Report from the Climate Change Negotiations, at COP 17, 28 November – 9 December 2011

The water community has taken further steps in the righ direction at COP17 Durban. In more general terms, if the SBSTA/SBI negotiations in Bonn in June meant a breakthrough for a strong and broad recognition of water as a cross cutting resource, Durban meant a breakthrough for the recognition of water resources as key not only in adaptation but also in mitigation efforts. This issue got attention and interest from Parties as well as NGOs. To read the full report click here.

Discussion Paper on a Work Programme on Water under the UNFCCC

The Water and Climate Coalition is proposing the establishment of a work programme on water and climate under the UNFCCC. It has produced a comprehensive Discussion Paper outlining the possible scope and functions of such a programme. To read the paper please click here.

Key Stats and Facts on Water and Climate Change

As part of its activities at COP16 the Coalition has published a new document highlighting important stats and facts relating to climate change impacts on water resources. Download it here.

Water and Climate Roadmap

The Water and Climate Coalition is calling for the establishment of a work programme on water and climate change under the UNFCCC. In this ‘roadmap’ document the Coalition has demonstrated why water is critical for adaptation and mitigation and has made the case for a stronger emphasis on water under the Convention through a work programme. Download the Roadmap here.

 

Towards COP15

In order to advance the issue of water in the context of the climate change negotiations, it was important to build up an evidence-base and consult with a range of stakeholders to identify the core priorities for water and climate change. The GPPN conducted a consultation with over thirty stakeholders to identify key priorities for water and climate change adaptation, which were outlined in the following publication:

Water and Climate Change Adaptation: Key Messages for the 15th Conference of Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change:

The publication outlines four core priorities:

• Good Governance

• Effective Water Resources Management

• Enhanced Information, Observation, Monitoring and Impact Assessment

• Fair and Equitable Finance

The report and its messages were used as the basis of all GPPN advocacy efforts up to COP15

Briefing

For COP15 in Copenhagen, the GPPN released another report: Water World, Why the Global Climate Challenge is a Global Water Challenge.

The report focused on the six themes that were discussed during the Water Day on 3rd November during the UNFCCC negotiations in Barcelona, addressing water as a cross-cutting consideration in response to climate change: Water and Livelihoods, Water and Land, Water and Transboundary Resource Management, Water and Energy, and Water and Gender.

The report provides a briefing of some of the critical considerations in each of these areas, identifying key messages and why they are relevant to the UNFCCC. It was a helpful resource for decision-makers and negotiators in their efforts to agree a shared vision on responding to the impacts of climate change.