It would appear that the major accomplishment of the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 held in Copenhagen is consensus that global warming is indeed a serious challenge and we must do something about it. While this observation is somewhat sarcastic, it is likely closer to the mark than measuring how far it actually went in the direction of creating a global consensus regarding goals, transparent emissions measurement, and some reasonable equity between the handful of controlling economics and the rest of the world.

Individual countries, no matter how small, will have to take their own initiative, working from the bottom up, creating a unity of purpose that other nations can begin sharing. Costa Rica’s idea of Peace With Nature and all its ramifications is the road map for this country. Global accords and country initiatives are invaluable first steps, but of little true value without proper documentation and enforcement. The Copenhagen Accord is essentially an impotent statement of the obvious, while Peace With Nature creates the edifice of purpose that Costa Rica needs to fully inhabit.

We feel extremely fortunate to share Dr. Pedro Leon Azofeifa’s perspective on the closing days of the climate conference. He is the Coordinator of the Peace With Nature initiative and part of the delegation in Copenhagen. He is a professor of biology at the School of Medicine, University of Costa Rica, and co-founder of the school’s Cell and Molecular Biology Center. Dr. Leon also is a founding member of the Costa Rica Academy of Sciences, and is the first Costa Rican scientist to be elected to the United States’ National Academy of Sciences. In Copenhagen, he was a scientist in the political laboratory of global dynamics and his communication reflects the chasm between the two.

“Today, Saturday (12/19), at about 3PM the COP 15 concluded with a marathon effort that started on Friday at about 10PM and went on till 3 PM on Saturday non-stop. Friday morning started with the speeches from several world leaders including the Chinese President Jintao, President Obama, President Lula, President Uribe, President Morales, Chavez and others. Chavez as usual ranted and raved against Obama with heavy insults, calling him the Nobel Prize of War…etc. Lula gave the most inspiring and balanced presentation, emerging as one of the smartest leaders.

Twenty-five of the world leaders actually worked on a proposal throughout the night that was later cast into a statement for approval by the parties. This, in turn, gave rise to a marathon debate that started about 11PM Friday evening and almost collapsed several times in part due to the abysmal ability of the Danish Prime Minister who presided over the meeting. Strong opposition by Sudan and the ALBAcountries almost erased the proposal completely several times during the night, but the vast majority of the countries pulled together in the end to keep the document alive for the next COP, allowing also the enactment of immediate actions with funding offered by the European Union, the US, Japan and others.

The need for complete consensus makes the UN a very ineffective body, as a single country can block agreements and progress. The other large disappointment was the ineffective leadership of the Secretary General, who seemed totally unengaged. Strong leadership in the UN is essential to save this basic body of deliberations…the only one the world has.

The document approved is a minimal agreement that will be the basis for further debates in the next COP meeting in Mexico. I was very impressed and proud of the leadership role of the Costa Rican delegation and particularly Christiana Figueres, who has assumed a very impressive leadership role, along with a group of technical experts that worked night and day.

I was happily surprised with the respect and credibility of the delegation that has played a key role in serving as a bridge between different countries with different ideologies. We knew that the meeting would not yield legally binding agreements, but at least the overnight marathon managed to keep the basic document alive and the basis for further debates.” 

What follows is a brief introduction to the finalized Copenhagen Accord by Dr. Alvaro Umaña Quesada, Climate Change Ambassador and Chief Negotiator for Costa Rica. It was written prior to the negotiations discussed by Dr. Leon. It is, in fact, the preface to the very intense final few days of the conference, and it is interesting to juxtapose its intention with an edited version of the actual accord, where you will find a paucity of substance and a plethora of rhetoric.

“As Chief Negotiator of Costa Rica at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, I would like to present some personal reflections that will allow interested Costa Ricans to inform themselves about what is happening here in Copenhagen and what theCosta Rican delegation is  accomplishing at this convention.

As reported in the press, negotiations are stalled. Why no progress? Why are we stuck? These are the big questions. We have less than 72 hours to complete the work of this international gathering –the largest one of its type. It seems incredible that we cannot predict if we will succeed or whether it will be a colossal failure. This shows the deep divisions between countries and reflects the inability of all political leaders to confront the greatest challenge of our era.

If no agreement is reached, it will not be for lack of effort. Here the pace is frenetic, the Costa Rican delegation worked until the early morning hours and there is a push to complete all the texts for Wednesday afternoon, the 16th of December.

So that everyone can understand the complexity of the negotiations, I present here the four most important issues: 

1. How much and when will the industrialized nations promise to reduce GHG?

2. How and when to deal with the emission reductions of the big. emerging economies (Brazil, China, Mexico, India)?

3. How many economic or financial resources are the industrialized countries going to put on the table?

4. What mechanism will be devised for the allocation of these funds?

In these United Nations conferences, the delegates exchange words but do not yet make the decisions. The negotiations operate by consensus, so that one country can block the negotiations completely. The different proposals are added to the core text and now this is growing way out of proportion. At this point the negotiating text for Copenhagen has exceeded 600 pages!”

  Copenhagen Accord

1.  We underline that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. To achieve the ultimate objective of the Convention to stabilize greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system, we shall, recognizing the scientific view that the increase in global temperature should be below 2 degrees Celsius, on the basis of equity and in the context of sustainable development, enhance our long-term cooperative action to combat climate change.

2.  We agree that deep cuts in global emissions are required according to science, and as documented by the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report with a view to reduce global emissions so as to hold the increase in global temperature below 2 degrees Celsius, and take action to meet this objective consistent with science and on the basis of equity. Bearing in mind that social and economic development and poverty eradication are the first and overriding priorities of developing countries and that a low-emission development strategy is indispensable to sustainable development. 

3.  Adaptation to the adverse effects of climate change and the potential impacts of response measures is a challenge faced by all countries. We agree that developed countries shall provide adequate, predictable and sustainable financial resources, technology and capacity building to support the implementation of adaptation action in developing countries. 

4. Delivery of reductions and financing by developed countries will be measured, reported and verified in accordance with existing and any further guidelines adopted by the Conference of the Parties, and will ensure that accounting of such targets and finance is rigorous, robust and transparent. 

5. Least developed countries and small island developing States may undertake actions voluntarily and on the basis of support. Parties will communicate information on the implementation of their actions through National Communications, with provisions for international consultations and analysis under clearly defined guidelines that will ensure that national sovereignty is respected.

6.  We recognize the crucial role of reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation and the need to enhance removals of greenhouse gas emission by forests and agree on the need to provide positive incentives to such actions through the immediate establishment of a mechanism including REDD-plus, to enable the mobilization of financial resources from developed countries.

7.  We decide to pursue various approaches, including opportunities to use markets to enhance the cost-effectiveness of, and to promote mitigation actions.

8.  Scaled up, new and additional, predictable and adequate funding as well as improved access shall be provided to developing countries, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Convention, to enable and support enhanced action on mitigation, including substantial finance to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD-plus), adaptation, technology development and transfer and capacity-building, for enhanced implementation of the Convention. The collective commitment by developed countries is to provide new and additional resources, including forestry and investments through international institutions, approaching USD 30 billion for the period 2010 ñ 2012 with balanced allocation between adaptation and mitigation. In the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation, developed countries commit to a goal of mobilizing jointly USD 100 billion dollars a year by 2020 to address the needs of developing countries.

9.  To this end, a High Level Panel will be established under the guidance of and accountable to the Conference of the Parties to study the contribution of the potential sources of revenue, including alternative sources of finance, towards meeting this goal. 

10.  We decide that the Copenhagen Green Climate Fund shall be established as an operating entity of the financial mechanism of the Convention to support projects, programme, policies and other activities in developing countries related to mitigation including REDD-plus, adaptation, capacity- building, technology development and transfer. 

11.  In order to enhance action on development and transfer of technology we decide to establish a Technology Mechanism to accelerate technology development and transfer in support of action on adaptation and mitigation that will be guided by a country-driven approach and be based on national circumstances and priorities.

12.  We call for an assessment of the implementation of this Accord to be completed by 2015, including in light of the Convention’s ultimate objective. This would include consideration of strengthening the long-term goal referencing various matters presented by the science, including in relation to temperature rises of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

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Another voice and another threat to Costa Rica’s Leatherback sea turtle has been added to the chorus of opposition to the proposed plan to downgrade Las Baulas National Park to a wildlife refuge. Todd Steiner is the Executive Director of the Turtle Island Restoration Network and he warns about the dire effects of climate change on the sea turtle’s Las Baulas habitat. They have had an ongoing relationship with Costa Rica’s own PRETOMA in  preserving the marine life around the Cocos Island.This twenty year old organization is an international marine conservation association headquartered in California whose 10,000 members work to protect sea turtles and marine biodiversity in the United States and around the world.

In addition to an Op Ed piece that ran in the Tico Times on October 2^nd, which is printed in its entirety below, these stewards of the sea turtle are gathering the support of one hundred key scientists as signatories to an open letter in direct opposition to the government’s plan. They are assisting seeturtles.org with a letter of support from Costa Rica’s eco-tour operators. There will be a forthcoming press release supported by the top NGO’s in the world conservation community. Todd will be sharing these with Nature Blog as soon as they are available.

Climate Change Affects Sea Turtles Nesting Sites

President Oscar Arias spoke eloquently at the United Nations about the need for action on global warming.  

Scientists have warned that, even if we were to immediately stop emitting all greenhouse gases, we cannot reverse some of the consequences we are already witnessing.   Melting polar ice caps and rising seas could spell doom to seaside resorts and homes, as well as one of Costa Rica’s flagship species, the sea turtle.

As sea levels rise, sea turtle nesting beaches will be flooded and the turtles will have to find nesting sites further inland from today’s shoreline. Yet, President Arias has proposed to downgrade Las Baulas National Park to a wildlife refuge, although the park includes one of the most important nesting beaches for the critically endangered Pacific leatherback turtle.

This proposed downgrading would allow new beach houses and condominiums right behind nesting habitat, preventing the leatherbacks from finding higher ground to lay their eggs as sea levels rise.

Hundreds of scientists and more than 30 conservation groups throughout the world, including some of the largest and best known (Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, etc.), have called on the government of Costa Rica to provide maximum protection for this critical nesting site and defeat the down-listing proposal.

Mr. Arias has tried to build on his Nobel Prize “Peace President” legacy, even starting a Peace with Nature Commission. Yet, his encouragement of the downgrading of this national park makes a mockery of his rhetoric to protect nature, and it questions the sincerity of his commitment to address the impacts of global climate change.

We ask President Arias to withdraw his proposal and join with the world that is trying desperately to rescue this magnificent species from extinction.   In so doing, he would help cement his legacy as the “Peace With Nature” president.

Todd Steiner 
Executive Director
Turtle Island Restoration Network
Olema, California, USA

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I don’t know about you, but I am often intimidated and overwhelmed by thoughts of climate change, conservation and sustainability. What can you do and where can you turn for some inspiration?

Natureair is a great story, and it is one about vision, perseverance and a dedication to conservation and service. Its Founder and CEO, Alex Khajavi, put it all on the line right after September 11^th, when he purchased a bankrupt Costa Rican airline and overcame some very tough odds along the way. Less than eights years later, it is an extraordinary accomplishment for this company to receive the prestigious Tourism for Tomorrow award, presented by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

Alex Khajavi accepted the award at the Global Travel and Tourism Summit, held in Florianopolis, Brazil, May 14th-18th. He said, “It is an honor for us to receive this award from WTTC which is one of the only awards decided by the top 100 tourism companies in the world and that includes on-site audits that vet your sustainable projects. The award only inspires us to do more and continue to chase sustainability, and we hope that it also inspires others, most notably other airlines to take up the challenge on climate change and work to reduce and offset their emissions.”

Sustainable practices and fighting climate change can be a personal decision to begin recycling in your home, or it can be about an airline in Costa Rica. It is the intention and not the scale of the effort that matters. Ultimately, individuals make these choices, whether they are CEO’s or single parent householders. So, this is an opportunity to thank individuals like Alex Khajavi for creating a company that makes a difference by operating responsibly with respect for the environment and the community, basic principles of sustainability.

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC President and CEO summed up their story very well at the awards ceremony. “In 2004, Natureair made a highly ambitious pledge to set new standards for sustainable practices in the airline industry, compensating for 100% of its greenhouse gas emissions through preservation and reforestation of tropical forests in the Osa Peninsula. And it has not only fulfilled this pledge, but has also implemented a whole host of other effective sustainable policies and activities, including community benefit outreach programs.”

The need to travel and explore is basic to our nature. The curiosity to know what is just beyond the horizon, at the top of a mountain or at the bottom of the ocean, has driven us for millennia. The travel and tourism industries have empowered millions of us to experience the elation felt by early explorers when they first came upon the magnificence and abundance of places like the Osa Peninsula. These modern experiences expose us to the crying need to act responsibly, especially in light of the damage done from over development. The recently held summit was a tremendous opportunity for the sharing of ideas and strategies regarding responsible travel.

Alexi Huntley, Commercial Director for Natureair, was also at the gathering and had the following observations, “This event was the pinnacle of strategic thinking and innovation in tackling challenging issues like climate change, the global recession and even the impact of pandemics on our industry. The industry employs over 225 million people worldwide and represents 10% of global GDP. The ambience was electric, and it was a pleasure to see the Minister of Tourism from Botswana on stage with the CEO of Marriott. While strategies might be different, the goals are common to everyone in attendance.”

On February 8th, we posted Part 1 of a story on Reforest the Tropics. Protocol in the blog world says that stories cannot be too long, so we encourage you to read the first half before you continue.

In Part 1, we left Herster Barres in Costa Rica, working for the UN about forty years ago. Part of his work for the FAO involved bringing in over one hundred species of trees to see which had the best qualities for producing wood on farms. This knowledge would prove invaluable to him years later when he began mixing species in creating the new, sustainable carbon offset forests to combat the effects of global warming.

Let’s fast forward to October 19, 1993, and President Clinton’s Climate Change Action Plan. Its objective was to create a voluntary system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to their 1990 level by 2000. This was based on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, one of the larger and more cumbersome, jumbo jets dealing with climate change. Dr. Barres received a phone call from the US Environmental Protection Agency, asking him to write a project that involved sequestering carbon in trees in the tropics. A mere two years later, his project was accepted, “with a handshake and no money.”  It was accepted by both the US and Costa Rica as a Joint Implementation Project (JIP) in 1995.

I spoke with Professor Gordon Geballe (gordon.geballe@yale.edu), Yale School of Forestry, who said,” The very fact that it qualifies as a Joint Implementation Project makes it a positive contribution to what people are doing around the world. While it may be a small effort it is a major step in the right direction. It also provides income for researchers and farmers in Costa Rica, which is an important part of the formula.”

As of this posting, RTT has 59 sponsors, with 31 projects, involving 286 acres on eight different farms in Costa Rica. Dr. Barres estimates that a forest may sequester 25 tons of CO2 per 2 1/2 acres per year. Companies like Curtis Packaging  get involved because they are committed to being more sustainable in their business practices and they invest in RTT because they consider it part of their responsibility to mitigate the impact of climate change.

Read on…

Reforest The Tropics  is a non-profit organization, developing and demonstrating a model to reduce CO2 emissions, the major culprit behind our global warming crisis. Its mission is to develop an advanced model for carbon sequestration and long-term storage by creating new forests in Costa Rica. When trees extract CO2 from our atmosphere through photosynthesis, they help slow the staggering pace of climate change caused by global warming.

 The man behind this idea is Dr. Herster Barres. At age 74, he is quick to say that, “Daddy made me do it”, as a response to my question wondering what motivated him to be doing this work. As a youngster, he loved trees and enjoyed the outdoors. After receiving a Masters degree from the Yale School of Forestry, and a subsequent Ph.D. in Silviculture, he found himself at the UN in the early sixties as an FAO, Food & Agriculture Organization, forestry officer, assigned to a United Nations Development Project in Costa Rica. This is one of those convenient places where I could say the rest is history. However, it is Herster’s history that I also want to share with you.

The world of global warming is always presented to us as an enormously complex and overpowering series of issues, the vocabulary is too technical, and the vast majority of us are overwhelmed, confused and made to feel impotent. Somehow, changing several light bulbs in our home doesn’t seem like it will slow the melting of the polar ice caps, or prevent the bleaching of our corral reefs.

The truth is that people like Dr. Barres, who lives in Mystic, Connecticut, and the Rojas Family at Hacienda Las Delicias, near Pocora, Costa Rica, come together to make a difference. Reforest The Tropics finds individuals and companies, who want to compensate for their CO2 emissions by sponsoring a carbon offset forest in Costa Rica. Dr. Barres helps them determine their emissions and RTT signs a 25-year agreement with a farmer in Costa Rica to for the purpose of carbon sequestration, wood production and wildlife management. Income from the sales of wood from these forests is key to convincing them to participate in long-term carbon storage in their new sustainable forests. Read on…

Global warming and climate change and their impact on Costa Rica are the subject of new research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Highland forests in Costa Rica could be seriously affected by future changes in climate, reducing the number of species in a region famous for its biodiversity.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve is one of the most diverse habitats in the world with six distinct ecological zones. The varieties of plant and animal species are threatened by climate change. The reported disappearance of the Golden Toad made news around the world and scientists linked its fate to global warming.

Costa Rica has a unique geography that supports a stunning array of plants, animals and insects. The land begins at sea level on both the western Pacific coast and the eastern Caribbean coast, rising to over 3,000 meters above sea level in the central mountain range. As the land rises, differences in temperature and precipitation caused by elevation create an array of distinct ecosystems stacked on top of each other, each one housing a unique biological community. Read on…

Natureair, Costa Rica’s airline and the world’s first certified carbon neutral airline welcomes you to Nature Blog. It is our effort to keep you informed and involved in Costa Rica as an ecotourist destination, and to provide a forum for the sharing and exchange of information relating subjects like global warming and climate change and its impact on this country.

Naturally Larry, my corner of the blog, will offer information relating to the efforts of people and institutions that make a difference, helping to create a balance between commerce and conservation amidst the backdrop of some very serious global issues, like climate change. I will attempt to communicate in a language that is easily understood. I believe the major reason why there appears to be a disconnect between the experts and the rest of us is because they focus on the facts alone and not the feelings they engender. We are completely overwhelmed by the complexity of the issues related to global warming and its technical vocabulary. Read on…