As Durban quickly approaches, it is of great importance to gauge the expectations going into the conference, so that following the conference, its “success” can be defined. The three major issues that Spence argues need to be addressed include: “1) agreement on a second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol (under which developed countries would take on legally-binding commitments post-2012); 2)progress on a broader, comprehensive agreement that includes all major emitters; and 3)progress in operationalizing new institutions such as the Technology Mechanism and Green Climate Fund.” Obviously, the degree of success that each of these goals can be achieved at Durban differs. Yet, overall the slightly pessimistic view of any “success” occurring is “fair” by Spence. The second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol being signed on by the first set of nations he deems … Read entire article »

How much should we rely on technology and human interference to “fix” climate change?A group of 11 Dickinson students were able to travel to Washington DC with Professor Niemitz and Neil Leary on October 20th and 21st to meet with experts in various fields looking at the US place in regards to climate change. This unbelievable opportunity was arranged by Neil Leary and was part of Dickinson’s Africa Mosaic program, which culminates in our participating in the UNFCCC Conference of Parties in Durban, South Africa. This trip, therefore, acted as a good introduction to the level of knowledge we still need to understand better to be informed student researchers at Durban, as well as a good experience for meeting each other, and understanding how tired we are going to be … Read entire article »