On mitigation

Australia We need a spectrum of commitments respecting CBDR and RC, and a review process that happens at regular intervals so that countries can enhance their commitment over time. The key to spectrum of mitigation commitments would be to look at targets and types of actions; carbon budget and economy wide deviation etc. The type and level of effort chosen by country under the new deal should be quantifiable. Emerging economies especially must take absolute economy-wide reduction in the context of their national circumstances.

On means of implementation (finance, technology transfer and capacity building)

Iran Means of implementation (MOI), including finance and transfer of technology remain critical. The importance of MOI to achieve convention objectives is highlighted in Article 4.7 of the Convention. That should be the basis for the way ahead. Swaziland

On Adaptation

Australia Adaptation is critical. In the new deal, it is important to look at the value add. Without mitigation, adaptation responses will become more challenging. Therefore, universal mitigation is important. It is important to mainstream climate change considerations in national planning. EU

On the principles of the Convention

USA We are no longer in a world where some countries take action. Obligations need to be applicable to all. But applicable to all does not mean one size fits all or two size fits all approaches. Contributions must be nationally defined. Also, we don’t see differentiation as per the Annexes in the Convention. Each party should be able to see their own contribution as fair. Contributions reflected in our agreement should not be conditioned on finance. It will not work for mitigation since everyone has to contribute. Norway

Climate talks in Bonn conclude but no deal in sight

As the five-day climate talks at Bonn concluded on May 3,  countries showed little sign of having made any headway. Developed and developing countries continue to remain divided, as they have been for the past two decades. Even as countries proposed more workshops to discuss specific issues in subsequent climate talks, it is clear that the road ahead is full of challenges. Consider, for example, differentiation.

Sun block

Emergence of South

RISE of the developing world, or the South, has resulted in a shift in the dynamics of the global market. This is the underlying theme of the 2013 Human Development Report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Despite being low on human development index (HDI), a measure of health, education and income, developing countries like India and China have become strong enough to influence international decision-making on policies relating to trade and environment, claims the report.

Setback to health insurance

Governors in the dock

GOVERNORS of states with sizeable tribal population have come in for indictment over not performing their special administrative roles. To ensure partial autonomy in tribal areas, the Constitution entrusts governors with immense powers to supervise the administration and governance in such areas.

Energy transition is now a must

What do the people of France think of global warming? France has temperate weather, so we are not as badly hit. But there have been big storms, and floods and droughts and sometimes both. There are a few scientists who are climate skeptics but do not have much support. Interviewee:  Marie-Helene Aubert