Day 6 at COP18

Marking the halfway point of the UN climate change talks, negotiators worked hard into Saturday night to wrap up work as the negotiations head into the high-level segment.

Both of the negotiation tracks around implementation (SBI) and scientific and technological advice (SBSA) were able to resolve the majority of their issues. Agriculture discussions proved to be a sticking point in the SBSTA with agreed outcome being reached and discussions being carried over into future meetings.

A new draft of the long-term cooperation (LCA) text was also released to a mixed reception. A number of concerns were raised that it does not reflect what happened during the first week. There were also limited mentions of important issues such as adaptation, technology transfer, capacity building and finance.

Venezuela was particularly outspoken, as per usual, saying that the chair had managed to present a draft text containing material that had been “rejected by all developing countries.”

Whilst the negotiations have yet to reach a crippling roadblock, there is a decrease in confidence about Doha being able to deliver even the most basic of expected outcomes.

Ministerial level representatives have started to arrive in Doha for the high-level segment commencing on Tuesday. Just six heads of states or governments will address the opening plenary, a significant reduction from the 126 heads of state who attended COP15 in Copenhagen. Unfortunately, those waiting for a celebrity appearance at COP18 will have to keep waiting as Prince Albert of Monaco has cancelled his attendance.

By Michael Mazengarb, photo by Laura Owsianka.