Working with the United Nations for Positive Change


Copenhagen side event panelist. Philo Morris, left.


Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) opened with a sense of urgency to act on climate change in Copenhagen, Denmark. It took place Dec 7 – 18, 2009.  About 45,000 people had descended in Copenhagen for the event. 

Climate Change is considered to be one of the most serious threats to sustainable development, with its adverse impacts on the environment, human health, food security, economic activity and natural resources.  However, world leaders failed to agree to a new climate-change treaty in Copenhagen, the conference ended by only noting an Accord called the ‘Copenhagen Accord’.

Faith-based organizations played a very critical role in Copenhagen.  Many events around climate change were organized and intense advocacy work was carried out.  The civil society also made their voices loud and clear.  For a full report of the conference please visit:

http://unfccc.int/meetings/cop_15/items/5257.php






    NGOs in Copenhagen


NGO Climate Change Delegation to Copenhagen

Talking Points

We seek to elevate our conscious intention to empathize with the impact of climate change upon vulnerable peoples and nations and therefore call on countries to commit to required funding for adaptation and mitigation mechanisms.

We propose that the reference to gender be maintained since women are disproportionately affected by climate change. Gender balanced participation in all aspects of adaptation strategies and national mitigation actions are necessary for women in societies that are vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

We propose discussion of a new economic model that would embody social and ecological values that would enable developing nations to meet their needs adequately and sustainably for future generations. An unsustainable industry is factory farming to produce meat for consumption. This is a major factor in producing greenhouse gas emissions and forest decimation which reduces the earth’s natural mechanism to purify polluted air.

 

Adopt adequate, equitable, and binding financial and technical commitments by developed countries to developing countries for mitigation and adaptation, with effective distribution of aid, and joint cooperative responsibility. 


November 19, 2009

 We propose binding, verifiable, ambitious accords at COP15[1] reducing greenhouse gas emissions to achieve sustainable safe cumulative levels, incorporating equitably differentiated responsibilities for developed and developing countries, and substantial penalties for excessive emissions.

Philo Morris


Climate Change Event at the United Nations

Our side event at the United Nations, titled, "The Real Wealth of Nations: From Global Warming to Global Partnerships," with the Keynote speaker Dr. Riane Eisler was successful.  The event took place on September 16, 2009, from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. and was attended by more than 160 people, including several ambassadors.  The event was attended by representatives from various groups including: women's groups, environmentalists, NGOs, religious and others.  The packed Conference Room was full of energy. This was our second major event on climate change this year.  It was organized through the diligent efforts of many people.  Dr. Eisler's comments are available in written form, 15 pages. Anyone interested in obtaining a copy should contact the office. 


High-level event on climate change

The Secretary-General will host an all-day high-level event on climate change for Heads of State and Government at the United Nations Headquarters on Tuesday 22 September 2009, one day before the opening of the general debate of the sixty-fourth session of the General Assembly, under climate change.


The Sub-Committee on Climate Change invites you to:
Climate Change
Its Impact on Agriculture,
Land, Drought and Africa
Leading up to the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference


May 5, 2009
1.15 – 2.45 p.m.
Conference Room 2
UN Headquarters


Panelists
H.E. Dr. Abdalmahmood Abdalhaleem Mohamad
Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Sudan;
Chairman of the Group of 77
Mr. Mohammad Reza Salamat
Senior Program Officer, United Nations
Secretary-General’s Climate Change Support Team
Dr. Tariq Banuri
Director, United Nations Division
for Sustainable Development
Ms. Marilyn Averill
Attorney,
Doctoral Student, Center for Science
and Technology Policy Research
University of Colorado
Ms. Bitrina Kirway
Maryknoll Sisters, Tanzania

Moderator: Ms. Philo Morris
The Sub-Committee on Climate Change of the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development

The NGO Committee on Sustainable Development (NY) is a CoNGO Substantive Committee



Medical Mission Sisters along with a few other NGOs started the Working Group on Climate Change in New York to prepare for Copenhagen Climate Change Conference taking place in December 2009.  The Working Group on Climate Change meet every second Monday of the month. 

                                      ****