INTRODUCTION
South Africa plays host to the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP 17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that will be held in Durban from November 28 to December 9, 2011. With slow progress having been achieved at previous meetings, expectations are high for the talks to usher in a just, equitable and binding international agreement to deal, decisively, with the threat of global climate change. With this dossier the Heinrich Böll Foundation aims to provide the reader with analysis of the major issues at stake and the context in which the negotiations will be held. The dossier also aims to provide ongoing commentary and updates on major developments in the run up to the negotiations.

Latest Articles

REPORT

Gender Relations and Women's Vulnerability to Climate Change

April 24, 2012 - The study analyzes the way in which an adaptation measure carried out in the Mexican state of Tabasco has contributed to modifying gender relations. In the relocation program analyzed, implemented in response to severe flooding in 2007, the housing units built were granted to women. By Jenny Jungehülsing more»

ANALYSIS

COP 17 in Durban: A Largely Empty Package

 - December 19, 2011 - With negotiation time extended for more than 30 hours, the South African Presidency was able to conclude the climate summit in Durban with a "Durban Package" of measures. However, while agreement was reached - barely - many key issues remained unresolved, making the COP17 results  in many respects "a largely empty package". By Lili Fuhr, Liane Schalatek, Tigere Chagutah and Kulthoum Omari more»

BRIEFING PAPER

Locking up the Future - Unconventional Oil in Africa

 - November 17, 2011 - Sub-Saharan Africa is attracting investment in “unconventional” oil. This short briefing gives an overview of three investments currently in prospect in the context of debates about the need to mitigate global environmental threats and ensure sustainable development. more»

ANALYSIS

The Rocky Road from Panama to Durban

 - November 7, 2011 -

If the Cancun climate change conference (COP 16) was the place where the climate convention train got back on track, the Durban conference (COP 17) needs to be the place where key elements are delivered writes

Paul Horsman more»

Voices and Expectations

VIDEO

Conversations on COP 17

 - In this section you can watch conversations with representatives of various constituencies on how they are engaging with the climate change negotiations process and what their expectations for COP 17 are. more»
Further Voices and Expectations more»

Climate Diplomacy

ANALYSIS

The Rocky Road from Panama to Durban

 - November 7, 2011 -

If the Cancun climate change conference (COP 16) was the place where the climate convention train got back on track, the Durban conference (COP 17) needs to be the place where key elements are delivered writes

Paul Horsman more»
Further articles on Climate Diplomacy more»

Climate Finance

Further articles on Climate Finance more»

Mitigation

ANALYSIS

Readying Africa for REDD+

June 30, 2011 - The potential for REDD+ in Africa is enormous. The continent harbours about 16% of the world’s total of forests, with the Congo Basin being the world’s second largest block of rainforest. Currently, though, it appears that this vast potential remains underexploited. By Dr. Brian Mantlana more»
Further articles on Mitigation more»

Adaptation

PUBLICATION

Climate Governance in Africa - Adaptation Strategies and Institutions

 - Our four Africa offices commissioned studies to evaluate the state of preparedness for climate change adaptation in seven African countries. What are the impacts of and vulnerabilities to climate change in Africa? To what extent do existing adaptation policies, strategies and plans respond to the vulnerabilities identified? By Masego Madzwamuse more»
Further articles on Adaptation more»

Extractive Industries

BRIEFING PAPER

Locking up the Future - Unconventional Oil in Africa

November 17, 2011 - Sub-Saharan Africa is attracting investment in “unconventional” oil. This short briefing gives an overview of three investments currently in prospect in the context of debates about the need to mitigate global environmental threats and ensure sustainable development. more»

STUDY

Eni´s Investment in Tar Sands and Palm Oil in the Congo Basin

- Eni, formerly the Italian state oil company,  is undertaking a new multi-billion dollar investment in Congo in developing tar sands, oil palm for food and bio-diesel and gas-fuelled electricity. Such investments have been heavily criticized for causing social and environmental damage, both locally and globally. The actual study gives background information about the plans. more»
Further articles on Extractive Industries more»

Background

EVENT
People’s Power, People’s Parliament: A Civil Society Conference on South Africa’s Legislatures

When: 25-26 July

Where: Cape Town

For more information click here>>

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