Report on Copenhagen COP15 is a summary of events that transpired in Dec. 2009 at the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP15) including drafting of the Copenhagen Accord and subsequent public discourse.

1. Kyoto and Beyond
Report on Copenhagen
Company
LOGO
www.isciences.com June, 2010

2. Introduction
Kyoto and Beyond is a series of presentations that
provide information concerning the evolving
international climate treaty process that began
with the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Report on Copenhagen is a summary of events that
transpired in Dec 2009 at the UNFCCC Conference
of the Parties (COP15), including the drafting of
the Copenhagen Accord and subsequent public
discourse.
For entire series go to:
http://www.isciences.com/spotlight/kyoto_and_beyond.html

3. Contents
1 The Kyoto Protocol
2 COP15 and the Copenhagen Accord
3 Reactions to COP15
4 Steps toward COP16
5 2010 Timeline

4. The Kyoto Protocol
The convocation of nations in Copenhagen to address a future
climate agreement is the 15th in a series of meetings
resulting from the UNFCCC
The first formal international climate agreement requiring
limits to fossil fuel emissions is the Kyoto Protocol
which is currently in force.
For more on the UNFCCC see slide 51.

5. Kyoto Protocol Background
The Protocol is a multilateral agreement aimed at reducing
greenhouse gas emissions. Developed countries were
assigned limits on emissions relative to 1990, and
targets vary by nation.
The Protocol was signed by 84 countries and ratified by
nearly all who signed. The US did not ratify. Countries
who ratified are now bound by Protocol requirements.
The Protocol, part of the UNFCCC, has been in force since
2005. The first commitment period ends 2012 and no
binding framework has been established post-2012.
Four Conference of the Parties have taken place since the
Protocol entered into force. Each COP has been
accompanied by a CMP, a meeting specific to the
Protocol.
For more on Conference of the Parties and CMP see slides 22 & 23.

6. Kyoto Protocol Emissions Updates
Developed countries were
assigned limits on
emissions relative to 1990
levels and targets vary by
nation.
This table from UNFCCC
data shows progress
made in emissions
reductions as of 2009.
Image credit: UNFCCC

7. Kyoto Protocol Emissions Updates
The Climate Scorecard below shows an interpretation of the
performance of key nations (known as the G8) with respect
to meeting the terms of the Protocol.
For specific
information on each
country, click on
the country flags
Source: World Wildlife Foundation/Allianz
http://www.worldwildlife.org/climate/policy/g8-scorecard.html

8. COP15: Overview
The most recent Conference of the Parties was COP15 in
Copenhagen, Denmark Dec 7-18, 2009.
COP15 was particularly significant due to
an increasing international push for new
binding climate change legislature.
The focus of COP15 was on attempting to
draft new legislation and deciding if goals
set by the Kyoto Protocol should continue
post-2012.
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
Time was also spent improving the clean
development mechanism and drafting
decisions on adaptation, technology, and
capacity building.
Click here to view the schedule of COP15

9. COP15: Details
What was expected What actually happened
Finding a new commitment phase for the No binding framework was created; no
Kyoto Protocol that includes emissions obligations on developing countries to
reductions from developing countries. make cuts.
Lowering the target temperature rise The 2C target temperature prevailed due
from 2C to 1.5C to protect the least to the high cost associated with the .5C
developed nations and smallest islands decrease (trillions of dollars per
from disappearing. industrialized nation).
Forming an agreement on how to avoid The goal of reducing global CO2
catastrophic temperature increases by emissions by 50% (80% for
2050. industrialized nations) was dropped.
Forming a method for developing No mechanisms put in place to mobilize
countries to receive aid and funding $100 billion by 2020 to aid developing
towards reducing emissions levels. countries. No decisions were made as to
Creating an accountability mechanism to which developed countries would provide
ensure funding occurs. funding.
Forming a new legally binding The Copenhagen Accord was created
agreement. separately from COP15. Not legally
binding.

10. The Copenhagen Accord
It became apparent that the COP15 process was
floundering, and during the last days of COP15 the Copenhagen
Accord evolved.
The Copenhagen Accord was the result
of an independent action of the
U.S., China, Brazil, India, and South
Africa. The meeting, as well as the
drafting of the accord, were not an
official part of COP15. The process was
controversial due to the limited
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons international involvement.
Some countries that were excluded from the process renounced
the Accord. These include Venezuela, Bolivia, Cuba, and
Nicaragua.

11. Contents of the Copenhagen Accord
NOTE: No specific
Sets a goal limiting the increase in A emissions reductions
Earth‟s average temperature to 2
degrees Celsius from pre-industrial have been set and the
levels; process yet to be established.
Accord is not legally
binding.
States that Annex I countries of the B
Protocol should further strengthen their
efforts to meet targets set by the Protocol.
Funding will be provided to developing countries for C
lowering emissions from deforestation and forest
degradation, and for adaptation and technology
development and transfer.
Copenhagen Green Climate Fund will be the operator of D
finances to help developing countries conduct activities
related to mitigation.
Click here to view the entire Copenhagen Accord

12. Outcome
COP15 did not achieve its
objective which was to
establish an agreement
subsequent to the Kyoto
Protocol. However, on the last
day, December 18th, it did
acknowledge the Accord as a
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
means to move the process
forward.
The Copenhagen Accord is not legally binding, but allows
for nations to submit voluntary commitments. While the
Accord initially raised controversy, there has been
increasing acceptance. As of January 2010, 124 countries
were engaged in some form of voluntary commitment.
The Accord is currently viewed as a declaration that
expresses an intent to act on climate change.

13. Supportive Reactions to COP15
“We‟ve come a long way but we have “We have made a start. I believe that
much further to go.” -Barack Obama, US what we need to follow up on quickly is
President ensuring a legally binding outcome.” -
Gordon Brown, UK Prime Minister
“Given where we started and
the expectations for this
conference, anything less than “The meeting has had a positive
a legally binding and agreed result, everyone should be happy.
outcome falls far short of the After negotiations both sides
mark. On the other hand… have managed to preserve their
perhaps the bar was set too bottom line. For the Chinese this
high and the fact that there‟s was our sovereignty and our
now a deal… perhaps gives us national interest.” -Xie Zhenhua,
something to hang our hat on.” Head of China’s Delegation
-John Ahse, Chair of Kyoto
Protocol Talks
“The leaders of a small number of key
“The Copenhagen Accord is no substitute
countries…worked to identify a politically
for a real-deal treaty, but world leaders
feasible path forward. Their roadmap,
became personally acquainted with the
despite its flaws, offers a possible
tough issues, directly and seriously
foundation for progress…Unlike Kyoto,
negotiating for the first time…” -Kelly
this accord establishes a framework for
Sims Gallagher, Professor of Energy and
involving key, rapidly growing developing
Environmental Policy at The Fletcher
countries” -Robert Stavins, Professor at
School
the Harvard Kennedy School

14. Unsupportive Reactions to COP 15
“Anything above 1.5 Degrees, the “It‟s very disappointing, I would say, but
Maldives and many small islands and it is not a failure…We have a big job
low-lying islands would vanish. It is ahead to avoid climate change through
for this reason that we tried very effective emissions reduction targets and
hard during the course of the last this was not done here.” -Sergio Serra,
two days to have 1.5 degrees in the Brazil’s Climate Change Ambassador
document. I am so sorry that this
was blatantly obstructed by big-
emitting countries.”
- Mohamed Nasheed, Maldives’
President
“It looks like we are being
offered 30 pieces of silver to
“I will not hide my betray our people and our
disappointment regarding the future.” -Ian Fry, Tuvalu’s Lead
non-binding nature of the Negotiator
agreement here. In that respect
the document falls far short of
our expectations” -Jose Manuel
Barroso, EU Commission
President
“Copenhagen has been an abject failure.
Justice has not been done. By delaying
“The draft text asks Africa to sign a action, rich countries have condemned
suicide pact, an incineration pact in millions of the world‟s poorest people to
order to maintain the economic hunger, suffering and loss of life as climate
dominance of a few countries” - change accelerates. The blame for this
Lumumba Stanislaus Di-Aping, Head of disastrous outcome is squarely on the
G-77 Group developed nations.” - Nnimmo Bassey,
Friends of the Earth International
Click here to view other reactions

15. COP15: Limited Progress
The general consensus of attending
parties was that COP15 was
unsuccessful.
In the coming months, countries
will work towards finding an
agreement on new binding
legislation.
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
Many feel it will be necessary to provide more detail in the
Accord to increase transparency to rebuild trust.
There is talk of creating a global climate fund to service
developing nations. This may create balance between the
developed and developing nations.

16. Steps Toward COP16
November 29 – December 10, 2010 in Cancun, Mexico
Further talks necessary before
COP 16 in order to reach a
legislative agreement.
Forums and Talks
Emissions pledges not
large enough. Need
new program to
strengthen pledges. Click stepped text
Strengthening Emissions Pledges
for further details
on each step.
Execute progress tracking
systems for developed
countries. Create for
developing countries. Progress Tracking System
Details on finance,
forests,
adaptation,
technology. Improving Details of the Accord

17. 2010 Timeline
Key
9th Meeting of the Date Set
Second
Enforcement
International
Branch of the
Conference on
Compliance Proposed Date
Climate Change
Committee
Decoding the Bonn Climate Bonn Climate World Energy
Copenhagen Change Talks Change Talks – Congress in
Accord Event on Second Round Montreal
Capitol Hill
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
Address by Yvo
de Boer at
Petersberg
Climate Dialogue Mexico’s COP16 in
Proposed Cancun, Mexico
20th Meeting of the Additional Climate
Speech by Yvo de
Joint Change Meeting
Boer at Public
Implementation Hearing on Climate
Supervisory Change
Committee
G20 Climate
Meetings in Seoul
The World’s
People’s
Conference on
Climate Change in
Bolivia
Click on events for further information and supporting documents

18. Concluding Statement
Article 2 of the UNFCCC calls for the
stabilization of atmospheric GHG
concentrations at levels that “prevent
dangerous anthropogenic interference with
the climate system.”
The UNFCCC/Kyoto/Copenhagen process
continues as nations attempt to meet this
objective.
We plan to provide updates and links to
important documents when COP16 and
other notable events occur.

19. References
Ahmed, Imad. "What Happened at Copenhagen?" Graduate Professional School of International Affairs - The Fletcher
School at Tufts University. 7 Jan. 2010. Web. http://fletcher.tufts.edu/news/2010/01/opeds/Ahmed-Jan07.shtml
Baste, Ivar A. "Joint Implementation Supervisory Committee Publishes Report of 20th Meeting - Climate-
L.org." Climate-L.org - Daily News. 24 Feb. 2010. Web. http://climate-l.org/2010/02/25/joint-implementation-
supervisory-committee-publishes-report-of-20th-meeting/
"Bolivia Climate Change Conference and the Rights of Mother Earth." Ecowalkthetalk.com. 28 Apr. 2010. Web.
http://www.ecowalkthetalk.com/blog/2010/04/28/bolivia-climate-change-conference-and-the-rights-of-mother-
earth/
"Bonn Climate Change Talks." International Institute for Sustainable Development - Reporting Services (IISD RS) -
"Linkages" - A Multimedia Resource for Environment and Development Negotiations. Web.
http://www.iisd.ca/climate/ccwg9/
"Bonn Climate Change Talks." United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Web.
http://unfccc.int/2860.php
"Bonn Climate Change Talks Conclude: More Optimism, but Still „unbalanced‟." United Nations Non-governmental
Liaison Service. 16 June 2010. Web. http://www.un-ngls.org/spip.php?article2523
Climate Change Conference 2010." Climate Change. University of Queensland. Web. http://on-climate.com/conference-
2010/
"End of COP15: Our Work Begins Now." Cascade Climate Network. Web.
http://cascadeclimate.org/cop15/index.php/2009/12/20/end-of-cop15-our-work-begins-now/
G20 Seoul Summit. Web. http://www.seoulsummit.kr/
"G8 Climate Scorecards." World Wildlife Fund. Web. http://www.worldwildlife.org/climate/policy/G8-climate-
scorecards.html
"GHG Data from UNFCCC." United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Web.
http://unfccc.int/ghg_data/ghg_data_unfccc/items/4146.php
"Hill Event Analyzes Copenhagen Accord and the Future of Climate Negotiations." The German Marshall Fund of the
United States. 25 Jan. 2010. Web. http://bit.ly/bAoXOa
Morales, Alex. "Mexico Proposes Two Additional Climate Change Meetings in 2010." Bloomberg.com. 12 Feb. 2010.
Web. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601130&sid=ariJgCukCteI
Morgan, Jennifer. "From Angst to Action: Moving Forward After Copenhagen | World Resources Institute." World
Resources Institute | Global Warming, Climate Change, Ecosystems, Sustainable Markets, Good Governance & the
Environment. 7 Apr. 2010. Web. 22 May 2010. http://www.wri.org/stories/2010/04/angst-action-moving-forward-
after-copenhagen?utm_campaign=wri-digest&utm_medium=email&utm_source=wridigest-2010-
04&utm_content=hyperlink&utm_term=FromAngstToAction
Stavins, Robert. "Opportunities and Ironies: Climate Policy in Tokyo, Seoul, Brussels, and Washington."Belfer Center for
Science and International Affairs. Harvard University, 21 Mar. 2010. Web.
http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/analysis/stavins/?tag=cop-16
Vidal, John. "Bolivia Climate Change Talks to Give Poor a Voice." The Guardian. Guardian News, 18 Apr. 2010. Web.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/apr/18/bolivia-climate-change-talks-cochabamba
"What Happened at COP15 in Copenhagen?" GHG Accounting. Web. http://ghgaccounting.ca/?p=282

20. Citation
When referencing this slideshow please use the following
citation:
ISCIENCES, L.L.C. Report on Cancun COP16. A slideshow;
4th installment in the series: Beyond Copenhagen.
February 1, 2011. Ann Arbor, Michigan.
www.isciences.com.

21. Appendix
The following slides provide support for information
presented in the preceding slides.