Delegates optimistic about upcoming COP18 meeting in Qatar

Ambassadors and various officials from around the world have expressed optimism ahead of the global climate change conference to be hosted by Qatar later this year, saying that the meeting would focus on the implementation of initiatives which have been agreed at earlier conferences.

The 18th Conference of the Parties (COP18) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 8th Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP8) will be held at the Qatar National Convention Center in November, where officials, ministers and NGOs will discuss how best to adopt and develop proposals on climate change.

Numerous officials including the Australian ambassador for climate change, Justin Lee, are currently in Qatar to examine the logistical and administrative requirements for the conference, which could see thousands of delegates attending and they have expressed their belief that this year’s forum should see multilateral negotiations advance towards an agreement on long-term solutions for climate change.

While there are bound to be difficulties in negotiating the highly technical and policies and proposals, there is optimism that meaningful discussions will be held, and delegates have been impressed by the facilities in Qatar.

Lee has been vocal about the potential of the Doha COP meeting to address critical environmental issues and initiatives. Australia has recently introduced a carbon pricing initiative, the ‘Clean Energy Future Package’ which charges companies based on their environmental impact. Lee explained that the revenue generated by the new initiative, which was introduced on July 1 this year, will be spent on developing renewable energy sources for the future.

Although Lee explained that he is unwilling to advise other governments as to how they should deal with climate change, he said that he hopes that countries can engage in technical exchanges to help them develop innovative and effective solutions to problems associated with climate change.

 

 

 

Image 01 - Qatar Corniche ferry. Nijusby.

Image 02 - Doha in the morning. Moushira.