, as Depositary of the Kyoto Protocol. The dates in the third column are those of the receipt of the instrument of ratification, acceptance (A), approval (AA) or accession (a). (For an explanation of these legal terms, visit the United Nations Treaty Collection Glossary of terms relating to Treaty actions).
Kyoto, 11 December 1997
Entry into force: 16 February 2005, in accordance with article 25 (1) in accordance with article 25 (3) which reads as follows: “For each State or regional economic integration organization that ratifies, accepts or approves this Protocol or accedes thereto after the conditions set out in paragraph 1 above for entry into force have been fulfilled, this Protocol shall enter into force on the ninetieth day following the date of deposit of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.”.
Registration: 16 February 2005, No. 30822.
Status: Signatories: 84. Parties: 192
Note: The Protocol was adopted at the third session of the Conference of the Parties to the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (“the Convention”), held at Kyoto (Japan) from 1 to 11 December 1997. The Protocol shall be open for signature by States and regional economic integration organizations which are Parties to the Convention at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 16 March 1998 to 15 March 1999 in accordance with its article 24 (1).
| Participant | Signature | Ratification Acceptance (A) Accession (a) Approval (AA) |
Entry into force | % of emissions |
| ALBANIA | 1 Apr 2005 a | 30 Jun 2005 | ||
| ALGERIA | 16 Feb 2005 a | 17 May 2005 | ||
| ANGOLA | 8 May 2007 a | 6 Aug 2007 | ||
| ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA | 16 Mar 1998 | 3 Nov 1998 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| ARGENTINA | 16 Mar 1998 | 28 Sep 2001 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| ARMENIA | 25 Apr 2003 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| AUSTRALIA* | 29 Apr 1998 | 12 Dec 2007 | 11 Mar 2008 | 2.1% |
| AUSTRIA * | 29 Apr 1998 | 31 May 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | 0.4% |
| AZERBAIJAN | 28 Sep 2000 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| BAHAMAS | 9 Apr 1999 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| BAHRAIN | 31 Jan 2006 a | 1 May 2006 | ||
| BANGLADESH | 22 Oct 2001 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| BARBADOS | 7 Aug 2000 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| BELARUS* | 26 Aug 2005 a | 24 Nov 2005 | ||
| BELGIUM* | 29 Apr 1998 | 31 May 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | 0.8% |
| BELIZE | 26 Sep 2003 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| BENIN | 25 Feb 2002 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| BHUTAN | 26 Aug 2002 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| BOLIVIA | 9 Jul 1998 | 30 Nov 1999 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | 16 Apr 2007 a | 15 Jul 2007 | ||
| BOTSWANA | 8 Aug 2003 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| BRAZIL | 29 Apr 1998 | 23 Aug 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| BRUNEI DARUSSALAM | 20 Aug 2009 a | 18 Nov 2009 | ||
| BULGARIA* | 18 Sep 1998 | 15 Aug 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | 0.6% |
| BURKINA FASO | 31 Mar 2005 a | 29 Jun 2005 | ||
| BURUNDI | 18 Oct 2001 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| CAMBODIA | 22 Aug 2002 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| CAMEROON | 28 Aug 2002 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| CANADA* | 29 Apr 1998 | 17 Dec 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | 3.3% |
| CAPE VERDE | 10 Feb 2006 a | 11 May 2006 | ||
| CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC | 18 Mar 2008 a | 16 Jun 2008 | ||
| CHAD | 18 Aug 2009 a | 17 Nov 2009 | ||
| CHILE | 17 Jun 1998 | 26 Aug 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| CHINA | 29 May 1998 | 30 Aug 2002 AA (2) | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| COLOMBIA | 30 Nov 2001 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| COMOROS | 10 Apr 2008 a | 9 Jul 2008 | ||
| CONGO | 12 Feb 2007 a | 13 May 2007 | ||
| COOK ISLANDS | 16 Sep 1998 | 27 Aug 2001 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| COSTA RICA | 27 Apr 1998 | 9 Aug 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| COTE D’IVOIRE | 23 Apr 2007 a | 22 Jul 2007 | ||
| CROATIA* | 11 Mar 1999 | 30 May 2007 | 28 Aug 2007 | |
| CUBA | 15 Mar 1999 | 30 Apr 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| CYPRUS | 16 Jul 1999 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| CZECH REPUBLIC* | 23 Nov 1998 | 15 Nov 2001 AA | 16 Feb 2005 | 1.2% |
| DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA | 27 Apr 2005 a | 26 Jul 2005 | ||
| DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO | 23 Mar 2005 a | 21 Jun 2005 | ||
| DENMARK* | 29 Apr 1998 | 31 May 2002 (3) | 16 Feb 2005 | 0.4% |
| DJIBOUTI | 12 Mar 2002 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| DOMINICA | 25 Jan 2005 a | 25 Apr 2005 | ||
| DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | 12 Feb 2002 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| ECUADOR | 15 Jan 1999 | 13 Jan 2000 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| EGYPT | 15 Mar 1999 | 12 Jan 2005 | 12 Apr 2005 | |
| EL SALVADOR | 8 Jun 1998 | 30 Nov 1998 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| EQUATORIAL GUINEA | 16 Aug 2000 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| ERITREA | 28 Jul 2005 a | 26 Oct 2005 | ||
| ESTONIA* | 3 Dec 1998 | 14 Oct 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | 0.3% |
| ETHIOPIA | 14 Apr 2005 a | 13 Jul 2005 | ||
| EUROPEAN UNION | 29 Apr 1998 | 31 May 2002 AA | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| FIJI | 17 Sep 1998 | 17 Sep 1998 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| FINLAND* | 29 Apr 1998 | 31 May 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | 0.4% |
| FRANCE | 29 Apr 1998 | 31 May 2002 AA | 16 Feb 2005 | 2.7% |
| GABON | 12 Dec 2006 a | 12 Mar 2007 | ||
| GAMBIA | 1 Jun 2001 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| GEORGIA | 16 Jun 1999 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| GERMANY* | 29 Apr 1998 | 31 May 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | 7.4% |
| GHANA | 30 May 2003 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| GREECE* | 29 Apr 1998 | 31 May 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | 0.6% |
| GRENADA | 6 Aug 2002 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| GUATEMALA | 10 Jul 1998 | 5 Oct 1999 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| GUINEA | 7 Sep 2000 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| GUINEA-BISSAU | 18 Nov 2005 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| GUYANA | 5 Aug 2003 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| HAITI | 6 Jul 2005 a | 4 Oct 2005 | ||
| HONDURAS | 25 Feb 1999 | 19 Jul 2000 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| HUNGARY* | 21 Aug 2002 a | 16 Feb 2005 | 0.5% | |
| ICELAND * | 23 May 2002 a | 16 Feb 2005 | 0.0% | |
| INDIA | 26 Aug 2002 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| INDONESIA | 13 Jul 1998 | 3 Dec 2004 | 3 Mar 2005 | |
| IRAN (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF) | 22 Aug 2005 a | 20 Dec 2005 | ||
| IRAQ | 28 Jul 2009 a | 26 Oct 2009 | ||
| IRELAND* | 29 Apr 1998 | 31 May 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | 0.2% |
| ISRAEL | 16 Dec 1998 | 15 Mar 2004 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| ITALY * | 29 Apr 1998 | 31 May 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | 3.1% |
| JAMAICA | 28 Jun 1999 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| JAPAN * | 28 Apr 1998 | 4 Jun 2002 A | 16 Feb 2005 | 8.5% |
| JORDAN | 17 Jan 2003 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| KAZAKHSTAN | 12 Mar 1999 | 19 Jun 2009 | 17 Sep 2009 | |
| KENYA | 25 Feb 2005 a | 26 May 2005 | ||
| KIRIBATI | 7 Sep 2000 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| KUWAIT | 11 Mar 2005 a | 9 Jun 2005 | ||
| KYRGYZSTAN | 13 May 2003 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC | 6 Feb 2003 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| LATVIA* | 14 Dec 1998 | 5 Jul 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | 0.2% |
| LEBANON | 13 Nov 2006 a | 11 Feb 2007 | ||
| LESOTHO | 6 Sep 2000 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| LIBERIA | 5 Nov 2002 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA | 24 Aug 2006 a | 22 Nov 2006 | ||
| LIECHTENSTEIN * | 29 Jun 1998 | 3 Dec 2004 | 3 Mar 2005 | 0.0% |
| LITHUANIA * | 21 Sep 1998 | 3 Jan 2003 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| LUXEMBOURG * | 29 Apr 1998 | 31 May 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | 0.1% |
| MADAGASCAR | 24 Sep 2003 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| MALAWI | 26 Oct 2001 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| MALAYSIA | 12 Mar 1999 | 4 Sep 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| MALDIVES | 16 Mar 1998 | 30 Dec 1998 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| MALI | 27 Jan 1999 | 28 Mar 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| MALTA | 17 Apr 1998 | 11 Nov 2001 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| MARSHALL ISLANDS | 17 Mar 1998 | 11 Aug 2003 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| MAURITANIA | 22 Jul 2005 a | 20 Oct 2005 | ||
| MAURITIUS | 9 May 2001 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| MEXICO | 9 Jun 1998 | 7 Sep 2000 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| MICRONESIA (FEDERATED STATES OF) | 17 Mar 1998 | 21 Jun 1999 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| MONACO | 29 Apr 1998 | 27 Feb 2006 | 28 May 2006 | 0.0% |
| MONGOLIA | 15 Dec 1999 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| MONTENEGRO | 4 Jun 2007 a | 2 Sep 2007 | ||
| MOROCCO | 25 Jan 2002 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| MOZAMBIQUE | 18 Jan 2005 a | 18 Apr 2005 | ||
| MYANMAR | 13 Aug 2003 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| NAMIBIA | 4 Sep 2003 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| NAURU | 16 Aug 2001 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| NEPAL | 16 Sep 2005 a | 15 Dec 2005 | ||
| NETHERLANDS * | 29 Apr 1998 | 31 May 2002 A (4) | 16 Feb 2005 | 1.2% |
| NEW ZEALAND | 22 May 1998 | 19 Dec 2002 (5) | 16 Feb 2005 | 0.2% |
| NICARAGUA | 7 Jul 1998 | 18 Nov 1999 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| NIGER | 23 Oct 1998 | 30 Sep 2004 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| NIGERIA | 10 Dec 2004 a | 10 Mar 2005 | ||
| NIUE | 8 Dec 1998 | 6 May 1999 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| NORWAY * | 29 Apr 1998 | 30 May 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | 0.3% |
| OMAN | 19 Jan 2005 a | 19 Apr 2005 | ||
| PAKISTAN | 11 Jan 2005 a | 11 Apr 2005 | ||
| PALAU | 10 Dec 1999 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| PANAMA | 8 Jun 1998 | 5 Mar 1999 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| PAPUA NEW GUINEA | 2 Mar 1999 | 28 Mar 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| PARAGUAY | 25 Aug 1998 | 27 Aug 1999 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| PERU | 13 Nov 1998 | 12 Sep 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| PHILIPPINES | 15 Apr 1998 | 20 Nov 2003 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| POLAND * | 15 Jul 1998 | 13 Dec 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | 3.0% |
| PORTUGAL * | 29 Apr 1998 | 31 May 2002 AA | 16 Feb 2005 | 0.3% |
| QATAR | 11 Jan 2005 a | 11 Apr 2005 | ||
| REPUBLIC OF KOREA | 25 Sep 1998 | 8 Nov 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | 22 Apr 2003 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| ROMANIA * | 5 Jan 1999 | 19 Mar 2001 | 16 Feb 2005 | 1.2% |
| RUSSIAN FEDERATION * | 11 Mar 1999 | 18 Nov 2004 | 16 Feb 2005 | 17.4% |
| RWANDA | 22 Jul 2004 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS | 8 Apr 2008 a | 7 Jul 2008 | ||
| SAINT LUCIA | 16 Mar 1998 | 20 Aug 2003 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES | 19 Mar 1998 | 31 Dec 2004 | 31 Mar 2005 | |
| SAMOA | 16 Mar 1998 | 27 Nov 2000 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| SAN MARINO | 28 April 2010 | 27 Jul 2010 |
||
| SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE | 25 Apr 2008 a | 24 Jul 2008 | ||
| SAUDI ARABIA | 31 Jan 2005 a | 1 May 2005 | ||
| SENEGAL | 20 Jul 2001 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| SERBIA | 19 Oct 2007 a | 17 Jan 2008 | ||
| SEYCHELLES | 20 Mar 1998 | 22 Jul 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| SIERRA LEONE | 10 Nov 2006 a | 8 Feb 2007 | ||
| SINGAPORE | 12 Apr 2006 a | 11 Jul 2006 | ||
| SLOVAKIA * | 26 Feb 1999 | 31 May 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | 0.4% |
| SLOVENIA * | 21 Oct 1998 | 2 Aug 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| SOLOMON ISLANDS | 29 Sep 1998 | 13 Mar 2003 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| SOMALIA | 26 July 2010 | 24 Oct 2010 |
||
| SOUTH AFRICA | 31 Jul 2002 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| SPAIN * | 29 Apr 1998 | 31 May 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | 1.9% |
| SRI LANKA | 3 Sep 2002 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| SUDAN | 2 Nov 2004 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| SURINAME | 25 Sep 2006 a | 24 Dec 2006 | ||
| SWAZILAND | 13 Jan 2006 a | 13 Apr 2006 | ||
| SWEDEN * | 29 Apr 1998 | 31 May 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | 0.4% |
| SWITZERLAND * | 16 Mar 1998 | 9 Jul 2003 | 16 Feb 2005 | 0.3% |
| SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC | 27 Jan 2006 a | 27 Apr 2006 | ||
| TAJIKISTAN | 29 Dec 2008 a | 29 Mar 2009 | ||
| THAILAND | 2 Feb 1999 | 28 Aug 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA | 18 Nov 2004 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| TIMOR-LESTE | 14 Oct 2008 a | 12 Jan 2009 | ||
| TOGO | 2 Jul 2004 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| TONGA | 14 Jan 2008 a | 13 Apr 2008 | ||
| TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO | 7 Jan 1999 | 28 Jan 1999 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| TUNISIA | 22 Jan 2003 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| TURKEY * | 28 May 2009 a | 26 Aug 2009 | ||
| TURKMENISTAN | 28 Sep 1998 | 11 Jan 1999 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| TUVALU | 16 Nov 1998 | 16 Nov 1998 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| UGANDA | 25 Mar 2002 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| UKRAINE * | 15 Mar 1999 | 12 Apr 2004 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| UNITED ARAB EMIRATES | 26 Jan 2005 a | 26 Apr 2005 | ||
| UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND * | 29 Apr 1998 | 31 May 2002 (6) (7) | 16 Feb 2005 | 4.3% |
| UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA | 26 Aug 2002 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| UNITED STATES OF AMERICA * | 12 Nov 1998 | |||
| URUGUAY | 29 Jul 1998 | 5 Feb 2001 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| UZBEKISTAN | 20 Nov 1998 | 12 Oct 1999 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| VANUATU | 17 Jul 2001 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| VENEZUELA | 18 Feb 2005 a | 19 May 2005 | ||
| VIET NAM | 3 Dec 1998 | 25 Sep 2002 | 16 Feb 2005 | |
| YEMEN | 15 Sep 2004 a | 16 Feb 2005 | ||
| ZAMBIA | 5 Aug 1998 | 7 Jul 2006 | 5 Oct 2006 | |
| ZIMBABWE | 30 Jun 2009 a | 28 Sep 2009 | ||
* indicates an Annex I Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
End Note:
(1) For the purpose of entry into force of the [Convention/Protocol], any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession deposited by a regional economic integration organization shall not be counted as additional to those deposited by member States of that Organization.
(2) In a communication received on 30 August 2002, the Government of the People’s Republic of China informed the Secretary-General of the following:
In accordance with article 153 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China of 1990 and article 138 of the Basic Law of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China of 1993, the Government of the People’s Republic of China decides that the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change shall provisionally not apply to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
Further, in a communication received on 8 April 2003, the Government of the People’s Republic of China notified the Secretary-General of the following:
“In accordance with the provisions of Article 153 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China of 1990, the Government of the People’s Republic of China decides that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change shall apply to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change continues to be implemented in the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change shall not apply to the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China until the Government of China notifies otherwise.”
In a communication received on 14 January 2008, the Government of the People’s Republic of China notified the Secretary-General of the following: In accordance with Article 138 of the Basic Law of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, the Government of the People’s Republic of China decides that the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change shall apply to the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
(3) With a territorial exclusion to the Faroe Islands.
(4) For the Kingdom in Europe.
(5) With the following declaration:
“…..consistent with the constitutional status of Tokelau and taking into account the commitment of the Government of New Zealand to the development of self-government for Tokelau through an act of self-determination under the Charter of the United Nations, this ratification shall not extend to Tokelau unless and until a Declaration to this effect is lodged by the Government of New Zealand with the Depositary on the basis of appropriate consultation with that territory.”
(6) By a communication received on 27 March 2007, the Government of Argentina notified the Secretary-General of the following:
The Argentine Republic objects to the extension of the territorial application to the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change of 11 December 1997 with respect to the Malvinas Islands, which was notified by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Depositary of the Convention on 7 March 2007.
The Argentine Republic reaffirms its sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands, the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime spaces, which are an integral part of its national territory, and recalls that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted resolutions 2065 (XX), 360 (XXVIII), 31/49, 37/9, 38/12, 39/6, 40/21, 41/40, 42/19 and 43/25, which recognize the existence of a dispute over sovereignty and request the Governments of the Argentine Republic and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to initiate negotiations with a view to finding the means to resolve peacefully and definitively the pending problems between both countries, including all aspects on the future of the Malvinas Islands, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.
(7) On 4 April 2006, the Government of the United Kingdom informed the Secretary-General that the Protocol shall apply to the Bailiwick of Guernsey and the Isle of Man. On 2 January 2007: in respect of Gibraltar. On 7 March 2007: in respect of Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and the Bailiwick of Jersey.
Design a Climate Postcard, Have it displayed at COP17 in South Africa
Every young person has an experience of climate change. For some it is a fondness for a place at threat of flooding, or a fear borne out of reading about the predicted impacts, for others it is a hope for the recovery of the employment market through new green jobs. Whatever your experience, we would to hear about them and we want to communicate them to the global community.
British Council are collecting Climate Postcards to build a visually powerful collage of youth voices through the creative and honest expression of young people.
Their permanent home will be an online gallery at
You can check out some example postcards there. Meanwhile, the British Council will feature a large scale exhibition of the most outstanding postcards – taking it to Durban for COP17 so that international decision-makers can
take a look.
Design the blank postcard attached, scan it into the computer and email it to climatepostcards@gmail.com. You could draw, paint, take a photograph, write a poem. however you feel you can best express.
Feel free to use these postcards as part of your education and awareness workshops or to circulate to other people you think will be interested.
The deadline is *19th November* if you want your postcard considered for the exhibition at COP17. Otherwise, please just keep sending them in!
Looking forward to seeing your creativity!
