Dickinson to Durban » Archive
What do Apartheid, COP17, and Poverty Have in Common?
By Timothy Damon ’12 The answer: South Africa. Apartheid and COP17 may both have ended, but the effects of racism still continue to this day and climate change has only begun to manifest its seriousness. Poverty and unemployment, old problems, yet reign, as does the constant impact from HIV/AIDS. It was against this backdrop that I experienced South Africa during the three weeks of our Mosaic. It was a trip that has left me with much … Read entire article »
Filed under: Environmental Justice, Environmental Politics, Mosaic Action, Student Research
Is the USA “blocking” the next phase of the Kyoto Protocol?
By Timothy Damon ’12 Well, that depends on your definition of “blocking”. Since the USA did not join the Kyoto Protocol (KP), it is not (officially) included in the negotiations specifically for the KP. Thus, it is completely possible for the KP to enter a second commitment period even though America may hate the very idea. This means that technically it is wrong to say the USA is “blocking” the KP because it does not have that authority. Despite this technicality, America is still very much hindering progress. This is occurring because those countries that are under the KP expect the USA to take more action in return for undertaking a second commitment period on themselves – and the USA is simply unwilling to take more action. Consequently, other countries view America … Read entire article »
Filed under: Climate Change, Environmental Politics, Key COP17 Issues
The Problem COP17 Isn’t Talking About
By Timothy Damon ’12 Many issues are covered during each COP, including a staggering 70 plus agenda items this time around. Some issues get much more treatment than others, but there is one that is getting no time at all. What could this mysterious topic be, you ask? Ocean Acidification (OA), the “other half of the carbon problem”. I just attended a side event by almost the same name here in the Durban expo center. Its panel provided a refreshing splash of science in what has otherwise been a conference nearly devoid of such a perspective. Unfortunately, the news, though necessary, is alarming. Earlier this semester, I wrote one of my research papers for the Mosaic on OA and its implications for human health and economy. The experts from tonight followed the same … Read entire article »
Filed under: Climate Change, Key COP17 Issues
The Kyoto Roadblock Explained
By Timothy Damon ’12 In my previous post about Long Term action, I addressed some disagreement last week involving the USA, EU, and China. Since that time, I have observed several more sessions of the AWG-LCA which offer further insight into the areas of contention in the negotiations for a continuation of a legally binding instrument (LBI) for national GHG reduction commitments. Consideration of several such key points follows. One of the most important phrases on the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Climate Change, Key COP17 Issues
Recent Comments