United Nations

Agriculture in the climate talks

The climate negotiations in China where countries finished negotiating for six days (October 4–9) wrapped up just over a week ago. This was countries' last chance to reach common ground for major decisions on global warming before the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) holds its 16th conference of the parties (COP 16) in less than two months in Cancún, Mexico.

Volatile times discussed in Rome

I'm in Rome to talk about volatility (my powerpoint here). More precisely, the volatility in agricultural commodity markets and what can be done to a) mitigate it and b) better cope with its consequences.

Times they are a changing at the FAO

I'm writing from Rome, a beautiful city despite the cars. I'm attending the FAO's Committee on World Food Security, a once relatively sleepy piece of the sprawling UN system that last year was given a significant boost by a thorough revamp. Listening to the governments negotiate, agonizing over words (to launch or to discuss? To endorse or to notice?

Experts Warn UN Climate Delegates Against Use of Carbon Markets

TIANJIN, CHINA – Experts on the dangers posed by carbon markets warned delegates at the UN climate talks here today against including carbon trading and offsets in any global climate agreement.

Climate finance must add up

One of the most contentious issues at the global climate talks taking place this week in Tianjin, China continues to be finance: how to fund efforts to adapt to climate change and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The global financial crisis has made these discussions even more challenging as developed countries like the U.S. struggle with rising deficits.

Civil Society Letter to the U.N. Advisory Group on Climate Change Finance

At the global climate talks in Tianjin, IATP, along with 25 civil society organizations, sent a letter to the co-chairs of the U.N. Advisory Group on Climate Change Financing (AGF) outlining our recommendations for climate finance.

Climate finance can't afford carbon markets

A high-level advisory group to the United Nations, the Advisory Group on Climate Change Finance (AGF) will outline its draft proposals this week for financing efforts to combat global climate change. Carbon markets are expected to be central to their recommendations.