Why we need to save the Kyoto Protocol

The plot

Some developed countries are plotting the death of the Kyoto Protocol. The stage has been set. Misinformation has been circulated to the media and public that the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012. The December 2009 UN climate change conference in Copenhagen, so the story goes, is to agree or lay the foundations of a new treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol – the so-called “post-Kyoto” agreement.

IIPFCC Policy Paper on Climate Changeⁱ

 Mother Earth is no longer in a period of climate change, but in climate crisis. ....Indigenous Peoples have a vital role in defending and healing Mother Earth. We uphold that the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples ... must be fully respected in all decision-making processes and activities related to climate change.

- Anchorage Declarationⁱⁱ

Climate Change calls for historic transformations

1. Climate change, in the light of the current global financial, economic, environmental and food crises, represents an unprecedented challenge and opportunity for humanity to transform global economic, political, social, cultural relations to live in balance with Mother Earth. Reaching climate equilibrium and justice is inseparable from acknowledging the historical responsibilities of developed countries while promoting social equity between and within nations, maintaining ecological integrity, addressing the climate and ecological debt, and pursuing an effective transition away from fossil fuel dependency towards a green economy. It requires honouring international commitments to poverty eradication, sustainable development, biodiversity, and human rights. The full and effective participation of indigenous peoples, local communities and vulnerable groups is key to achieve a just and equitable outcome of the climate negotiations.

Weak “rights” language on current REDD+ text;Annex 1 Countries' Commitments to Kyoto Protocol and UNFCCC Should be Fulfilled

Bangkok, 08 October —Over 100 indigenous peoples representatives from Asia, Africa, Latin America, Pacific, and North America are in Bangkok to ensure that our rights, as enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and international human rights instruments, are recognized and respected in the current negotiations leading to Copenhagen. We have been actively meeting with parties to discuss and share with them our perspectives and positions on climate change.

Consolidating text: A process that MUST respect, recognize and promote indigenous peoples’ rights

"Shared Vision must recognize indigenous peoples"

Bangkok, 07 October (Maribeth Bugtong) —Reordering of paragraphs, framing of alternative texts and consolidation have been the order of last week’s meetings here in the ongoing Climate Change Talks in Bangkok. The goal is a short negotiating text on the next climate agreements to be approved by Parties in Copenhagen in December 2009.