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Dickinson to Durban » Key COP17 Issues

Durban…is there hope?

Durban…is there hope?

Esther Babson ’13 Literature on the potential of Durban all focus on the Kyoto Protocol; and with good reason. As 2012 is the end of the commitment period, decisions need to be made in Durban about how countries want to continue in dealing with climate change. Durban could be the rebirth of Kyoto with a second commitment period set up, or it’s death place with nothing set up for the upcoming years. As of now, it … Read entire article »

Filed under: Climate Change, Environmental Politics, Key COP17 Issues

Can local action combat a global issue?

Can local action combat a global issue?

By: Anna McGinn ’14 In her article, “Thinking globally, acting locally—institutionalizing climate change at the local government level in Durban, South Africa,” Debra Roberts discusses Durban’s recent initiative to develop as well as address climate change.  This reading reminded me of our discussion in Washington DC with Dallas Burtraw from Resources for the Future.  Both Roberts and Burtraw emphasize that action at a local level is required to adequately mitigate and adapt to climate change.  However, … Read entire article »

Filed under: Climate Change, Environmental Politics, Key COP17 Issues

Climate Change, Gender Vulnerability and Zimbabwe

Claire Tighe ’13 Some quick thoughts and on the relationship between gendered vulnerability and climate change in Zimbabwe, as stated through the Heinrich Boll Stiftung report entitled, “Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Southern Africa: Zimbabwe Country Report 2010.” Download the report here. In 2010 the German Green Party published the aforementioned document outlining and evaluating the present state of vulnerability and adaptation to climate change in Zimbabwe. The report claims that current gender inequalities are compounding effects of climate change, “A deliberate and extensive effort is needed to integrate gender issues into Zimbabwe’s response to climate change. Gender disaggregated data on vulnerabilities is needed at both micro and macro levels. The accentuated vulnerability of women to climate change should be acknowledged, researched, and integrated in plannig and strategy building. Policy … Read entire article »

Filed under: Climate Change, Environmental Justice, Environmental Politics, Key COP17 Issues

“You have to celebrate nothing happening.” – Vajjhala

“You have to celebrate nothing happening.” – Vajjhala

By Emily Bowie ’14 This past week the Global Mosaic students had the valuable opportunity to talk to government officials and scientists from Washington, DC about their jobs, experiences and their perspectives on both Climate Change and December’s COP 17. One of these delegates was Shalili Vajjhala, the Deputy Assistant Administrator to the Office of International & Tribal Affairs in the EPA. Vajjhala was one of the few women we heard from over the two days, … Read entire article »

Filed under: Climate Change, Environmental Politics, Featured, Key COP17 Issues