We Have a Global Consensus, and you can help make a difference!
The United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change in Bali ended on a surprising note as the US stepped up and agreed to the global consensus today. 187 countries meeting in Bali agreed to launch negotiations towards an international climate change deal and finish negotiations by 2009. This will allow a new deal to be enforced by 2013, the end of the first phase of the Kyoto protocol. Four UNFCCC meetings, starting in March or April, are anticipated for next year to implement the “Bali roadmap”.
On the negotiation agenda are:
- actions for adapting to the negative consequences of climate change
- ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- ways to widely deploy climate-friendly technologies
- financing both adaptation and mitigation measures
Another point on the agenda is REDD - “reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries” - which encourages participants to address the driving factors of deforestation.
You can easily be a part of the REDD solution by buying fair trade. Fair trade helps protect forests by providing a livelihood to indigenous communities that does not rely on unsustainable foresting. It really does make a difference both to people and the environment.
Another way you can support REDD is to buy certified wood products with labeling from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Organizations like the FSC help protect forests and encourage socially, environmentally and economically viable forest management by certifying a wood product’s origins through a “chain-of-custody”.
Since 1990, FSC has certified over 90 million hectares (over 22 million acres) of forest landscape in more than 82 countries. A large and prolific network of manufacturers and retailers means FSC certified wood is widely available. The products are of comparable quality to non-certified products and can be used without limitation in application. Find out how certified wood helps the environment at Natural Resources Defense Council.
More news on the Bali roadmap:
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
- UN Climate Change Conference in Bali at the Telegraph
- Drama at the end of Bali at One Climate