Small steps prompt progress

It is anticipated thatat the Conference of Parties this year in Cancun, Mexico progress could be made to help poor countries prevent further climate change. World Bank Vice-President for Sustainable Development, Kathy Sierra, has asserted that small steps in Mexico could have a huge effect on the worldwide reduction of emissions.

So far the discussion over emission targets and the argument over who should help poorer nations fund their efforts toward sustainable development has only prevented the provision of a new deal to replace the Kyoto Protocol. Sierra is hopeful however about some progress being made in Mexico:

"Most observers feel that there is room to make a couple of leaps forward . . . It may not be the fully fledged negotiation of a treaty but there are pieces that people are hoping will come together."

She believes that even a small amount of success in some areas could help gain the confidence of many. Progress in the reduction of deforestation and the allocation of funding for developing countries to establish more green fuel projects could make a difference in the attitude countries take in future climate discussions.

The Kyoto Protocol will expire in 2012 and currently there is no legislation to replace it other than the Copenhagen Accord, a temporary bill that has been criticised for a lack of obligation. Despite this the Copenhagen Accord has allocated $30 billion annually over the next three years to help poor countries attempt to battle climate change. Hopefully Copenhagen's attempts to start something will prompt advancements at Cancun. Sierra states:

"Things were more muted after Copenhagen ... there was a lot of pause in the system ... but my sense from our contacts now is that people have regrouped and while yes, there is a very difficult fiscal environment in (advanced economies), that doesn't mean we should stop."

Developing nations are trying to move towards sustainable development, however lack of funding hinders their progress. The World Bank is currently planning to appoint a high-level expert in order to help the organisation take full advantage of the best green technology on the market so it can help these nations to the best of its ability.

It is evident that Sierra has hopes that the climate summit in Mexico will build upon the fragile foundation that Copenhagen established. Even if a replacement for the Kyoto Protocol does not materialise this year she believes that even small steps will help create confidences that will strengthen the foundation for future talks.

 

Author:Rachael Bristow | Climate Action

Image: acameronhuff | Flickr